How to say “thank you for” like a native speaker
Name the help, action or gift you appreciate. Follow “for” with a noun or an -ing form, such as “coming”.
All phrases · Polite requests
Hear “thank you for” in real speech
Clip 1 · BBC Learning English
Neil's difficult summer job in Canada 🫛 | Practise your listening with Real Easy English · 5:19
About this video
Neil and Georgie discuss difficult jobs they have had in this BBC Learning English conversation. Their examples include Neil's summer job in Canada and the stress caused by changes to a company's delivery arrangements.
In context
OK. Well, that is the end of this episode of Real Easy English, but Neil we'll be back next week, won't we?We will. Thank you for listening and goodbye.
Goodbye!
Clip 2 · Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey Harvard Commencement speech | Harvard Commencement 2013 · 28:43
About this video
Oprah Winfrey speaks to Harvard's graduating class of 2013. In the address, she discusses an interview with parents who lost their son in the Sandy Hook shooting and reflects on responding to difficult experiences.
In context
Congratulations to your family and friends.Good luck and thank you for listening. Is that OK?
Clip 3 · English with Emma · engVid
5 English Expressions for Busy People · 11:03
About this video
Emma teaches five English expressions for being busy, including “in a rush”, “on the go” and “swamped”. She explains their everyday use and demonstrates the final sound in “swamped”.
In context
to calm down and make you feel nice and calm and relaxed.So, thank you for watching, and until next time, take care.
When to use “thank you for”
- Acknowledging a gift: “Thank you for the flowers.”
- Following up after a visit: “Thank you for showing us around.”
Common learner mistake
After “for”, use a noun or -ing form: “Thank you for helping”, not “Thank you for help me”.
Possible connected-speech patterns in “thank you for”
“Thank you” stays close together, and “for” is often weak before the thing you are thanking someone for.
Related phrases
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You don't need to speak fast.
A slow line to begin with: listen to how “don’t need to” runs together, then say it at the speaker’s pace.
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