Are you ever unsure about whether to use “regards” or “thanks” in your emails or letters? It can be confusing to know which one is the proper word to use, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s define each word. “Regards” is often used to close a formal letter or email and is a way of expressing good wishes or greetings. It can also be used to convey respect or esteem for the recipient. “Thanks,” on the other hand, is a way of expressing gratitude or appreciation for something that has been done or given.
So, which one is the proper word to use? Well, it depends on the context. If you are closing a formal letter or email, “regards” is generally the more appropriate choice. If you are expressing gratitude or appreciation, then “thanks” is the way to go.
Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore the different ways in which “regards” and “thanks” can be used, and provide examples to help you determine which one is the best choice for your situation.
Define Regards
Regards is a term commonly used to express good wishes or greetings towards someone. It is often used as a closing in formal or professional communication such as emails, letters, or even business cards. The term “regards” is derived from the French word “regarder,” which means “to look at” or “to regard.”
When used in communication, “regards” can be interpreted as a sign of respect, politeness, or even friendliness. It can also be used to convey a sense of formality, particularly when communicating with someone you do not know well or in a professional setting.
Some common examples of using “regards” in a sentence include:
- “Please give my regards to your family.”
- “With warm regards, John.”
- “Best regards, Sarah.”
Define Thanks
Thanks is a term commonly used to express gratitude or appreciation towards someone. It is often used as a closing in informal or personal communication such as emails, text messages, or even verbal conversations. The term “thanks” is derived from the Old English word “thanca,” which means “thought” or “grateful feeling.”
When used in communication, “thanks” can be interpreted as a sign of appreciation, politeness, or even friendliness. It can also be used to convey a sense of informality, particularly when communicating with someone you know well or in a personal setting.
Some common examples of using “thanks” in a sentence include:
- “Thanks for your help with the project.”
- “Thanks a lot for the gift, it was really thoughtful.”
- “I just wanted to say thanks for being there for me.”
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Choosing the right words to use in a sentence can be a tricky task, especially when it comes to formal communication. The words “regards” and “thanks” are often used at the end of a message or letter to express gratitude or show respect. However, using them interchangeably can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.
How To Use Regards In A Sentence
The word “regards” is commonly used in formal communication to show respect or convey good wishes. It is often used at the end of a letter or email, followed by the name of the sender. Here are some examples:
- Best regards,
- Warm regards,
- With kind regards,
- Yours sincerely,
- Respectfully yours,
When using “regards” in a sentence, it is important to remember that it is a plural noun. Therefore, it should be preceded by a plural verb. For example:
- My regards go out to everyone affected by the recent natural disaster.
- Please give my regards to your family.
How To Use Thanks In A Sentence
The word “thanks” is commonly used to express gratitude or appreciation. It is often used at the end of a message or letter, followed by the name of the sender. Here are some examples:
- Thanks,
- Many thanks,
- Thanks in advance,
- Thank you for your time,
- Thank you for your help,
When using “thanks” in a sentence, it is important to remember that it is an informal expression. Therefore, it should be used in casual or semi-formal communication. For example:
- Thanks for the invitation, I would love to attend.
- Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it.
It is also important to note that “thanks” can be used as a noun or a verb. When used as a noun, it should be preceded by an article such as “the” or “my”. For example:
- The thanks of the entire team go out to our sponsors.
- My thanks go out to everyone who helped make this project a success.
More Examples Of Regards & Thanks Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide you with more examples of how to use regards and thanks in a sentence. By understanding how these words are used in various contexts, you can improve your communication skills and express gratitude more effectively.
Examples Of Using Regards In A Sentence
- With kind regards, I remain yours sincerely.
- Please give my regards to your family.
- He sent his regards to all of his former colleagues.
- My regards to your mother, who I hope is feeling better.
- She regards him as one of the most talented musicians of his generation.
- He regards the new policy as a step in the right direction.
- She regards him with suspicion, believing that he is not trustworthy.
- Please accept my regards and best wishes for your future success.
- She regards her job as a calling, not just a way to earn a living.
- With warm regards, I remain your devoted friend.
Examples Of Using Thanks In A Sentence
- Thanks for your help with the project. I couldn’t have done it without you.
- I just wanted to say thanks for the lovely gift you sent me.
- Thanks a million for your support and encouragement.
- Thanks to your generosity, we were able to raise enough money for the charity.
- Thanks again for your hospitality during my visit.
- Thanks for taking the time to meet with me today.
- Thanks for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
- Thanks for the great job you did on the report. It was very thorough and well-written.
- Thanks for being such a good friend to me. I really appreciate it.
- Thanks for always being there for me, no matter what.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to professional communication, using the right language is crucial. Two phrases that are often used interchangeably are “regards” and “thanks”. However, these two phrases have different meanings and contexts, and using them in the wrong way can lead to misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Regards” In Place Of “Thanks”
One common mistake people make is using “Regards” at the end of an email or letter as a way of saying “Thanks”. While “Regards” can be used as a polite way of ending a message, it does not convey gratitude in the same way that “Thanks” does. Using “Regards” instead of “Thanks” can make you come across as less appreciative or even insincere.
Using “Thanks” In Place Of “Regards”
On the other hand, using “Thanks” in place of “Regards” can also be a mistake. “Thanks” is a way of expressing gratitude or appreciation, while “Regards” is a way of expressing good wishes or regards. Using “Thanks” instead of “Regards” can make you come across as less formal or even unprofessional.
Using Both “Regards” And “Thanks” Together
Another mistake people make is using both “Regards” and “Thanks” together, such as “Regards and thanks” or “Thanks and regards”. While this may seem like a polite way of ending a message, it is redundant and can come across as insincere or even confusing.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to understand the context and meaning of each phrase. Here are some tips:
- Use “Thanks” when expressing gratitude or appreciation
- Use “Regards” when expressing good wishes or regards
- Avoid using both “Regards” and “Thanks” together
- Consider the tone and formality of the message when choosing which phrase to use
By following these tips, you can ensure that your professional communication is clear, appropriate, and effective.
Context Matters
Choosing between regards and thanks can depend on the context in which they are used. The choice of words can convey different meanings and emotions, and it is important to use the appropriate one for the situation.
Examples Of Different Contexts And How The Choice Between Regards And Thanks Might Change:
- Formal Emails: In a formal email, regards is the more appropriate choice as it is a polite and professional way to end the message. Using thanks in this context may come across as too casual or even presumptuous. For example, “Regards, John Smith” is a suitable sign-off for a formal email.
- Thank You Notes: When writing a thank you note, thanks is the more appropriate choice as it expresses gratitude and appreciation. Using regards in this context may come across as distant or formal. For example, “Thanks for your thoughtful gift. I really appreciate it. Best regards, Jane.”
- Job Interviews: In a job interview, regards is the more appropriate choice as it is a respectful and professional way to end the conversation. Using thanks in this context may come across as presumptuous or overly familiar. For example, “Thank you for considering my application. Best regards, John.”
- Personal Emails: In a personal email, both regards and thanks can be appropriate depending on the context. If the email is expressing gratitude or appreciation, then thanks would be more appropriate. If the email is simply a friendly message, then regards would be more appropriate. For example, “Thanks for your help with the project. Best regards, Sarah” or “I hope you’re doing well. Regards, Alex.”
Overall, the choice between regards and thanks depends on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the tone and purpose of the message to select the appropriate sign-off.
Exceptions To The Rules
While regards and thanks are commonly used in various forms of communication, there are certain exceptions where the rules for their usage might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:
1. Casual Conversations
When you are having a casual conversation with someone, you might not necessarily need to use regards or thanks. In such cases, you can simply end the conversation with a friendly goodbye or a nod. For example:
- “Alright, catch you later!”
- “See you soon!”
- “Take care!”
2. Informal Emails
In informal emails, you can use other phrases to convey your gratitude or well wishes without using regards or thanks. For instance:
- “I appreciate your help!”
- “I look forward to hearing from you!”
- “Best wishes!”
3. Business Emails To Superiors
When writing business emails to your superiors, it might be more appropriate to use formal language rather than regards or thanks. In such cases, you can use phrases like:
- “Respectfully yours”
- “Sincerely”
- “Best regards”
These phrases convey a sense of professionalism and respect, which is important when communicating with your superiors in a business setting.
While regards and thanks are commonly used in various forms of communication, it is important to be aware of the exceptions where their usage might not be appropriate. By understanding these exceptions, you can communicate more effectively and appropriately in different contexts.
Practice Exercises
Improving one’s understanding and use of regards and thanks requires practice. Here are some exercises to help you do just that:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
| Directions: | Fill in the blank with either regards or thanks. |
|---|---|
| 1. | I would like to express my ____ for your help on the project. |
| 2. | With ____ to your question, I believe the answer is yes. |
| 3. | Best ____ , John. |
| 4. | Many ____ for your thoughtful gift. |
| 5. | ____ to the team for their hard work on the project. |
Answers:
- thanks
- regards
- Regards
- thanks
- Regards
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence
Rewrite the following sentences using either regards or thanks:
- I appreciate your help.
- With respect to your question, I believe the answer is no.
- I hope to hear from you soon.
Answers:
- Thanks for your help.
- With regards to your question, I believe the answer is no.
- Best regards, John.
By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of regards and thanks in sentences. Remember to consider the context and tone of your message when choosing which word to use.
Conclusion
After delving into the nuances of regards versus thanks, it is clear that both phrases have their own unique connotations and should be used appropriately in different situations.
When closing a formal email or letter, regards is a more appropriate choice as it conveys a sense of professionalism and respect. On the other hand, thanks is a better option when expressing gratitude or appreciation towards someone.
It is important to note that while these phrases may seem interchangeable, their subtle differences can make a big impact on the tone and meaning of your message.
As with any aspect of language use, it is always beneficial to continue learning and improving your grammar skills. By doing so, you can ensure that your messages are clear, concise, and effective.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.