How to Say “Thank You” in Any Situation

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Casual and formal ways to express your appreciation
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“Thanks” and “thank you” are probably a part of your everyday vocabulary. You may even say them so often that they lose meaning! So, how can you show genuine appreciation without relying on an otherwise lackluster message? In this article, we’ll teach you other ways to say “thank you” in casual and business settings. No matter the occasion, you can learn how to show your appreciation thoughtfully and creatively!

Section 1 of 2:

Casual & Informal Ways to Say Thank You

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  1. Show genuine thanks in any situation with gratitude. At the end of the day, “thanks” and “thank you” are just shorthand for saying “I’m grateful.” [1] Be specific about what you’re grateful for the next time someone does you a favor, whether they walked your dog, covered your shift or sent you a friendly text when you were feeling down. As an added bonus, “I’m so grateful” is an easy, effective way to sound more genuine. You might say:
    • “I’m so grateful that you’re able to come over.”
    • “I’m so grateful for your help with that overtime assignment.”
    • “I’m so grateful for your kind words.”
    • “I’m so grateful you were able to jump on a call at such short notice.”
  2. Remind them that their help and contributions are invaluable to you. Explain what exactly they helped you with and how long it would’ve taken you to finish on your own time. [2] Here are a few examples:
    • “This assignment would’ve taken me at least a week to finish on my own. I couldn’t have this without your help.”
    • “I appreciate you stopping by over the weekend. I couldn’t have unpacked all of my Christmas decorations without your help.”
    • “It means a lot that you donated to my campaign. I couldn’t have done any of this without your help and support.”
    • “I couldn’t have done this without you. With my mom being sick, I just haven’t had the time to mow the lawn myself.”
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  3. Be casual and sincere by amplifying a traditional “thank you.” Maybe a kind stranger returned your wallet, or your boss let you reschedule an important meeting. “I can’t thank you enough” works well in various situations and is a great replacement for the traditional “thank you.” Here’s what you might say:
    • “I can’t thank you enough for your help with the garage sale this weekend.”
    • “I really appreciate you babysitting John at the last minute. I can’t thank you enough!”
    • “I can’t thank you enough for your help on the magazine layout.”
    • “I can’t thank you enough for all this. Mom would’ve loved this reception.”
  4. Express gratitude with a meaningful compliment. Describe what the person helped you with and how their extra guidance really saved the day. [3] They’ll be touched to know that they were able to make a difference! You might say:
    • “Wow, you really know your computers. You’re so helpful!”
    • “I really appreciate you giving me directions. You’re so helpful!”
    • “I’m really grateful that you looked over my paper. You’re so smart!”
    • “I’m glad we were able to talk. You give the best advice.”
  5. Let the other person know that their kind words or actions greatly affected you. Telling someone they “made your day” places a huge amount of worth on whatever they said or did. [4] Here are some examples:
    • “That’s such a kind thing to say! You really made my day.”
    • “I can’t express how much that means to me. That truly makes my day!”
    • “Wow, that is so unbelievably nice of you. You absolutely made my day!”
    • “I can’t even tell you how much it means to me that you came over. You’ve honestly made my day.”
  6. Change things up by saying “thanks” before someone does you a solid. There’s no etiquette law that forces you to say “thanks” after the kind deed is done. You can say "thank you" at any time, as long as you’re clear about what you’re grateful for. Here are some examples:
    • “I really appreciate you taking care of my plants for me while I’m away. Thanks in advance!”
    • “Thanks in advance for picking up my mail. I'll swing by on Monday to pick it up!”
    • “It means a lot that you’re willing to tutor me next weekend. Thanks in advance!”
    • “Just wanted to send my thanks ahead of time! I know you’re going out of your way to coach me, and I greatly appreciate it.”
  7. Transform your “thank you” into a kind compliment. [5] Sure, a compliment isn’t quite as direct as saying “thanks” or “thank you.” Still, the other person is sure to remember and treasure your heartfelt words for a while. Here are a few things you might say:
    • “I can’t believe you finished that up in less than 2 hours. I’m really impressed!”
    • “I’m impressed at all your hard work over the last quarter.”
    • “I’m really impressed at this piece of artwork you made for me! You’re so talented.”
    • “You did this in only 2 hours? Wow! I’m so impressed by your work!”
    Judith Martin, Etiquette Expert, Columnist of "Miss Manners"

    Give thoughtful compliments. "Socially, compliments are lovely, provided they are not more personal than the relationship warrants. The best compliments refer to words or actions: "I love your wit" or "That was a great job you did.""

  8. Let a friend, relative, or co-worker know that they really came through. A simple “thank you” is nice, but it doesn’t let the other person know what their gesture really meant to you. Telling someone that they’re a lifesaver, on the other hand, paints a crystal clear picture. You could say things like:
    • “I appreciate you dropping my driver’s license off at the office for me. You’re a real lifesaver.”
    • “Thanks for picking me up so late—you’re such a lifesaver!”
    • “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t shown up. You’re a lifesaver!”
    • “You’ve truly done me a solid, friend. Thanks for being my wingman!”
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Section 2 of 2:

Formal & Professional Ways to Say Thank You

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  1. Specify what the other person did that you appreciate. “Appreciate” is a great replacement for the usual “thanks,” and it makes it way easier to be thorough and specific about what you’re trying to say. [6] The next time someone gives you a compliment or do you a favor, you could say something like:
    • “I really appreciate that you took the time to hang out with me yesterday.”
    • “I really appreciate you letting me borrow your umbrella. I left mine at home, and it’s a three-block walk to my car.”
    • “I appreciate you watching my cat over the weekend.”
    • “I greatly appreciate you checking in on me. Your kindness means the world.”
  2. Share how their contributions made a positive difference in your day. “Thank you” is a nice thing to say, but it doesn’t paint a picture of how the person helped or why you’re thankful in the first place. Explain exactly what they helped with and how that extra help made a difference in the end. [7] Here are a few ideas of what to say:
    • “Your hard work really saved us a lot of time on this project, Kelsey.”
    • “You’ve made this easy, Josh. Now we can submit the publication 2 days before the deadline.”
    • “You made this project so much easier. Now we can leave work earlier!”
    • “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t shown me the ropes. You made this so much easier.”
  3. Demonstrate how grateful you are instead of just saying “thank you.” Show that you’re glad to help them out, whether it’s buying them a coffee or volunteering to pull some weeds in their yard. Acknowledge what they’ve done, and then ask how you can return the favor. [8] For instance:
    • “I really appreciate you spotting me for lunch. How can I possibly return the favor?
    • “It means a lot that you finished up that report for me. How can I repay you?”
    • “I appreciate you covering my part of the group project. Is there any way I can make it up to you?”
    • “I cannot thank you enough for watching Tommy. Please let me watch the boys next weekend to repay you!”
  4. Pay the gratitude forward with a formal acknowledgment. True gratitude means knowing what you did and didn’t do. Maybe a co-worker put in a lot of hours on a company assignment, or a classmate really shouldered some of the weight for a group project. Deferring credit not only shows how grateful you are for the person’s help but also makes you look like a kind, humble person in the process. [9] For example, you might say:
    • “I really have to give Amber some of the credit here. She worked overtime to make sure that the website release was as high-quality as possible.”
    • “That means a lot, but I can’t take all of the credit for this. Mel put in just as much work as I did and was an invaluable part of the team.”
    • “I have to give you some of the credit here. If you didn’t help me shovel, my driveway would still be waist-deep in snow right now.”
    • “I’m not the only one that deserves credit here. I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this achievement without Steve’s help.”
  5. Remind the other person that you won’t forget about their help. Explain what exactly the person did or said and why that gesture means so much to you. This way, they’ll know exactly what they did that made you grateful (and they’ll likely do it again). [10] Here are some examples of what you could say:
    • “It means so much that you visited me in the hospital. I’m beyond grateful to have you as a friend.”
    • “I’m beyond grateful to be given this opportunity and to have met these wonderful people. Come see us on stage next week!”
    • “I was getting really swamped with assignments, and I’m beyond grateful that you were able to step in.”
    • “I’m beyond grateful that you let me use your car while mine was in the shop.”
  6. Amplify their kind gesture with significant praise. Some acts of kindness warrant way more than a quick “thank you” or “thanks so much.” If someone really goes the extra mile for you, “I’m blown away by your generosity” is a great way to share just how thankful you are. You might say:
    • “It was so kind of you to send a donation after my mom got sick. Your generosity really blows me away!”
    • “I can’t believe that you and Shelly put this surprise birthday party together for me. I’m blown away by your kindness!”
    • “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the gift card in my inbox. I’m truly blown away by your generosity.”
    • “I’m truly amazed and blown away by your kindness. Thanks for helping me out, friend!”
  7. Give a formal response in workplace or business settings. Maybe a co-worker volunteered to look over your assignment, or your boss gave you an extra day to finish up with a project. Regardless, “much appreciated” is a short but sincere way to show your gratitude while remaining professional. [11] Try saying something like:
    • “Your extra help with this project is much appreciated!”
    • “Your kindness and understanding are much appreciated!”
    • “This extension is much appreciated!”
    • “I greatly appreciate your flexibility! The draft will be turned in by the end of the extended deadline.”
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you start a thank you letter?
    Tami Claytor
    Etiquette Coach
    Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
    Tami Claytor
    Etiquette Coach
    Expert Answer
    A good rule of thumb is to always say thank you first. Whatever the gesture is, be very specific and say thank you for X, Y and Z. Explain to the person, if it's a gift, how it will be used.
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  • Question
    Do I need to say "thank you, young lady" if I am a young man?
    Community Answer
    Not necessarily. People usually say "young lady" when the someone is in trouble, so it may seem too stern for a casual thank you.
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  • Question
    How do I write a thank you card for help I have received?
    Community Answer
    Just be honest in the card, and make sure to include a personal message! It depends on how much they helped you. You may want to include a small gift, but either way, stay in touch with your emotions, and be honest!
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      • In many cultures, saying “thank you” is only the start! Acts of kindness and appreciation are often followed by other good deeds and services to fully convey a feeling of gratitude. [12]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/thank-you
      2. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2018/04/12/seven-alternatives-to-thank-you-that-will-improve-your-communication-skills/?sh=3d681d552c9d
      3. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2018/04/12/seven-alternatives-to-thank-you-that-will-improve-your-communication-skills/?sh=86d00c42c9df
      4. ↑ https://hbr.org/2019/10/how-to-give-and-receive-compliments-at-work
      5. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2018/04/12/seven-alternatives-to-thank-you-that-will-improve-your-communication-skills/?sh=86d00c42c9df
      6. ↑ https://hbr.org/2023/10/simple-ways-to-show-appreciation-at-work
      7. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2018/04/12/seven-alternatives-to-thank-you-that-will-improve-your-communication-skills/?sh=3d681d552c9d
      8. ↑ https://hbr.org/2023/10/simple-ways-to-show-appreciation-at-work
      9. ↑ https://hbr.org/2023/10/simple-ways-to-show-appreciation-at-work
      1. ↑ https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/_docs/139-ways-to-say-thank-you.pdf
      2. ↑ https://hbr.org/2023/10/simple-ways-to-show-appreciation-at-work
      3. ↑ https://ggie.berkeley.edu/practice/another-way-of-saying-thanks/#tab__3

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To thank someone, be honest and sincere with them by saying something like "Thank you so much for helping me. I never would have figured this out without you." Also, try to be specific by specifying what you're thanking them for. For example, you could say "Thanks again for letting me crash at your place last week." If you want to send a casual thank you to someone, try texting them something like "Hey! Thanks for helping me clean up yesterday. You're the best!" To learn how to write a thank you card or send a thank you email, scroll down!

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