thank you

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A polite expression used to show that you are grateful for something someone has done, given or said.

   Grammar: Stands alone or with a reason: thank you for the gift; thank you very much.

   Patterns

   • thank you for something
   • thank you for doing something
   • thank you very much

   Thank you for helping me move on Saturday.

   Thank you so much for dinner; it was delicious.

   Thank you, but I don't need any help.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   A polite way to accept an offer or answer a question.

   Grammar: Often follows a question: How are you? Fine, thank you.

   Patterns

   • yes, thank you
   • no, thank you

   Would you like some tea? Yes, thank you.

   No, thank you, I've had enough.

   I'm fine, thank you, and you?

3. 3nouncountable

   An act or words of thanks, such as a note or gift.

   Grammar: Used as a noun with a: say a big thank you.

   Patterns

   • say thank you
   • a thank you to someone

   I sent a thank you to everyone who came.

   Please give her a big thank you from all of us.

   The children wrote thank you cards after the party.

Word forms

Common combinations

say thank you

Remember to say thank you to your grandmother.

thank you very much

Thank you very much for your patience.

thank you so much

Thank you so much for coming to my party.

a thank you note

He wrote a thank you note after the interview.

no, thank you

No, thank you, I'm not hungry.

Synonyms and how they differ

thanks

Thanks is shorter and more casual, while thank you is correct in every situation.

cheers

Cheers is British informal for thanks among friends, but it would sound too casual in a formal letter.

much obliged

Much obliged is old-fashioned and formal, but thank you is the normal everyday choice.

I appreciate it

I appreciate it stresses that you value what was done and sounds a bit more personal than thank you.

Word family

thank verb

To tell someone you are grateful.

thanks noun

Words that show gratitude.

thankful adjective

Feeling or showing gratitude.

thankless adjective

Not appreciated by others: a thankless task.

Commonly confused: thank you or you're welcome?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “thank you”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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