Page 6 - Review Mid-Term Material Grade 7

D. Thanks and Expressions of Gratitude

Most languages have an automatic response to thanks. The British do not
automatically respond to thanks, but Americans do. A response is not necessary in
British English, but is becoming more frequent. In the past, You’re
welcome sounded very American. Nowadays it’s common in Britain too. Another
common response in Britain is No problem (at all). Remember that Please is not an
acceptable response to thanks in either Britain or the USA.

Thanking someone
Thanks. Thanks for (trying).
Thank you. It doesn’t matter. Thanks.
Thanks a lot. Never mind. Thanks.
Thank you very much. Responding to thanks
Thank you very much indeed. You’re welcome. (US)
It was very kind of you. Not at all. (formal, UK)
I appreciate your help. Don’t mention it.
You’ve been very helpful. (It’s) my pleasure.
Thanking someone who tires to help It was nothing.
Thanks anyway. That’s alright/OK.
Thank you for (looking). No problem.
Any time.

E. Apologizing and Explaining oneself

There are a few ways to apologize but a good thing to remember is that we usually
add something to an apology:

Explaining Oneself , Accepting
Apologies
Responsibility
I’m sorry… …I wasn’t very well yesterday
I’m very sorry… …I didn’t see you
I’m terribly …It won’t happen again
sorry… …I’ll be more careful next time
Excuse me… …I’ll finish it before I go home
Pardon me… …It’s my fault
I apologize… …It’s all my fault
I’m afraid…

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