Guide 67 / 200 6 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “thank”
Five register-appropriate ways to say thanks.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Thanks" is fine in email. Formal documents reach for verbs that acknowledge the action as well as the feeling — commend, recognise, express thanks.
ii · The swaps6 ways
- 01Appreciate neutral
soft acknowledgement
I appreciate your patience on this.
- 02Acknowledge formal
formal recognition of contribution
We acknowledge the team's efforts.
- 03Recognise formal
note and reward
Recognise the engineering contribution at all-hands.
- 04Commend formal
praise officially
Commend the team for meeting the deadline.
- 05Grateful formal
adjective — state of being thankful
We are grateful for your support throughout.
- 06Express thanks formal
formal business close
I wish to express thanks for the introduction.