Conversation Lesson 7: Thanking People and Replying to Thanks

Jane: Oh, hello, Betty, how are you? Betty: Much better. I just wanted to call you to let you know how much I appreciated the flowers you sent me. Jane: I’m glad you like them, Betty. Your husband said yellow roses were your favorite. Betty: Yes, they are, and these are certainly beautiful. Thank you so much. Jane: You’re very welcome, Betty. I just hope you’re feeling better. Betty: Oh, I am. In fact, the doctor says I can go home the day after tomorrow. Jane: That’s great!

Culture Note Westerners tend to say “Thank you” more than Chinese do. You’ll hear “Thanks!” and “Thank you” often in America. Common situations that require thanks: For a gift For an offer of help For an invitation For services For a compliment or a wish for success When leaving a party or social gathering When asked about one’s health, etc.

To thank people, you can say I’m very/so grateful for... Thank you (very/so much for...). That was very kind/nice of you. Thank you. You are so considerate. How thoughtful of you (to...). I really appreciate it. Thanks (a lot for...). Thanks a million/bunch! Thank you!

To reply to thanks, you can say (It was/is) my pleasure. (I was/am) glad to do it. You’re (very/quite) welcome. Don’t mention it. No problem. Anytime. Sure.

Practice Saying and Replying to Thanks Work in pairs. Read each of the following situations and practice saying and replying to thanks.

Thanks - Situation 1 You and your classmate. You and your classmate are good friends at a university. Both of you took the final exam last week. After you find out that both of you have passed the exam, you tell him/her the result immediately. Your classmate thanks you and says that he/she will invite you out for dinner tonight.

Thanks - Situation 2 You and your new boss. Today is your first day at work in a well- known company. When you enter your office, you realize that your boss is actually the person who interviewed you a couple of weeks ago. You thank him/her for hiring you. After he/she replies to your thanks, he/she tells you what your responsibilities will be.

Thanks - Situation 3 You and your American friend. You invited your American friend to your home for dinner with your family. Your friend enjoyed the delicious meal and had a wonderful time. When it’s time for him/her to leave, he/she thanks you and your family.

Thanks - Situation 4 You and your neighbor. Your neighbor is going shopping in a big department store. He/She stops by your apartment to ask if you would like to go shopping with him/her. You really want to go but you are quite busy at the moment, so you ask your neighbor to buy what you need for you and then thank him/her.