When it comes to showing appreciation for a kind deed, help, or contribution, the first words that come to mind are thank you.
While simply saying thank you is entirely acceptable, there are more sophisticated ways to show gratitude, some of which will come off as even more sincere than the standard quip.
You might be thinking, ‘what other way to say thank you is there?’ Well, get ready for an entirely new way to say thank you with these 35 sophisticated ideas that are sure to impress your friends and colleagues.
For friends: 18 ways to say thank you for a kind deed
If a friend does something thoughtful for you, there must be an equally heartfelt way to say thank you, right? Here are 18 different phrases you can use.
01“I appreciate what you have done for me.”
This is a simple and sophisticated way to say thank you because it is direct and to the point.
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02“I really appreciate you taking the time to pick out this gift for me. I love it!”
This is a honest and genuine way to say thank you to a friend who has given you a gift. This also works well in a text or an email.
03“I just wanted to take the time to say thank you for all that you’ve done.”
Use this way to say thank you to a friend who often does thoughtful things for you. This is a simple turn of phrase and covers a large variety of considerate deeds.
04“I am truly grateful for your help in setting up my birthday party.”
This is a gracious way to say thank you because it’s not too flowery, but it still shows appreciation for the deed.
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05“Grateful is the only word I can come up with to describe how you have made me feel.”
If you find that yourself at a loss for words while attempting to express how you feel, this is a great way to say thank you.
06“This gift is exactly what I wanted. Thanks a lot.”
This is good to use at any event where you will receive plenty of gifts. It shows that you are thankful, and that you appreciate his or her thoughtfulness.
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07“You truly are a blessing. How can I ever repay you?”
This way to say thank you implies that your friend has been a tremendous help. It’s a perfect expression to use because it shows that their deed meant something to you.
08“I can’t even begin to explain how much your generosity means to me.”
This is another way to say thank you to someone who has been a big help. It is sophisticated and sincere.
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09“Words can’t express how you have brightened my day. I love it!”
This phrasing is ideal because it shows your friend that you are feeling intense emotions because of what he or she has done.
10“You make my heart smile.”
This phrase is an excellent alternative to thank you because it shows that whatever the person has done has touched you deeply.
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11“What can I do to show my thanks?”
This is a sophisticated way to say thank you because you are offering something in return.
This is smart comment to use because it shows that what was done was genuinely appreciated and now you are in his or her debt.
13“I owe you one.”
This is appropriate to use with a close friend because it shows that you are willing to repay the favor.
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14“This really makes a difference.”
If you needed something desperately or were facing difficult times, this is a good way to say that what was done or given has really helped.
15“You shouldn’t have.”
Use this if your friend has gone above and beyond to do something for you. This is a great option because it shows that you weren’t expecting the gesture, but you are appreciative.
You don’t have to actually say thank you to show your appreciation. This is a good way to acknowledge your friend’s effort and help him or her feel appreciated.
17“Endless gratitude.”
This shows that you will be grateful for what he or she has done for a very long time.
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18“After everything that you have done, just know that I’m always in your corner.”
Sometimes, actions are better than words, and the best way to say thank you is by being there for someone just as they have been for you.
Photo by Olivia Boyd on Reshot
For colleagues: 17 ways to express your gratitude for help at work
If you have a super hardworking employee or a colleague who is always willing to lend a helping hand, it’s right that you find a way to say thank you for all they have done. Here are 17 ways to express your gratitude.
19“Without you, this ship would have sunk. I am forever in your debt.”
This is a great way to say thank you to an employee who has made a significant contribution because it acknowledges that their service was instrumental to your success, and that you will never forget their actions.
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20“I just wanted to let you know that your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, and that I appreciate everything that you have done for this company.”
Sometimes, recognition is all some people ask for. By acknowledging and recognizing what he or she has done, you are showing gratitude.
21“I’d be toast if you didn’t cover my shift last night. Thanks a lot, man!”
If you have a colleague who has filled in for you, this is a great way to say thank you because it implies that you are super grateful for the help.
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22“I am so thankful for your dedication.”
As a manager, it is essential to thank your employees for being so dedicated. This is a quick and straightforward way to do so.
23“Thanks a lot for your help. I respect and value your opinion.”
Use this comment with a colleague who has helped you with a project or offered valuable advice. This shows that you are thankful and that you are open to more advice in the future.
If a colleague has helped you out of a tight spot, this says that you are more than ready to return that favor.
25“I am staggered by your gesture.”
This suggests that you are thrilled and extremely appreciative.
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26“I am thankful for your flexibility.”
This is a tasteful way to say thank you to someone who is very adaptable in the work place. It shows that you have taken note of their flexibility and that it means something to you.
27“I’ll be sure to return the favor.”
Whatever the favor may be, this is a sophisticated way to say thank you. This phrasing suggests that you would be happy to provide a favor when the need arises.
28“Working with you was a more than pleasant experience.”
This shows that you enjoyed working with your colleague, and you wouldn’t trade him or her for anyone in the world.
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29“Your help has been invaluable.”
This implies that his or her service has been critical to your success. Expressing gratitude in this way is sure to make your colleague feel as though their efforts have been fully recognized.
30“Please accept my sincerest gratitude.”
As a formal way to say, ‘please accept my thanks,’ this phrasing means that you are deeply grateful.
31“I don’t know what I would have done without your support.”
Use this when your coworker backs you up or has cheered you on from the sidelines. This is a great way to show your appreciation because it lets him or her know that you are aware of, and value, the support.
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32“Thanks for taking the trouble of putting together this meeting at the last minute.”
Use this when you can specifically address what you are thankful for.
33“I respect your grind.”
This is a bit more casual, but it’s a great way to acknowledge someone’s work ethic. The informal comment demonstrates appreciation without making the person feel intimated or nervous because of your title.
Use this to say that you are incredibly grateful. This is good because your colleague’s contribution won’t go unnoticed.
35“I have always believed in you. Keep up the good work!”
This type of praise makes it clear that you see the potential in your colleague. You are communicating that you are proud of what he or she is doing. It will also encourage him/her to keep doing well.
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Conclusion
With all these ways to say thank you to your friends and colleagues, you may find yourself never needing to say the actual words ‘thank you’ again. You can even mix and match these ideas to make a new way to say thank you.
So, which way to say thank you will you be using first?
