Exercises A1 : saying thank you in English (answers)

These exercises are based on the lesson about saying thank you in English. Practice choosing the right expression depending on the situation: casual or formal!

→ See the course : Saying thank you in English : complete course

Exercise 1 : Choose the right expression

Read each situation and choose the most appropriate way to say thank you.

1. Your friend gives you a piece of cake. What do you say?
   • Thank you very much, sir.
   • Thanks!
   • Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
   • I am grateful for your assistance.
2. Your teacher helps you after class. What do you say?
   • Thanks, buddy!
   • Whatever!
   • Thank you very much.
   • No problem.
3. A colleague holds the door open for you at work. What do you say?
   • Thanks!
   • I don't care.
   • Please sit down.
   • Good morning.
4. A doctor helps you at the hospital. What do you say?
   • Thanks, dude!
   • Thank you very much.
   • See you later!
   • Nice to meet you.

Correction

1. Thanks!
2. Thank you very much.
3. Thanks!
4. Thank you very much.

Exercise 2 : Match the situation to the expression

Match each situation on the left with the correct thank-you expression on the right.

1. A friend lends you a pen.
2. A bank manager helps you open an account.
3. Your brother makes you a sandwich.
4. A police officer helps you find your way.

• Thanks! is the correct expression because this is a casual, informal situation between friends.
• Thank you very much is the correct expression because this is a formal professional situation.
• Thank you very much is the correct expression because this is a formal interaction with an authority figure.
• Thanks! is the correct expression because this is an everyday, informal moment with family.

Correction

1. A friend lends you a pen. – Thanks! is the correct expression because this is a casual, informal situation between friends.
2. A bank manager helps you open an account. – Thank you very much is the correct expression because this is a formal professional situation.
3. Your brother makes you a sandwich. – Thanks! is the correct expression because this is an everyday, informal moment with family.
4. A police officer helps you find your way. – Thank you very much is the correct expression because this is a formal interaction with an authority figure.

Exercise 3 : Complete the sentences

Fill in the blank with the correct thank-you expression: Thanks! or Thank you very much.

1. Your sister passes you the salt at dinner. You say: ___, that's perfect!
2. Your English teacher corrects your homework carefully. You say: ___, I will study harder.
3. Your best friend remembers your birthday. You say: ___, you are so kind!
4. A hotel receptionist carries your bag to your room. You say: ___, that is very helpful.

Correction

1. Thanks!, that's perfect!
2. Thank you very much, I will study harder.
3. Thanks!, you are so kind!
4. Thank you very much, that is very helpful.