Difference between Thank You & Thanks

Thank You vs Thanks

Thank You and Thanks are both polite expressions utilized to demonstrate gratitude. While there is no difference in their meanings, there is a difference in the context of their usage. Using Thank You is more appropriate for formal occasions, while Thanks is considered less formal.

Key Takeaways

• Thanks is a plural noun and cannot be used with a direct object, while Thank You can be used with a direct object.
• Thanks is often followed by the expression “a lot,” while Thank You is often followed by “very much.”
• Thank You is more formal than Thanks and is used to accept or refuse things when they are offered.

What does Thanks mean?

Thanks is a plural noun and cannot be used with a direct object. It is often followed by the expression “a lot,” as seen in the sentences:

I said ‘Thanks a lot.’
Here is a cake for you. – ‘Oh! Thanks a lot.’

Thank is a transitive verb and is followed by a direct object, as in the sentence:

Francis thanked Fredrick for his help.

Sometimes, Thanks is used to refuse something that is offered, as in “No Thanks.”

What does Thank You mean?

The expression Thank You is often followed by “very much” and not by “a lot.” Both Thank You and Thanks are followed often by “for” and immediately by a gerund (ing), as in the sentence:

He thanked her for going with him to the shop.

Thank You is also used to refuse or accept something that is offered, as in “No thank you” or when accepting something, such as when Francis says “thank you” when offered fruits by Florence.

What is the difference between Thank You and Thanks?

• Thanks is a plural noun and cannot be used with a direct object, while Thank You can be used with a direct object.
• Thanks is often followed by the expression “a lot,” while Thank You is often followed by “very much.”
• Thank You is more formal than Thanks and is used to accept or refuse things when they are offered.

It is important to note that Thank You is the modern form of the older expression “I thank you.” The personal pronoun “I” is always dropped while speaking. Sometimes the word “thanks” is followed by the expression “so much,” as in “Thanks so much for calling.” Both expressions are often interchanged.