Mini-lesson 1:

Let’s now look at 25 different ways to say thank you in English (credit: fluentu.com)

Thanking someone casually

The checkout clerk rings up your items at the grocery store. Your friend or co-worker hands you a cup of coffee or a sandwich. A random stranger gives you directions for getting to the nearest train station. What do you say?

Below is the simplest and most basic way of saying thanks. You can’t go wrong with this. It’s suitable for both casual and formal situations.

(1) Thank you.

Below is a shorter, more casual form of thank you that you could use with friends, family and peers.

(2) Thanks!

To emphasize (stress) your thanks, you could say:

(3) Thanks so much.

With close friends and family, you could use this even more casual version:

(4) Thanks a million.

When someone has done you a favor

When someone does you a favor (helps you with something), they’re often not only willing to help but sometimes they may even offer to help without you asking. For example, you might request help with your class project from another student, or your neighbor might offer you a ride to the train station if it’s raining or snowing outside.

Here’s how you can thank them for their kindness and help:

(5) That’s very kind of you.

Or, if they made your day a little less unpleasant and more bearable (by keeping you from getting caught in the rain or snow, for example):

(6) You made my day.

Or, if you want to thank them for being such a wonderful and caring person:

(7) You’re awesome!

When someone does something unexpected for you

Has someone ever done something for you that you didn’t expect? Your brother who never cleans his own room offers to clean your house and do your errands after noticing how busy you are. Your friend drives 100 miles to visit and bring you a housewarming gift after you move to your new job in another city. Surely that would have you both surprised and grateful at the same time.

You could even be so surprised at someone’s thoughtful words or actions that you simply can’t find the words to thank them enough. In that case, you could say:

(8) I don’t know what to say!

Though you may be pleasantly surprised, you may also be feeling a little awkward or shy about someone having gone out of their way to be so thoughtful towards you in their words or actions. Here are a couple ways to express that feeling:

(9) Oh, you shouldn’t have!

(10) How thoughtful of you!

When someone has helped you achieve an important goal

Achieving success or an important goal isn’t always easy. Oftentimes, it’s the encouragement and support of people around you that push you to succeed. Maybe it’s your parents who have cheered you on, your friends who have been there for you or your team members who have put in their time and effort.

Here are some ways to thank those people who have played a part in your success:

(11) I couldn’t have done it without you.

(12) I really want to thank you for your help.

(13) I really appreciate everything you’ve done.

When someone has helped you through tough times

We all know what a relief it is when someone comes to your assistance during tough (bad) times. Whether you lost your job, were hit by a natural disaster (like an earthquake or flood) or had to deal with financial (money) issues, you’re grateful to people who reach out to help.

To tell them how much you value their support, you could say:

(14) I’m really grateful for your help.

(15) This means a lot to me.

(16) Thanks for having my back.

When someone has your back it means that person is there watching out for your well-being and supporting you.

This is the phrase you would use to thank someone you feel indebted to (feel you owe something) and hope to repay someday when you get the chance:

(17) I owe you one.

Thanking someone for something specific

To thank those who have shared their knowledge, wisdom and experience with you, you could say:

(18) Thank you for your guidance.

(19) Thanks for explaining this to me.

To thank someone for visiting your house, office, etc. to see you in person, you could say:

(20) Thank you for stopping by.

If you’re thanking someone for something specific that they’ve done for you, be sure to mention what it is so that they know exactly what you’re thanking them for.

For example, you could say:

(21) Thanks for [finding my dog].

Feel free to adapt this phrase to your needs.

Thanking someone formally

When you’re dealing with companies, businesses or official matters, you may want your message to sound more formal. To thank someone for responding to you, you could say:

(22) Thank you for contacting me.

(23) Thank you for your prompt reply.

You can also use formal words like appreciate and grateful to show your thanks. The word feedback is similar in meaning to “reply” or “response,” and assistance is a more formal word for “help.”

Here are some examples of how you could use those words:

(24) I appreciate your feedback.

(25) I’m grateful for your assistance.

Mini-lesson 2

Speaking Practice

Conversation 1: Thanking a friend:
Mark: Hey, Kate. How are you now?

Kate: I’m feeling better, Mark. Thanks for asking.

Mark: I called your place and your mom told me you got the flu.
Kate: Yeah, I did.

Mark: I told Ms. Lucy about it and she said she’ll let you take the tests later on.
Kate: Thanks a lot Mark.
Mark: Don’t mention it. And here is the list of topics which were covered last week.
Kate: Thank you so much. You’re a great friend!

Conversation 1: Thanking a co-worker

Kate: Hey Shawn, can I ask you for a favor?
Shawn: Sure Kate, what is it?

Kate: I have to finish this report but I don’t think I’ll be able to finish it on time.
Shawn: Don’t worry. I’ll help you out.

Kate: Thanks, Shawn.
Shawn: No sweat. You helped me last month so I’m returning the favor now.
Kate: Thanks a lot. You’re a lifesaver.
Shawn: You’re welcome.

Conversation 3: Showing Appreciation
Mark: Hello Nathan. Can I talk to Mary?
Nathan: Hello Mark. Mary told me how you helped her out the other day.
Mark: Oh! It was nothing, man. I am glad I could help.
Nathan: But thank you very much. You took a lot of pressure off her.
Mark: You’re welcome. But it really wasn’t such a big deal.
Nathan: You should join us for lunch this weekend.
Mark: Thank you for inviting me. Of course I’ll come.

Conversation 4: Thanking for an invitation
Shawn: Nathan, I gotta go now.

Nathan: But the party’s just started, Shawn.
Shawn: I know. But I have to get up very early tomorrow. Thanks a lot for this amazing party.
Nathan: You’re welcome. I may throw another one next week.
Shawn: That would be great. Your parties are famous all around the campus
Nathan: Make sure you are free next Sunday.

Shawn: I will. Thanks again, man. See you tomorrow.