Have you ever paused before typing a “thank you” and wondered if it should be “thankyou” or “thank you”? You are not alone. Millions of people search for this keyword because the English language often confuses learners and even native speakers with subtle differences. The main question revolves around whether “thankyou” as a single word is correct, or if it should always be written as two words, “thank you.” Understanding this not only helps in writing emails, texts, and social media posts but also ensures your writing looks professional. This guide will clear up the confusion, explain the origin of the word, compare British vs American usage, and show you which version to use in everyday contexts.
Thankyou or Thank You Quotes
Quotes are a wonderful way to express gratitude, whether in writing, speech, or social media posts. When using the phrase “thank you”, it is important to keep it as two words, as this is grammatically correct and universally understood. Many inspiring quotes emphasize the power of gratitude, such as “Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone” or “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it”. Even short messages like “Thank you for making a difference” or “Thank you for being there” carry warmth and appreciation. Avoid using “thankyou” in these quotes unless it is part of branding or informal messaging, because two words maintain professionalism, clarity, and proper English etiquette in any context.
Thankyou or Thank You – Quick Answer
The correct usage is “thank you” as two words in most cases. It is a phrase, not a single word.
Examples:
- Correct: Thank you for your help.
- Incorrect: Thankyou for your help.
“Thankyou” can appear as a single word in some informal contexts, such as in product names or casual branding (Thankyou brand), but standard grammar always prefers two words.
The Origin of Thank You
The phrase “thank you” dates back to Middle English. “Thank” comes from the Old English “þancian”, meaning to give thanks, while “you” was added as a pronoun. Over centuries, it remained two separate words.
The single-word variant “thankyou” emerged informally in modern English but has never been widely accepted in formal writing. Most dictionaries and style guides recommend using “thank you” for proper grammar.
British English vs American English Spelling
Both British and American English use “thank you” as two words. There is no regional spelling difference here, unlike words such as colour (UK) vs color (US).
| Aspect | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Form | thank you | thank you |
| Informal/Brand Usage | thankyou | thankyou |
| Grammar Acceptability | Two words | Two words |
Key takeaway: The phrase “thank you” is universal, and “thankyou” is rarely correct outside informal contexts.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- US audiences: Always use “thank you” in emails, texts, and formal writing.
- UK/Commonwealth: Stick to “thank you”; avoid “thankyou” in formal documents.
- Global audiences: Two words is safest for professional communication.
Informal branding or social media handles can use “thankyou”, but for clarity and correctness, stick to “thank you”.
Common Mistakes with Thank You
- Writing “thankyou” in emails → ❌ Correct: Thank you for your support. ✅
- Capitalizing randomly → ❌ Thank You for your help. ✅ Use normal sentence case unless starting a sentence.
- Using “thanks you” → ❌ Incorrect; the proper phrase is thank you.
Quick tip: If you are ever unsure, split it into two words — it is always correct.
Thank You in Everyday Examples
- Emails: Thank you for your prompt reply.
- News articles: We thank you for your patience.
- Social media: Thank you everyone for 10k followers!
- Formal writing: We would like to thank you for your participation in the study.
In each case, two words make your message grammatically correct.
Thankyou – Google Trends & Usage Data
Google Trends shows that “thank you” is far more popular than “thankyou.” Searches spike around holidays, appreciation events, and customer service topics.
| Keyword | Popularity | Main Countries |
|---|---|---|
| thank you | High | US, UK, India, Canada |
| thankyou | Low | Mostly informal social media posts |
The two-word phrase dominates professional, educational, and formal writing.
Keyword Variations Comparison
| Variation | Usage Context | Correctness |
|---|---|---|
| thank you | Formal writing, emails, letters | ✅ Correct |
| Thank You | Beginning of sentence | ✅ Correct |
| thankyou | Branding, informal posts | ⚠ Rarely correct |
| Thanks | Casual conversation | ✅ Acceptable |
FAQs
- Is thankyou or thank you correct?
- ✅ “Thank you” (two words) is correct; “thankyou” is informal or used in branding.
- Is thankyou 1 word or 2?
- Standard English: two words — “thank you.” One word is rarely correct.
- Should thankyou have a space?
- ✅ Yes, always use a space: “thank you.”
- Is thankyou one word in the UK?
- No, British English also uses two words: “thank you.”
- How do Brits say thank you?
- Simply as “thank you,” sometimes informally shortened to “thanks.”
- Why do some people hyphenate “thank you”?
- Occasionally hyphenated as “thank-you” when used as an adjective, e.g., “a thank-you note.”
- Do Gen Z send thank you notes?
- Less often; they prefer digital messages or texts, but traditional notes are still used for formal occasions.
- When should “thank you” have a hyphen?
- Use a hyphen only when it modifies a noun: “thank-you gift” or “thank-you card.”
- What’s the history of saying “thank you”?
- It comes from Middle English “þancian” meaning “to give thanks,” combined with “you.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, “thank you” is the grammatically correct form for nearly all contexts. While “thankyou” sometimes appears informally in social media or branding, it should be avoided in emails, formal writing, and professional communication. British and American English both follow this rule, so using two words is safe globally. Always remember: clear, polite, and standard usage is two words — thank you. Whether writing a quick note, an email, or addressing a global audience, this small but essential difference ensures your writing is professional, readable, and correct.
