thanks
A1Informal to Neutral. 'Thanks' is less formal than 'thank you' but widely accepted in most social contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A conventional expression of gratitude or appreciation.
Can also function as a noun referring to feelings or acts of gratitude, or as an informal verb meaning to thank (usually used with an object, e.g., 'to thank someone').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While primarily a polite formula, its overuse or underuse in certain cultures can be pragmatically marked. It can also be used ironically or sarcastically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Thanks' is very common in both varieties. Some evidence suggests 'Cheers' as a synonym for thanks is more prevalent in UK informal speech than in US.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'thanks' is slightly more casual than 'thank you' but not impolite.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Thanks (to you/them) for [noun phrase/gerund]Give/Offer (my) thanks to [someone] for [something]Thanks a [lot/million/bunch]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “thanks to (because of)”
- “thanks for nothing (ironic/sarcastic)”
- “no thanks to (despite)”
- “give thanks (express gratitude, often formally)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in emails and meetings, but often paired with more formal phrasing like 'Thank you for your email' or 'Many thanks for your prompt reply.'
Academic
Used informally. In formal acknowledgements, 'acknowledgements', 'gratitude', or 'I would like to thank...' are preferred.
Everyday
The most common context for its use, from minor interactions to significant expressions of gratitude.
Technical
Rare in technical prose unless in acknowledgements or informal communication between colleagues.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He texted to thanks me for the lift.
- I'll have to thanks him properly later.
American English
- She forgot to thanks her host before leaving.
- I wanted to thanks everyone for coming.
adverb
British English
- He nodded thanks briefly.
- She smiled thanks across the room.
American English
- He waved thanks as he drove off.
- She mouthed 'thanks' silently.
adjective
British English
- She gave me a thanks card.
- It was a very thanks-filled occasion.
American English
- He got a thanks note from the mayor.
- The meeting had a thanks-giving theme.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Thanks for the coffee!
- Thanks a lot!
- Thanks, mum!
- Many thanks for your invitation to the event.
- I'd like to express my sincere thanks for your support.
- Thanks to the good weather, we had a lovely picnic.
- My heartfelt thanks go out to all the volunteers who made this possible.
- He offered his profuse thanks but declined the reward.
- 'Thanks for nothing,' she muttered sarcastically after he cancelled at the last minute.
- The author's effusive thanks in the acknowledgements section spanned two pages.
- The proposal was approved, no thanks to the obstructive behaviour of the finance department.
- He demurred, saying the thanks were entirely misplaced, as he had acted out of duty.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound of clinking glasses: 'THANKS!' for a toast. It's short, sharp, and positive, like the word itself.
Conceptual Metaphor
GRATITUDE IS A GIFT ('I owe you thanks'), GRATITUDE IS A DEBT ('I can never thank you enough').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'спасибо' in contexts where English would use 'please' (e.g., 'Can I have the salt, спасибо?' is wrong).
- Russian 'благодарю' is highly formal; 'thanks' is not. Use 'I am grateful' or 'I thank you' for that register.
- Do not translate 'no thanks' literally as 'нет спасибо' in the sense of declining politely; use 'no, thank you.'
Common Mistakes
- Using 'thanks' as a singular noun (e.g., 'a thanks' is non-standard; use 'a thank you' or 'thanks').
- Overusing 'thanks' in formal written English where 'thank you' or fuller sentences are expected.
- Incorrect preposition: 'Thanks *of* your help' instead of 'Thanks for your help.'
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following sentences is 'thanks' used CORRECTLY as an informal verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is treated as a plural noun (e.g., 'Many thanks are due'), though it is almost always used in a fixed, formulaic way. You cannot say 'a thanks' in standard English; use 'a thank you' instead.
'Thanks' is slightly more informal and concise. 'Thank you' is the standard, full form and can sound more sincere or formal. In writing, 'thank you' is often preferred for formal correspondence.
Yes, but it depends on context. 'Thanks' is fine in internal emails or less formal contexts. For formal external communication, especially with superiors or clients, 'Thank you' or phrases like 'I would like to thank you' are safer choices.
Common responses include: 'You're welcome', 'No problem', 'My pleasure', 'Don't mention it', 'Any time', or simply a smile or nod in informal settings.
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