Gratitude may be a small word, but it carries enormous power. When you type “Thank You” or “Thankyou”, have you ever stopped to wonder which one is actually correct?
You’re not alone. Thousands of people search this exact question every day, unsure whether to write it as two words or combine it into one. It seems simple, yet using the wrong version can subtly affect your writing, emails, captions, and even professional communication.
In a world where first impressions matter, even tiny details count. Whether you’re sending a heartfelt message, replying to a client, posting on social media, or writing an academic paper, understanding the correct usage can make you sound more polished and confident.
What Does “Thank You” Mean?
“Thank you” is a phrase used to express gratitude. It is always written as two separate words in standard English.
Examples:
- Thank you for helping me with my homework.
- I just wanted to say thank you for your kindness.
- Thank you, everyone, for coming to the party.
Key Points:
- It is formal and correct in all types of writing.
- Can be used in spoken English, emails, letters, and text messages.
- Often followed by a comma when addressing someone: “Thank you, Sarah.”
What About “Thankyou”?
“Thankyou” written as one word is incorrect in standard English, except in certain brand names, trademarks, or stylistic choices (e.g., “Thankyou” the charity).
Common Misuses:
- Text: “I really appreciate it, thankyou!” ❌
- Note: “Thankyou for your help” ❌
Correct version:
- “Thank you for your help.” ✅
Tip: If you see “thankyou” in everyday writing, it’s usually a typo or informal shorthand. Always stick to “thank you” in professional or academic writing.
Comparison: Thank You vs Thankyou
| Feature | Thank You | Thankyou |
| Correctness | ✅ Correct | ❌ Incorrect (except brand names) |
| Number of words | 2 words | 1 word |
| Usage | Standard English, formal and informal | Rare, mostly branding or mistakes |
| Examples | “Thank you for your gift.” | “Thankyou Foundation” (brand name only) |
| Tone | Polite, formal | N/A |
Common Mistakes and Spelling Tips
Many people confuse “thank you” and “thankyou” because they are often spoken the same way. Here are tips to avoid mistakes:
1. Always Write Two Words
- ✅ Thank you for your help.
- ❌ Thankyou for your help.
2. Remember the Grammar Rule
- “Thank” = verb
- “You” = pronoun
- Together they form a phrase, not a single word.
3. Punctuation Tips
- Use a comma after “thank you” when addressing someone directly:
- “Thank you, John, for your support.”
- “Thank you, John, for your support.”
4. Capitalization
- Start with capital letters at the beginning of a sentence or in titles:
- “Thank You for Visiting Our Website.”
- “Thank You for Visiting Our Website.”
Examples of Correct Usage
Here are some practical examples to help you remember:
Everyday Conversations
- “Thank you for inviting me to dinner.”
- “I just wanted to say thank you for your advice.”
Emails
- Subject line: Thank You for Your Inquiry
- Body: Thank you for contacting our customer service team.
Social Media
- “Thank you all for 1,000 followers!”
- “Big shoutout to everyone—thank you for your support!”
Notes and Letters
- “Dear Aunt Mary, thank you for the lovely gift.”
- “Thank you for considering my application.”
FAQ: People Also Ask
1. Is “thankyou” ever correct?
Only as a brand name, trademark, or stylistic choice. In everyday English, it’s considered a mistake. Always use thank you.
2. Can I use “thank you” in formal emails?
Yes! It’s polite, professional, and correct in both emails and letters.
3. Should I use “thanks” instead?
“Thanks” is informal. Use it with friends or casual messages, but thank you is better for formal or professional writing.
4. How do I remember the correct spelling?
Think of it as “thank” + “you”—two separate words. If it feels like one word, it’s probably wrong.
5. Can “thank you” be hyphenated?
No. “Thank-you” with a hyphen is sometimes used in British English as a noun (“a thank-you note”), but in most cases, just stick to thank you.
Tips to Use “Thank You” Correctly Every Time
- Say it out loud: “Thank” and “you” are separate words.
- Proofread your text: Especially in emails, to avoid “thankyou” typo.
- Use in greetings: Start or end messages politely.
- Combine with gestures: “Thank you very much” or “Thank you so much” for added warmth.
- Avoid slang: “Thanku” or “thx” is okay for texting, but not for formal writing.
Conclusion
The correct form is always “thank you” when expressing gratitude. Writing it as “thankyou” is generally a mistake, except in brand names or stylized contexts. Remember, two words, not one.
By keeping this simple rule in mind, you can confidently write polite, professional, and correct English every time. Gratitude is powerful, and the way you express it matters. So, the next time you want to show appreciation, write it right thank you!
