Saying Thank You and Sorry
The short English phrases for thanking and apologising — and how to reply when someone says them to you.
Thanking and apologising happen many times a day in English, far more often than in many other languages. Not saying them can sound cold, even when you are being perfectly polite in your own language.
Saying thank you
- Thanks. — short, friendly, everywhere
- Thank you. — slightly more formal
- Thanks a lot. / Thanks very much. — bigger thanks
- Thank you so much. — warm, for a real favour
Replying to thanks
You must reply. Silence sounds unfriendly.
- You're welcome.
- No problem.
- That's all right. / That's OK.
- Not at all. (more formal)
Saying sorry
English uses sorry for two different things:
An apology — you did something:
Sorry, that's my fault. I'm sorry I'm late. Sorry about the noise.
Sympathy — nothing is your fault:
I'm sorry to hear that. I'm so sorry. (when someone tells you bad news)
Excuse me and sorry are different
| Phrase | When |
|---|---|
| Excuse me | before you do something — asking a stranger, passing someone |
| Sorry | after something has happened |
- Excuse me, is this seat free? (before)
- Sorry! (after you step on someone's foot)
Also: Sorry? with a rising voice means I didn't hear you — please repeat. It is not an apology.
Replying to an apology
- That's all right.
- No problem.
- Don't worry about it.
- It's fine.
Small politeness that matters
Add please to requests, and English speakers expect it more than you might think:
Two coffees, please. Could you help me, please?
Test yourself
The quiz below checks which phrase fits which moment.