By Ashley Austrew
Is a “thank you” in order?
On a daily basis, we’re inundated with reasons to thank the people around us. Maybe someone held the elevator for you while you were running late, the barista was kind despite the huge crowd in the coffee shop, or your colleague lets you know they did the legwork to help you get started on a particularly tricky project.
We’re lucky to have so many reasons to say “thanks” every day, but sometimes we need some new words and expressions to adequately express the gratitude we feel. If you’re stuck in a rut of “thank you so much” and “thanks a lot,” here are 25 alternatives that are perfect for sharing your thanks and appreciation in every kind of setting.
1. I’m so grateful.
Thanks is an expression of gratitude, so cut to the chase. Tell someone you’re grateful for whatever way in which they’ve helped you, and go into detail about exactly what they did to personalize your message.
2. I appreciate it.
It’s always nice to feel appreciated. When someone does something to help you out or make your life easier, be sure to say how much it means to you that they went out of their way to help.
3. Thanks for your hard work on this.
Don’t just offer colleagues and collaborators a run-of-the-mill thanks. Letting them know how much you appreciate the specific efforts they’ve made will help them feel seen and create a positive working relationship.
4. I couldn’t have done it without you.
If you couldn’t have made something happen without another person’s help, then they should definitely know that! Don’t hold back in telling them how vital they are.
5. I owe you one.
Sometimes the only way to truly appreciate a favor is by returning it. This “thank you” alternative lets them know you plan to do just that.
6. Much obliged.
Obliged means “appreciative or grateful.” It’s especially handy for a quick but courteous email or text sign-off that still expresses thanks in a meaningful way.
7. Thanks for having my back.
Sometimes the best thing someone else can do for you is be in your corner when you need support. Thanking them for being there is a way to let them know how much it means to you.
8. Please accept my deepest gratitude.
Giving thanks in a more formal setting? This one is perfect for a professional letter, important speech, or in a thank-you note.
Tap into more ways to express your gratitude here.
9. I have to give credit where it’s due.
Let’s be honest: we all love getting credit for the good things we do. Credit is “commendation or honor given for some action, quality, etc.” When we thank someone, we’re giving them their earned credit for something they did, and it’s a gesture we should make often.
10. This has been such a blessing.
We tend to think of a blessing as a favor or gift bestowed by God, but a blessing can also be “a special favor, mercy, or benefit.” Letting someone know their kind gesture or effort was a blessing is a way of letting them know you are thankful for the gift of their time, energy, and thoughtfulness.
11. I can’t thank you enough.
Sometimes a simple “thanks” won’t cut it. In those instances, let them know the words may be inadequate, but the depth of your gratitude is not.
12. Cheers.
Cheers isn’t just something we say when we’re giving a toast. It’s also a unique and quick way of saying “thanks.” Try it next time you’re at a party or other social event where a lighthearted expression of gratitude is needed.
Take up the pen and compose a meaningful thank-you card with these tips.
13. That’s so kind of you.
One way of thanking someone is telling them how their gesture felt to you: kind. By telling someone how kind they’ve been, you let them know you see their favors as coming from the heart.
14. Much appreciated.
If you need to say thanks in a big way but on a small scale, go with “much appreciated.” This one is perfect for a quick email, text, or even a brief conversation.
15. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
When people go out of their way to do something nice or help out, they’re also giving the gift of their time. We only get so much of that, so thank them for using some of their time to make your life easier.
16. Your support means the world.
Support means “to bear or hold up (a load, mass, structure, part, etc.); serve as a foundation for.” The people who do that for us deserve to know how much we appreciate it.
17. Many thanks.
One thanks? We don’t think so. If you’re shooting off a quick email, text, or call to say thank you, let them know your gratitude could be expressed many times over.
18. I’m beyond grateful.
Go big or go home. Grateful means “warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful.” And sometimes, well, you just feel all of that and beyond.
19. I sincerely applaud you.
A true “thank you” should be sincere. That means “genuine; real.” The best expressions of gratitude are usually the ones that come from the heart.
20. I’m forever indebted.
Sometimes one act of kindness inspires another. Indebted means “obligated for favors or kindness received,” and it’s a way of saying you plan to pay the kind act forward.
21. I stand in recognition.
Giving thanks is about shining a spotlight on someone’s thoughtfulness, kindness, hard work, care, or effort. Carving out space specifically to recognize their efforts is a powerful way of saying thanks.
22. I’m blown away by your kindness.
If you’re blown away by something, that usually means it was unexpectedly inspiring, moving, or touching. Use this one for gestures and acts of kindness that truly make a difference.
Blow others away with your treasury of synonyms for kind by learning them here.
23. It means the world to me.
It’s not always easy to explain how important or valuable someone’s contributions are. Saying “it means the world” to you is a pretty good place to start.
24. I want to acknowledge how much you’ve done.
Sometimes the “thanks” people crave is just knowing that their efforts aren’t going unnoticed. Whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or a partner, acknowledgment is always a welcome expression of gratitude.
25. Thanks in advance.
It’s possible to thank people even before they’ve done you a favor. If someone offers up a future kindness or promises to go out of their way for you, thanking them in advance lets them know they’re appreciated even before they’ve lifted a finger.
Ashley Austrew is a freelance journalist and writer from Omaha, Nebraska. Her work has been published atCosmopolitan,Scary Mommy,Scholastic, and other outlets.For more byAshley, read: 10 New Dating Slang Words To Know In 2021 ||How To Write A Great Hook That Grabs Your Audience Hook, Line, And Sinker!|
