“Thank You” is a phrase we all use to communicate gratitude or practice good manners (even if we’re not genuinely thankful). However, the phrase has become so trodden and beaten down that it doesn’t hold the same value as before.
Here are some creative alternatives to express gratitude without sounding dull, clichéd, and disingenuous.
Other Ways to Say “Thank You”
- I’m deeply thankful
- I owe you one
- It was so generous of you
- I’m grateful for you
- I really appreciate your help
- You’re a lifesaver
- I’m indebted to you
- Much obliged
- It was very kind of you
- I’m filled with gratitude
- I value your contribution
- I’m thankful for your assistance
- Your support has greatly helped
- Words fail me to express my gratitude
Key Takeaways
- Alternatives like “I’m deeply thankful” or “I’m filled with gratitude” are ideal alternatives for saying “Thank You” in more formal settings or when your gratitude is profound and greatly felt.
- Phrases like “I value your contribution” or “I’m thankful for your assistance” work well in professional scenarios.
- You can use casual alternatives like “I owe you one” or “You’re a lifesaver” when speaking to friends or during other informal situations.
I’m Deeply Thankful (Formal)
“I’m deeply thankful” is a safe yet excellent alternative for expressing gratitude in formal conversations, especially when the gratitude you feel is deep and genuine.
You can expand the contraction and write “I am” instead of “I’m” when in written form. This change will suit formal emails or letters expressing thanks for someone’s help, contribution, or presence.
You can also shorten the phrase to “I’m thankful” if you feel that the word “deeply” seems excessive in your context.
You can use the phrase to express gratitude in almost any situation that demands a more formal tone. Use it when a business associate goes out of their way to help you professionally. Alternatively, you can include this phrase in emails or letters to colleagues or team members for the excellent work they’ve done.
Here are some samples of how you can use this phrase in expressing gratitude:
Dear Mr. Scott,
I am deeply thankful for being connected to Mr. Cook and the Barnes Executives. We were able to carve out many potential projects and areas for collaboration in the future through this meeting.
I hope to see you soon and discuss details on what role you may play in these upcoming endeavors.
Regards,
Derrick Anderson.
Dear Team,
Congratulations to all of us on a job well done! I’m deeply thankful for each team member’s contribution to delivering top-notch services to our clients this past quarter.
Enhancement in salaries and incentives will reflect the excellent work that you all have put in the last three projects we accomplished.
Regards,
Andrew Steiner
I Owe You One (Informal)
Phrases like “I’m filled with gratitude” can sound archaic, while expressions like “I’m deeply thankful” may sound too formal and distant for friends and family.
An excellent alternative when communicating gratitude in casual situations is the phrase “I owe you one.”
The great thing about this phrase is that it goes beyond gratitude and redirects the attention to the other person. First, it implies that you remain grateful for whatever the other person did.
Second, it expresses your intention to return the favor in the future.
The phrase explicitly communicates that you will help the person in some capacity in the future. It does not specify how you will offer this help. So, it need not be in the same manner or as the person who helped you.
The listener walks away with the satisfaction of having helped a friend while encouraged by the possibility of receiving help in the future. It strengthens the relationship you already share with the person. Alternatively, it draws you closer to the person if you don’t currently share a very close relationship.
Whether it’s a close friend or the neighbor next door, this phrase hits the nail on the head when expressing gratitude for any help received.
Here are some examples and situations where you can use it:
Hi Emily,
I got the cake you sent this morning. It really brought the birthday surprise we planned for Dad in the afternoon. I can’t thank you enough for accommodating this last-minute order. I owe you one!
Love,
Camille.
Dude, I loved the work you did on the shed. Let’s have a get-together soon. I own you one!
Hey Brad,
We got the car delivered this morning. Andy is going to love his new car, and it was all because you put in a good word at the dealership. I owe you one! Please come over for dinner soon!
Angela
Is it okay to use the phrase “thank you”?
Yes. It’s perfectly fine to continue using “Thank you.”
“Thank You” is still the most widely used, understood, and accepted expression of gratitude in any situation. So, you can use it formally, casually, in writing, or in speech.
The phrase is so versatile that you can use it in any situation without fear of sounding off or out of context. Not many other expressions of gratitude enjoy such wide usage. It’s so universal that you can probably use it in countries that don’t speak English and still get your point across.
The only caveat is that it may sound trivial or insincere sometimes. That’s because people use it lightly in every situation. So, it’s wise to stay ready with other alternatives that are more specific and work better in some situations.
You can refer to more formal expressions like “It was very kind of you” or “Your support has greatly helped” to acknowledge contributions in the professional sphere.
However, “Thank you” remains an acceptable expression in almost any situation. Whether it’s the barista handing over your coffee, the delivery man bringing your package on time, or a colleague preparing a report that you requested, this common phrase works everywhere.
You can also make it more personal by adding the specific help or action that prompted this response. For instance, “Thank you for the report” or “Thank you for attending the wedding” sounds more personal and distinct than a simple “Thank you.”
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.