What is thanks? Pronunciation and usage in English

thanks means . Learn how to pronounce and use thanks through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of thanks

thanksnoun

/θaŋks/
Definition & pronunciation of thanks

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "thanks" in English. It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced! Here's a breakdown:

The Correct Pronunciation:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • THanks (rhymes with "banks")

Let's break that down further:

  • "Th" – This is a voiceless "th" sound, like in the word "think." Your tongue should be lightly touching the back of your top teeth.
  • "anks" - This part sounds like "anks" – It's pronounced like "anks" and rhymes with "lacks". It's a slightly elongated 'a' sound.

Common Mispronunciations & Why They're Wrong:

  • "thanks" (rhymes with "pants") – This is very common, but incorrect. It's a habit rooted in the word "thankful."
  • "thanz" – This adds an unnecessary "z" sound.

Tips for Practice:

  1. Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. You can find audio examples on:

    • Google Translate: Type "thanks" and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/thanks/ – This website has pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce thanks."

  2. Slow Down: Initially, say it slowly and deliberately, focusing on each sound.

  3. Record Yourself: Record yourself saying "thanks" and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

Resources:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using "thanks"?

Usage and examples with the word thanks in English

Let's break down how to use "thanks" effectively in English. It's a super common and important word, but it's often used differently than you might think!

1. Basic "Thanks" - For Small Favors & Gratitude

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage – expressing simple gratitude for a small kindness or helpful action.
  • Examples:
    • "Thanks for holding the door." (After someone holds the door open for you)
    • "Thanks for letting me borrow your pen." (For borrowing something)
    • "Thanks for your help!" (After someone assists you)
    • "Thanks for the information." (For receiving helpful information)

2. "Thank You" - More Formal & Detailed

  • Meaning: This is a more polite and formal way of expressing gratitude. It’s generally preferred in more formal situations or when you want to show a greater level of appreciation.
  • Examples:
    • "Thank you for your time." (After someone has spent time helping you)
    • "Thank you for your assistance." (A more professional expression of thanks)
    • "Thank you so much for your help!" (Adding "so much" intensifies the gratitude)
    • "Thank you for the lovely gift." (Expressing gratitude for a present)

3. "Thanks a lot" - Emphasizing Gratitude

  • Meaning: Adds extra emphasis to your thanks. It conveys a stronger feeling of gratitude than just "thanks."
  • Examples:
    • "Thanks a lot for rescuing my presentation!" (After someone saved you from a problem)
    • "Thanks a lot for everything you've done." (Expressing general gratitude for numerous things)

4. "Thank You Very Much" - Highest Level of Formality

  • Meaning: This is the most formal and polite way of saying thank you. It's often used in business settings or when you want to be particularly respectful.
  • Example: "Thank you very much for your consideration." (In response to an application or interview)

5. Variations & Combining Words

  • "Thanks so much": Similar to "thank you so much," emphasizing gratitude.
  • "Thank you kindly": Very polite and gentle.
  • "I appreciate it": You can combine "thank you" with "I appreciate it" for extra warmth. Example: “Thank you, I appreciate it.”

6. Situational Uses & Responses

  • When someone offers help: "Thanks, I'll figure it out." (You're grateful, but don't need help.)
  • Responding to a compliment: "Thanks! That’s really kind of you to say." (Acknowledging the compliment and returning the gratitude.)

Important Notes:

  • Tone of Voice: Your tone of voice is important. Even a simple "thanks" can sound insincere if said with a flat or dismissive tone. Make sure your tone matches the level of gratitude you want to express.
  • Body Language: A smile and eye contact go a long way! Non-verbal cues can reinforce your gratitude.

Resources for More Practice:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of situations are you most likely to need to use “thanks”? (e.g., casual conversations with friends, at work, when receiving gifts?)

Synonyms for the word thanks

Practice with vocabulary thanks

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project's success was largely ____ the team's relentless effort and dedication.
  2. We extend our sincere ____ for your continued support during this organizational transition.
  3. Please accept our sincere ____ for organizing such a productive and insightful workshop.
  4. Your detailed feedback on the proposal is highly ____, and we will incorporate it into the final version.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. A: "Here is the revised report you asked for, fully edited." B: "____!" a) Welcome b) Received c) Thanks d) Accepted

  2. The company issued a formal statement of ____ for the employees' exceptional performance during the challenging quarter. a) acknowledgment b) gratitude c) recognition d) thanks

  3. ____ the new software update, our data processing speed has significantly improved, enhancing overall efficiency. a) Because of b) Thanks to c) Due to d) Owing to

  4. I am truly ____ for your swift and comprehensive response to my urgent request for information. a) appreciative b) obliged c) grateful d) welcomed

  5. I felt very ____ after receiving the consistently positive feedback on my recent performance review. a) uplifted b) encouraged c) appreciated d) satisfied

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: I am very grateful for your assistance with the report's final review and editing. Rewrite (using "thanks" or related word forms):

  2. Original: Her innovative leadership was the primary reason for the department's groundbreaking success this year. Rewrite (using "thanks" or related word forms):

  3. Original: We expressed our gratitude to the keynote speaker for their exceptionally insightful presentation. Rewrite (DO NOT use "thanks", use a suitable replacement word):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. thanks to
  2. appreciation (or gratitude)
  3. thanks
  4. valued (or appreciated)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Thanks
  2. a) acknowledgment, b) gratitude, c) recognition, d) thanks
  3. a) Because of, b) Thanks to, c) Due to, d) Owing to
  4. a) appreciative, b) obliged, c) grateful
  5. a) uplifted, b) encouraged, c) appreciated, d) satisfied

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Please accept our sincere thanks for your assistance with the report's final review and editing. (or Our sincere thanks for your assistance with the report's final review and editing.)
  2. Thanks to her innovative leadership, the department achieved groundbreaking success this year.
  3. We appreciated the keynote speaker's exceptionally insightful presentation.

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