Today we answer a question from Melsom in Iran.
Question:
“How many ways can we say ‘you’re welcome?’... How can we reply to them in both formal and informal ways?”
Answer:
Dear Melsom,
We thank you for your question!
Formal ways to say 'you're welcome'
Let’s take a look at the formal answers first. These would be ones that you may use with people you do not know very well.
They include: “you’re very welcome” and “my pleasure.”
Here is how two co-workers may use them when speaking with each other:
Thank you for helping me finish the project.
Of course. My pleasure.
You may hear, “my pleasure” at a popular American fast food restaurant. The company might tell workers to answer with ‘my pleasure,’ when people say “thank you” to them. This is both a formal and kind way to speak.
Informal ways to say 'you're welcome'
Now, let’s look at less formal ways to say “you’re welcome.”
They include: don’t mention it, it was nothing, sure thing, anytime, and no problem.
For example, suppose your friend helped you fix a problem with your computer. Here is what the two of you might say:
Thanks for all your help!
No worries! It’s not a problem for me.
After saying, “You’re welcome,” you can choose to add some of the other expressions, too.
Thanks very much for the ride downtown this morning.
You’re Welcome! Don’t mention it. It was nothing. It is easy for me to take you; I’m happy to help.
And that is Ask a Teacher!
I’m Anne Ball.
Anne Ball wrote this story for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.
Let us know what you would like to learn. Write to us in the comments section below, we want to hear from you!
_________________________________________________________________
Words in This Story
formal – adj. requiring or using serious and proper clothes and manners
