Expressing thanks is commonplace in everyday conversation and socialization. Sometimes, you simply need to say a quick thanks; but other times, you need a more profound expression of appreciation. The English language offers many different phrases to communicate gratitude. So, is the phrase “thanks all” a correct expression of appreciation?
Yes, it is correct to say “thanks all.” We often use this minor sentence to briefly express thanks to a group of three or more people. This phrase is an abbreviation of longer, more formal terms, and you can use it in written or verbal communication.
Let’s discover how to use this common phrase in everyday communication.
Is It Correct to Say “Thanks All”?
While the phrase “thanks all” seems incomplete, lacking a subject and verb, it is grammatically correct. This phrase is a minor sentence you can use on its own as a standalone statement or within a complete sentence.
We can use shortened phrases in the English language as a more straightforward and natural way of communicating. The phrase “thanks all” is an excellent example of this.
Using “thanks all,” you communicate gratitude quickly and informally without wasting time or exaggerating your appreciation.
What Does “Thanks All” Mean?
“Thanks All” is a phrase you can use to express gratitude informally to a group of people.
To better understand this phrase, let’s break it down.
The definition of “thanks” is “an expression of gratitude — often used in an utterance containing no verb and serving as a courteous and somewhat informal expression of gratitude” (source).
The definition of “all” is “referring to the whole of a particular group or thing or to everyone or everything of a particular kind” (source).
Combined, “thanks all” aptly expresses thanks to a group of people in a casual setting.
How Do You Use “Thanks All”?
You can say “thanks all” when you wish to express general thanks to a group. There are many other ways to use this phrase, however. For example, you can use it as a short exclamatory phrase while speaking or within a complete sentence.
The word “thanks” is an interjection (source). An interjection is a short exclamation that communicates a lot of meaning in fewer words, as it often expresses emotion (source).
Interjections do not require a larger sentence structure to compose a complete thought. Instead, you can use them independently, in between sentences, or in conversation.
The word “all” in this phrase acts as a distributive determiner (source). In this context, it modifies the word “thanks” by pointing to whom you are giving thanks – everyone in a particular group.
Whether independently or within a complete sentence, “thanks all” is the handier version of the traditional sentence pattern of subject, verb, and object. Compare the following:
“Thanks all for a job well done” translates to “I thank all of you for a job well done.”
“Thanks all for your attention to these new guidelines” translates to “I thank everyone for your attention to these new guidelines.”
“Your support is so valuable; thanks all!” translates to “Your support is so valuable; I thank each of you!”
When Can You Use “Thanks All”?
“Thanks all” is a phrase that works best when you use it in the present tense. However, you can also use the term to express gratitude for past or future events.
You can use “thanks all” to express thanks in the present.
For example, if you give instructions at work for a new assignment or project, you might complete your explanation with: “Thanks all for your attention!” This expresses gratitude to those receiving the instructions and who will be doing the work.
You can also use “thanks all” in the present to express thanks for something that occurred in the past.
For example, in an email to a volunteer team, you might say, “Thanks all! Your work at this weekend’s fundraising event did not go unnoticed, and we couldn’t have done it without you!”
Lastly, you can use “thanks all” in the present tense to describe something that will happen in the future. For example: “Looking forward to next week’s conference – thanks all for your participation!”
In What Context Can You Use “Thanks All”?
“Thanks all” is a simple phrase you can use with peers, either verbally or in writing. We often use this phrase when providing instructions, offering reminders, or making closing remarks.
Typically, you will want to use the phrase “thanks all” when addressing your peers, friends, or family members. However, we usually don’t use this phrase when addressing our superiors.
The minor sentence “Thank you, everyone” will work well if you need a more formal alternative. But, for casual and informal situations, “thanks all” is a good choice.
You can also use the phrase “thanks all” very naturally in writing, in addition to using it in conversation. For example, you might use it in an email to a group of newsletter subscribers or a company team.
We commonly use “thanks all” when giving instructions or reminders to a group.
For example, a message from a teacher to his class might say, “For this week’s exam, please remember to bring a pencil and turn off your cell phones before entering the classroom. Thanks all!”
Lastly, “thanks all” is a great closing phrase. It can communicate that you have finished your statement, request, or instructions, and express gratitude as a manner of wrapping up your words.
In this context, you signal your audience to dismiss a gathering or move on to the next item on the agenda. Likewise, it is an ideal concluding phrase or signature in an email.
Using “Thanks All” in a Full Sentence
As we’ve mentioned previously, it is acceptable to use “thanks all” on its own. However, we can use it within a longer sentence to provide more context.
As a minor sentence, “thanks all” forms a complete thought and does not require additional words or sentence structure to express gratitude. Remember, it functions like a complete sentence, even though it doesn’t contain the traditional form of a complete sentence.
You might use this phrase on its own to end a message containing a statement, instructions, or a request. Here are some examples:
- “I am looking forward to seeing this event come together. Thanks all!”
- “Hi team, can you have your reports for me by the end of the day? Thanks all!”
- “Please do not park in the main parking lot, as it is being repaved this week. Thanks all!
If your audience needs additional context, here are some examples of how you might incorporate “thanks all” into a sentence.
First, you can combine “thanks all” in a sentence with what you are thankful for:
- “Thanks all for your hard work on this project!”
Second, you can use “thanks all” within a sentence that further expresses gratitude:
- “Thanks all; your hard work is greatly appreciated!”
When Not to Use “Thanks All”
There are several contexts in which “thanks all” is not an appropriate phrase. For example, you should not use “thanks all” when you want to express profound gratitude or speak to a group of superiors. On top of that, the phrase works best for a group of three or more.
Let’s say a group of coworkers works together to give you a nice gift for your wedding. “Thanks all” might be too casual and flippant to fully express your gratitude. Instead, you would want to choose a phrase that reflects more emotion, such as, “I want to thank each and every one of you.”
“Thanks all” is also too casual to use when speaking to a group of superiors. Thus, it is best to use a more formal expression of gratitude like, “Thank you all so much.”
Additionally, “thanks all” would not be the most appropriate phrase if you give instructions to two people. This is because “all” typically applies to three or more people. So instead, opt for another minor sentence like, “Thank you both.”
What Can You Use Instead of “Thanks All”?
The English language has many different words and phrases for expressing gratitude, so there are plenty to choose from when “thanks all” doesn’t work. For example, if you want to express deeper thanks, address a smaller group of people, or speak in a more formal tone, you may want to find a different phrase.
For expressing more profound gratitude than “thanks all” can communicate, you can use one of these examples (source):
- Please accept my deepest gratitude.
- I cannot thank you enough.
- I am sincerely grateful.
- I am beyond thankful.
If you are expressing gratitude to a few people informally, it is more appropriate to say “thanks” or “thank you.” Alternatively, you might use the following phrases when addressing two people:
- Thanks, you two!
- Thank you both!
You can read more about the latter term in Is It Correct to Say “Thank You Both”?
In addition to the phrases above, the expressions below are similar to “thanks all.” You may find the following more natural, depending on the context. Here are some examples:
- Thanks to all who contributed to this effort.
- Thank you all; you’ve been an enormous help.
- Thanks, everyone.
- Thank you, everyone.
Note: a determiner is not always required when expressing gratitude to a group. Sometimes, “thanks” or “thank you” works just as well as “thanks all.”
Expressions of Gratitude as Interjections
Interjections are a common way to express gratitude casually or in passing. These words and phrases are essential to everyday communication in the English language.
Small, casual expressions of gratitude are a great way to show politeness, especially in the workplace and other public settings.
You might use the simple word “thanks” when someone holds the door for you or compliments you, or when a family member passes bread to you at the dinner table.
Here is a list of common phrases with modifications or abbreviations of the word “thanks” that act as interjections:
- Thanks so much!
- Thanks a lot!
- Thanks a bunch!
- Thanks, everyone!
Some other common expressions of gratitude that often act as interjections include:
- Appreciate it!
- Much appreciated!
- Much obliged!
- Cheers!
- Grateful for you!
- You’re the best!
Read more about these expressions of gratitude as interjections in Is It Correct to Say “Thanks a Lot”?
Common Phrases
Common phrases are simple expressions that aid in communication, both in writing and speech. They add a unique voice and tone to your words and express emotions more authentically while using fewer words.
Learning to use common phrases in casual conversation is a valuable English tool. This skill is especially helpful in communicating in social settings and essential for showing manners, politeness, and respect.
“Thanks all” is an example of a literal phrase we frequently employ in English. There are many examples of these familiar terms, which vary depending on where you live and who you talk to regularly (source).
Here are some familiar examples:
- Nice to meet you!
- How’s it going?
- Works for me.
- Sounds good.
- Have a good one!
You can even have a basic conversation using only common phrases. For example:
- Person A: Hi there!
- Person B: How’s it going?
- Person A: Not too bad.
- Person B: Glad to hear that. Have a good one!
Idioms are another common phrase that use figurative language (source). The following are some common examples:
- We don’t always see eye to eye.
- That prom dress cost an arm and a leg.
- I only go to parties once in a blue moon.
- I bent over backward to make our guests feel at home.
Lastly, proverbs are another type of common phrase that you might encounter in the English language. These phrases often impart some piece of wisdom or advice and get passed on through generations (source). Here are some examples:
- Actions speak louder than words.
- Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
- The grass is always greener on the other side.
You don’t have to communicate solely in complete sentences with a subject, verb, and object. Doing so would undoubtedly come across as redundant or robotic at times!
This article was written for strategiesforparents.com.
Some phrases, such as particular interjections and common phrases, express a complete thought naturally with fewer words. As a result, they may make your writing or speech more concise, natural, and easier to understand.
Final Thoughts
“Thanks all” is a practical example of a common phrase that helps you to concisely and adequately express gratitude in a group setting.
It is also a great example of a minor sentence that does not take on traditional sentence structure but effectively communicates your feelings concisely. You may use this phrase alone or in a complete sentence.