Thankyou or Thank You: understanding the Difference

Thank you or thankyou may seem trivial, but the difference can impact the professionalism and clarity of your writing. While both terms aim to show appreciation, thank you is the grammatically correct way to express gratitude in English. 

In this post, we’ll break down the grammar rules and word usage for both forms. Let’s explore the correct spelling, grammar structure, and style guide recommendations for thank you and thankyou.

What is the “Thank You”?

“Thank you” is a universally recognized way to express appreciation and gratitude. Used across cultures and languages, it acknowledges someone’s kindness, effort, or support, whether spoken face-to-face, written in a letter, or typed in an email.

In casual settings, it shows politeness for small favors, like holding a door, while in formal settings, it conveys deeper recognition, often used in notes, business emails, or speeches. The beauty of “thank you” lies in its versatility—it can be used sincerely in any situation to make others feel valued.

Definition of “Thank You”

“Thank you” is a two-word expression used as an interjection, verb phrase, or noun. It serves as a polite response or acknowledgment of kindness and is widely accepted in both written and spoken English.

Meaning of “Thank You”

The phrase “thank you” signifies gratitude and appreciation. It’s commonly used to acknowledge someone’s actions, kindness, or assistance, forming a key part of polite social interactions.

Is the Thankyou Word Correct?

“Thankyou” is incorrect in standard English and is considered an error in formal writing. While it may appear in casual texts or social media, it’s rarely accepted in professional settings where proper grammar matters.

The correct form is “thank you,” two separate words, as endorsed by major dictionaries and style guides like Merriam-Webster and the Chicago Manual of Style. Using “thank you” in formal writing such as emails, business documents, or academic papers ensures clarity and presents a polished, professional image.

Definition of “Thankyou”

While “thankyou” is often seen in casual communication, it lacks a formal definition in standard English dictionaries. It is generally seen as a misspelling or informal shorthand for “thank you”.

Meaning of “Thankyou”

The informal “thankyou” attempts to convey thanks in a condensed form but lacks acceptance in formal English. It’s mainly found in informal contexts, often in quick online messages or texts.

Quick Summary

Form	Spelling	Correct Usage	Example
thank you	Two words	Formal & Informal	“Thank you for your help.”
thankyou	One word	Informal only, rarely accepted	“Thankyou for the gift.”

The table above helps clarify that thank you is the correct spelling and should be used in all professional settings, while thankyou may appear informally but lacks proper language rules.

Thankyou or Thank You: Parts of Speech

When considering thank you as a phrase, it functions as an interjection in English. It doesn’t act as a noun or adjective, but it conveys a clear expression of gratitude. Some may view thank you as an action because it responds to an event or gesture, such as receiving a gift or a favor.

Conversely, thankyou doesn’t fit within any standard parts of speech. Since it’s not formally recognized as a single word, it can’t be classified easily. Proofreading services would often flag thankyou as a grammatical error in document checking.

Pronunciation of Thankyou or Thank You

The pronunciation of both thank you and thankyou is identical in spoken English. Both are commonly pronounced. 

However, despite their similar sounds, their spellings and applications are distinct. The two-word form, thank you, is universally accepted in formal writing standards.

Side-by-Side Comparison of Thankyou or Thank You

Aspect	Thank You	Thankyou
Correctness	Accepted in all contexts	Informal only, incorrect in formal writing
Parts of Speech	Interjection	Not a recognized part of speech
Formality	Suitable for formal use	Only used informally, typically online
Professional Writing	Yes	No

Using thank you is more acceptable in formal and casual settings, while thankyou is primarily seen in informal communication online or on social media.

Which One is More Acceptable: Thankyou or Thank You?

Without a doubt, thank you is the correct and widely accepted form in English. Whether in professional writing or everyday communication, thank you should be the default choice. Using thank you ensures your writing aligns with writing standards and maintains a level of professionalism, which is crucial for business style and academic work. 

Although thankyou might appear faster to type, it doesn’t meet the requirements of quality assurance or grammar tips for accurate English.

Trick to Remember the Difference: Thankyou or Thank You

A simple way to remember the difference is to think of thank you as two separate actions. You’re thanking someone and giving them a “you.” This concept helps reinforce that thank you is a phrase structure rather than a single term. 

For editing services and text correction, consider always splitting the phrase to follow grammar rules.

Origins of Thankyou or Thank You

Thank you originated in the English language as a formal gesture of appreciation, often in response to acts of kindness. It evolved through centuries as an expression of politeness in various English dialects. 

Meanwhile, thankyou likely emerged with digital communication, where people seek shorter forms for efficiency.

Synonyms of Thankyou or Thank You

Thank You

• I appreciate it
• Much appreciated
• Many thanks
• Grateful for it
• I’m in your debt
• Thanks a bunch
• I’m so thankful
• Warmest thanks
• With gratitude
• I owe you one

Thankyou” (Informal/Alternative Phrases)

• Thx
• TY
• Thankies
• Appreciated!
• Ta
• Thanks tons
• Cheers!
• Much obliged
• Big thanks
• Heartfelt thanks

Everyday Usage Examples

Thank You:

• Thank you for helping with the project.
• I just wanted to say thank you.
• Thank you so much for your support.
• Please accept my thank you for your kindness.
• We appreciate your work, thank you.
• Thank you for your quick response.
• I’m grateful—thank you!
• Thank you for sharing this with me.
• It was great, thank you!
• Thank you for understanding.

Thankyou:

• I’ll see you soon, thankyou!
• Just wanted to say thankyou.
• Thankyou for everything.
• I owe you one, thankyou!
• Thanks for the ride, thankyou.
• Thankyou for always being there.
• You’re awesome, thankyou.
• Appreciate the help, thankyou.
• You’re too kind, thankyou.
• Loved the surprise, thankyou!

FAQs

What’s the difference between thank you and thankyou?

Thank you is correct in all contexts, while thankyou is informal and generally not acceptable in formal English.

Is “thankyou” correct in any dialects of English?

No, “thankyou” is not correct in any formal or regional English dialects.

Why do people often spell it“thankyou”?**

Many people use thankyou informally online, likely for convenience or speed.

“Do people use ‘thank you’ differently in different contexts?”

Yes, “thank you” is versatile and works in both formal and casual settings. You can use it in professional emails, thank-you notes, or everyday conversations.

What’s the best way to remember to use “thank you”?

Think of it as two words for two actions: you thank someone and acknowledge “you.”

Conclusion

Using “thank you” as two words, whether in a professional email, thank you note, or blog post, aligns with language rules and reflects attention to proper grammar.

This phrasing correctly uses the term “thank you” and ensures that the structure follows standard grammar rules.Next time you want to convey gratitude, remember that the two-word form, “thank you,” is always appropriate and correct in any context.