Expressing gratitude is a great way to strengthen relationships, foster goodwill, and promote positive emotions. We’re all comfortable issuing a quick thanks, but different thank yous can have different meanings. The meaning of thank you very much is slightly formal, while thanks a lot can sound either gracious or sarcastic. The phrase thank you in advance is particularly loaded and should be used with caution, while my deepest thanks is a bid for an emotional connection.
Taking a few moments to decide how to say thank you can have a significant effect on how the message is received. Also, a more creative way to say thank you has a better chance of catching someone’s attention. So before you blurt out another thanks, thank you, or thank you so much, here are some alternative ways to show your appreciation.
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What is a thank you message?
People write thank you messages to express appreciation toward someone who has done something kind, helpful, or meaningful for them.
These messages can be heartfelt and emotional, cheery and simple, or straightforward and professional. You can say thank you over email, in a letter, or on a postcard.
Whichever medium or message you choose, writing a thank you message is a simple but powerful way to leave a good impression.
12 alternative ways to say thank you so much
Casual tone
A casual tone is appropriate in cases where you know the recipient well. This can be a good friend, a family member, or a close colleague.
1 “You’re the best”
This phrase is suitable for a friend or colleague who won’t read into the statement too much but will appreciate a little ego boost.
I’m so glad you were keeping an eye on the time during my presentation, I could have rambled on forever. You’re the best.
2 “I owe you”
This is a useful phrase for someone who has gone out of their way or put in an effort to help you.
That last-minute edit was really helpful—without it, my article would have been inaccurate. I owe you!
Simple and concise
Not every thank you message has to be a winding emotional journey. Sometimes a simple note of gratitude goes a long way.
3 “Many thanks”
It’s more than thanks but simple and to the point.
Jen says you watered my desk plant while I was on vacation. Many thanks!
4 “My warmest thanks”
It’s a bit more heartfelt than thanks but still brief.
The plant you gave me for my birthday lives on my desk, and it brightens my day. My warmest thanks.
Emphatic tone
There are some situations in which you may want to lean into your expression of gratitude, such as if you had a lot to gain, or the recipient had a lot to lose. For example, if their support was instrumental in securing a job promotion, then let them know! Likewise, if they went out of their way or put a lot of effort into helping you out, then give a full-throated thanks.
5 “I can’t thank you enough”
This expression works when you feel so much gratitude toward a person that words feel insufficient.
Your willingness to read through the script with me night after night gave me the confidence to perform my role. I can’t thank you enough.
6 “You’re a lifesaver”
It might be hyperbolic, but it’s also an effective way to get your point across with gusto!
I can’t believe I spelled my own name wrong on my college application. Thanks for catching that; you’re a lifesaver!
Formal tone
Thank yous are issued regularly in business and academic settings. A formal thank you should be sent after job interviews, after performance reviews, and alongside proposals. To express appreciation in a professional way, here are some other options to try.
7 “Thank you kindly”
A brief thanks that comes across as thoughtful, without being overbearing.
Thank you kindly for the opportunity to interview with your company.
8 “Much obliged”
It can sound a bit old-fashioned, but it’s still a useful and professional thank you.
Much obliged for the constructive feedback provided at my performance review.
For a specific thank you
Thanking someone for their contribution can be an effective way to strengthen your connection. This type of thank you is another way of saying, “I see you, and I appreciate you.”
9 “I sincerely appreciate your [x]”
I sincerely appreciate your comment about koalas at the close of our meeting, it brought levity to the situation and was a nice note to end on.
In a business setting, you may sincerely appreciate someone’s . . .
- attention to detail
- communication
- feedback
- input
- involvement with a project
In a friendly setting, you may appreciate someone’s . . .
- availability
- hospitality
- kindness
- openness
- support
As a goodbye
It’s often a good idea to put a note of appreciation near the end of your thank you message. If the message feels repetitive, you can always buffer it with an again. As in, “thanks again,” or, “Again, sending my deepest gratitude.” Most of the above phrases work well as parting lines.
You can also use the sign-off itself to show your gratitude. Try swapping out “best regards” with one of these.
10 “With appreciation”
To sum up, your help coordinating the move—including renting the truck and ordering lunch—was essential this weekend. With appreciation, Samira.
11 “With gratitude”
Before you shared those insights, the ideas for the community garden were all over the place. Now we’re on the right track! With gratitude, Keith.
12 “My sincerest thanks”
You’re a star for picking up Jolene and Brandon from school yesterday after my last-minute request. My sincerest thanks, Beth.
If you find yourself routinely thanking your colleagues through email, you may want to check out this blog post about thank you alternatives for emails. And if you find yourself on the receiving end of a thank you message, here are some clever ways to change up you’re welcome.
