Do you know how to express gratitude in English during conversations? In daily life, we often encounter situations that require us to say thank you. However, it's not always appropriate to simply say thank you. This article will help compile over 80 of the most necessary English gratitude phrases for specific occasions and contexts.
- I. What are expressions to say thank you in English?
- II. Common expressions to say thank you in English
- III. English expressions to say thank you on a daily basis
- IV. Formal expressions to say thank you in English
- V. Creative ways to say thank you in English email at the workplace
- VI. How to say thank you meaningfully in specific situations
- 1. English expressions to say thank you in the family
- 2. English expressions to say thank you to the spouse
- 3. English expressions to say thank you to the teachers
- 4. English thank you quotes for friends
- 5. English expressions to say thank you upon receiving gifts
- 6. English expressions to say thank you to the service provider
- 7. English gratitude expressions to the boss/ colleagues/ partners
- 8. English gratitude expressions in the internship report
- VII. How to respond to gratitude expressions in English
- 1. General replies
- 2. Formal replies
I. What are expressions to say thank you in English?
Expressing gratitude to those who help us is important. When we say thank you in English, the choice of words, tone and context vary "levels of appreciation". Beyond the basic "Thank you", there are many other expressions suitable for different situations in daily life and professional settings. Let's take a look at all the ways to say thank you in English in the sections below!
II. Common expressions to say thank you in English
To begin, let's look over some common English words to say thank you and appreciation that could be used in various contexts:
- Thank you!
- Thanks!
- Thanks a lot!
- Thank you so/very much!
- Thanks (a lot) for + V-ing/ noun (phrase)!
- Thank you (so/ very much) for + V-ing/ noun (phrase)!
- Thanks a million (for + V-ing/ noun (phrase))
- Thanks a bunch!
- Sincerely thanks!
- Thank you/thanks in advance!
- Thanks again!
III. English expressions to say thank you on a daily basis
For more specific situations, we can have English gratitude expressions that convey different shades of meaning to suit the context better. Some examples may include:
English expressions to say thank you | ||
Expression | Usage | Example |
| You are so kind | Often used together with expressions like "Thank you!" or "Thanks!" to further convey gratitude and appreciation | Thank you for the ride! You are so kind. |
| It is/ was very kind of you to + V (infinitive) + … | Whether to use "is" or "was" depends on whether the act being thanked for occurred in the past or is happening presently/immediately. Phrases using this structure are often paired with expressions like "Thanks/Thank you!" to further convey gratitude and appreciation for the other person's actions. | It was very kind of you to drive Sara home last night. Thank you! |
| I owe you one | This type of expression would primarily be appropriate for thanking those with whom one shares a relatively close familiar relationship | A: Alright, your car is fixed. B: Thank you very much! I owe you one! |
| I can’t thank you enough (for + V-ing/ noun (phrase) | This grammatical structure for expressing gratitude in English conveys a more formal tone. | This is amazing. I can’t thank you enough. |
| I really appreciate it/ that/ noun (phrase) | These expressions are often used together with "Thanks!" or "Thank you!" to more clearly and sincerely convey the speaker's feelings of appreciation and regard. In addition to using "it" or "that", the object of gratitude can also be replaced by a specific noun phrase to make clear what exactly is being recognized. | Thank you for your support! Our family really appreciates it. |
| You are the best | This type of gratitude expression has a lighthearted, casual tone which depending on context could imply excitement. It would primarily be appropriate for thanking individuals with whom one shares relatively close familiarity or intimacy. This could serve as an alternate to expressions of appreciation when a speaker feels a formal "thank you" might seem overly polite given the existing relationship dynamics. | A: I heard you had a sore throat, so I made you some lemon and ginger honey. B: Oh, Kathy, you are the best! |
| You are so sweet. | Use an upbeat, friendly tone with close friends. Can be used along with "Thank you!" or "Thanks!" or instead of thanking when the speaker feels saying thanks would be too formal. | A: Happy birthday, Kathy! Here’s a home-made cake for you. B: Thank you, Martin! You are so sweet. |
IV. Formal expressions to say thank you in English
In important situations, thanks are even more noteworthy, so let's refer to some of the following formal ways to say thank you in English:
Formal expressions to say thank you in English | ||
Expression | Usage | Example |
I’m so grateful/ thankful for + noun (phrase)… | This phrase can be used in semi-formal speaking and writing | Mrs. Hanna, I’m so grateful/ thankful for your support and encouragement. I am always glad to be a part of your company. |
I can’t express how grateful/ thankful I am for + noun (phrase) | This phrase can be used in semi-formal speaking and writing | Mr. Martin, to be honest, I can’t express how grateful/ thankful I am for your understanding and kindness. |
I would like to express my gratitude (to + noun (phrase) (people) + for + noun (phrase) | This phrase is very formal and is often used when writing emails or making presentations in front of many people. | Dear Mr. Peter. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for your constant support and trust. |
I highly appreciate it/ that/ noun (phrase) | This sentence is often used along with sentences like "Thanks!" / "Thank you!" etc. to more clearly and sincerely express the speaker's gratitude and appreciation. While also using the verb "appreciate", it is more formal than the sentence in part II by using the adverb "highly". In addition to using "it" or "that", we can also replace them with a (group of) noun(s) to specifically state what we appreciate. | Thank you so much for the presentation! I highly appreciate your effort. |
I want/ would like you to know how much I value + noun (phrase) | This sentence is often used to express gratitude for something that means a great deal to you. It can be used when speaking or writing a thank you letter/email. The level of formality would be lower when using the verb "want" and higher when using "would like". | Jenny, I really want you to know how much I value your condolence and encouragement. Without you, I don’t think I could have overcome such a great loss. |
No words can express how thankful/ grateful I am for + noun (phrase) | This sentence is often used to express gratitude for something that means a great deal to you. It can be used when speaking or writing a thank you letter/email. | Dear Daisy, no words can describe how thankful/ grateful I am for your help. |
V. Creative ways to say thank you in English email at the workplace
In addition, when writing emails for workplace use, it is also necessary to have polite and formal English short quotes about gratitude such as:
Gratitude expressions in English email at the workplace | ||
Expression | Usage | Example |
Thank you for contacting me/ us (about/ regarding + noun (phrase) | Phrase like this can be used at the beginning of an email to thank someone who contacted you first by email. | Dear Mrs. Kathy. First of all, thank you for contacting me… |
Thank you for reaching out to me/ us (about/ regarding + noun (phrase)) | This English thank you expression is also suitable for the beginning of an email to express gratitude to someone who proactively emailed you. The phrasal verb "reach out" means to initiate contact or communication with someone. | Dear Mrs. Jenny, thank you so much for reaching out to us about the date and time of our next meeting… |
Thank you for informing me/ us of + noun (phrase) | Phrases like these can be used at the beginning of an email to express appreciation for someone previously contacting you to share a certain message. The expression "inform somebody of" refers to communicating something to another person. | Dear Mr. Martin. First of all, thank you for informing us of the delay in the delivery of your order. We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience. |
Thank you for raising your concern(s) (about…) | This phrase is especially fitting for use at the beginning of an email expressing gratitude in response to someone who had previously contacted you regarding a specific issue or concern that was causing them worry or dissatisfaction. | Dear Mrs. Hanna. Thank you for raising your concern about the progress of the StarX project!… |
Thank you for your (prompt) reply | The English thank you expression can be used at the beginning of a reply email responding to an initial, prompt correspondence from another party. | Dear Jenny. Firstly, thank you for your prompt reply! |
Thank you for the information (about…) | Phrases like this could be used at the beginning of an email when replying to a previous correspondence that shared helpful information. | Dear Rebecca, thank you for the information!… |
Thank you (in advance) for your cooperation | Without "in advance": This expression can be used at the beginning of an email when acknowledging that the recipient has previously fulfilled or acted on a specific request. With "in advance": The phrase is suitable for the end of a message to preemptively express appreciation for anticipated cooperation with a defined ask mentioned earlier in the correspondence. | Dear Daisy. Firstly, thank you so much for your cooperation! |
Thank you for your consideration | This expression could be used towards the end of an email when making a request or proposal | Thank you for your consideration! I’m looking forward to hearing from you. Best regards, Daisy. |
Thank you for your understanding! | Phrases like this could be used towards the end of a message to respectfully acknowledge the possible inconvenience caused by requests made earlier. Alternatively, it serves to politely seek understanding from the reader regarding matters discussed. | Once again, I apologize for asking you to complete these tasks on your day off. Thank you for your understanding! |
VI. How to say thank you meaningfully in specific situations
In everyday life, you also need to master some English gratitude expressions to use appropriately in specific situations!
1. English expressions to say thank you in the family
- Thank you for always being my source of strength and happiness!
- Thank you for always trusting and supporting me in every decision of mine!
- Mom and dad, even words cannot describe my gratitude to you.
- Thank you for being not only a great brother/ sister but also an amazing friend!
2. English expressions to say thank you to the spouse
- Thank you for always holding my hands through the ups and downs in life!
- Thank you for always being my source of energy, joy and support!
- Having you in my life is a blessing.
- I am very lucky to have you as my life partner.
3. English expressions to say thank you to the teachers
- Thank you for always being my lighthouse and inspirer!
- Thank you for guiding me through not only lessons but also stages of life!
- I’m very lucky to have you as my teacher.
- I’m always touched by your warmth, sincerity, and devotion.
4. English thank you quotes for friends
- Thank you for always being by my side!
- Thank you for always being the shoulder for me to lean on when I’m sad or tired!
- Thank you for being my source of energy, happiness, and courage!
- You don’t know how grateful I am for what you have done for me.
5. English expressions to say thank you upon receiving gifts
- Thank you for this lovely gift! I love it!
- How do you know I want this? You are thoughtful as always. Thank you so much!
- What a meaningful gift! Thanks a lot!
- You must have put your heart and soul into preparing this present. I can’t thank you enough.
6. English expressions to say thank you to the service provider
- Thank you for your excellent service!
- I’m absolutely content with your service. Thank you so much!
- I was very impressed with the staff’s friendliness and sincerity. Thanks for the great experience!
- Thank you for the 10 out of 10 services!
7. English gratitude expressions to the boss/ colleagues/ partners
- I see you as not only my boss but also my inspirer. Thank you for everything!
- I can’t thank you enough for your support, patience, and valuable pieces of advice.
- To me, you are not only a co-worker but also a friend or a mentor. Thank you for what you have done for me!
- Thank you so much for making this company, my second family!
8. English gratitude expressions in the internship report
- I would like to express my gratitude to the whole company for such an amazing internship.
- I would like to sincerely thank the whole company for the support, encouragement, and valuable pieces of advice.
- I believe that I have come a long way thanks to this internship. Thank you so much for all of your guidance and encouragement!
- No words can describe how thankful I am for this amazing internship. Once again, with all my heart, thank you!
VII. How to respond to gratitude expressions in English
Finally, here's how to respond to gratitude expressions in English in specific situations to show respect and politeness:
1. General replies
- You’re welcome!
- Don’t mention it!
- Never mind!
- Anytime!
- No big deal!
- Not at all!
- Think nothing of it!
- That’s alright.
- That’s okay.
- I’m always happy/ willing to help.
2. Formal replies
- You’re welcome!
- My pleasure!
- Helping you is my pleasure.
- The pleasure was mine.
- It was the least I could do.
- It’s my responsibility.
- It’s my duty.
This article has provided a complete and detailed summary of 80+ expressions to say thank you in English for specific cases. PREP hopes that through this article, you will be somewhat equipped with your English communication skills!
