What are Thanks and Thank you? How are Thanks and Thank you different?

Thanks and Thank you are widely used in English, but many people often confuse the usage of these two words. In today's article, PREP will help you differentiate between Thanks and Thank you, along with a practice exercise. Take a look now!

I. What is Thank you?

What is thank you? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Thank you is pronounced /ˈθæŋk juː/. Thank you functions as an interjection and a noun.

• As an interjection, Thank you means: express gratitude towards someone for doing something for oneself. For example: It’s good to see you, Mr. Smith. Thank you for coming! 
• As a noun, Thank you means: an expression of gratitude. For example: A big thank you to all those who helped with the sale. 
• Thank functions as a verb, meaning: to express gratitude towards someone. For example: I would like to thank Jennie for her generosity. 

Common structures with Thank you:

Note: In English, we only say "Thank you, Thank you so much..." and NOT "I thank you."

II. What is Thanks?

What is Thanks? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Thanks is pronounced /θæŋks/. Thanks functions as an interjection and a noun.

• As an interjection, Thanks means: express gratitude towards someone for doing something for oneself. For example: Thanks a lot for a cup of coffee. 
• As a noun (plural form), Thanks means: expressions of gratitude. For example: My thanks to all of you for your help. 

Common structures with Thanks:

Words and phrases associated with Thanks:

III. Common usage of Thanks and Thank you

Let's explore the common usage of Thank you and Thanks with PREP below!

IV. Differences between Thanks and Thank you

Both convey the meaning of "express gratitude", but there are still some differences between Thanks and Thank you. Let's explore them with PREP below!

VI. Notes on using Thanks and Thank you

Thanks and Thank you are common communication words, but some people still misuse the structure of these two words. Take note of the following points with PREP to avoid using Thanks and Thank you incorrectly in your English communication:

• Only use "Thank you" or the structure "Thanks + person's name" when you want to thank someone. DO NOT USE "Thanks you, Thanks you John..."
• Only use "Thanks a lot." DO NOT USE "Thank you a lot."
• Only use "Many thanks." DO NOT USE "Many thank you."
• Only use "Thank God." DO NOT USE "Thanks God."

V. Exercise to Differentiate Thanks and Thank you

To differentiate between Thanks and Thank you, please complete the exercise provided by PREP below!

Exercise: Find and correct errors:

1. Thanks you for having me.
2. Thank you a million for your unwavering support during tough times.
3. Thanks God you’re home! 
4. Thank you a lot for giving me candy.
5. Thanks you very much for the flowers.
6. We would like to thanks everyone for their generosity.
7. Thanks you John for picking up.
8. Many thank for your books.
9. Thank to the efforts of the whole staff, the contract was signed.
10. Thanks you for helping us.

Answer:

1. Thanks ➞ Thank
2. Thank you a million ➞ Thanks a million
3. Thanks ➞ Thank
4. Thank you a lot ➞ Thanks a lot
5. Thanks ➞ Thank
6. Thanks ➞ Thank
7. Thanks ➞ Thank
8. Thank ➞ Thanks
9. Thank ➞ Thanks
10. Thanks ➞ Thank

Above, PREP has shared all the relevant knowledge regarding the meaning, usage, and differentiation of Thanks and Thank you in English. The effectiveness of applying this knowledge depends on regular practice and diligent learning. Wishing you success!