How to use "i really enjoyed working with you"

What Does "i really enjoyed working with you" Mean?

Pragmatic function: It primarily functions as a farewell and a statement of appreciation after a collaboration. It can also serve as a form of positive feedback.
Literal vs. conventional meaning: The literal meaning reflects the speaker's positive sentiment during the working relationship. The conventional meaning is a polite closing signaling satisfaction and goodwill.
Register: Neutral to slightly informal.

How to Use It

Typical social context: Used at the end of a project, job, or collaboration. It's common in emails, meetings, or face-to-face interactions when parting ways.
Formality level and relationship between speakers: Best suited for colleagues, collaborators, or clients with whom you've established a comfortable, though not necessarily deeply personal, relationship. Avoid with superiors unless you have a very friendly relationship.
Expected response or follow-up: A reciprocal expression of enjoyment is expected, such as "I enjoyed working with you too!" or "The feeling is mutual!" It can also be followed by well wishes for future endeavors.
Can it stand alone or does it need a continuation? It can stand alone as a closing remark, but it's often followed by a brief expression of gratitude or well wishes.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from i really enjoyed working with you on Ludwig.guru.

"I really enjoyed working with Roland." — The Guardian - Film

""I really enjoyed working with the kids." — The New York Times

"Also, I really enjoyed working with and learning from my collaborator, Linda Kulman." — The New York Times - Books

"But I really enjoyed working with Jon, so I hope our paths cross in the future." — The Guardian

""It's really kind of him to say that and I really enjoyed working with him." — BBC

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/i+really+enjoyed+working+with+you

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
it was a pleasure working with you	Slightly more formal and professional.
i appreciate your collaboration	Focuses on the collaborative aspect and is suitable for formal settings.
i valued your input on this project	Highlights the specific contributions of the other person.
i learned a lot from working with you	Expresses personal growth and benefit from the collaboration.
it's been great working together	A more casual and friendly alternative.
looking forward to future collaborations	Proactive, suggesting continued partnership.
thank you for your partnership	Suitable for longer-term collaborations and partnerships.

Common Mistakes

Using it in a highly formal setting or with someone you barely know might seem insincere. A more formal phrase would be better.
Responding with a simple "Okay" or no acknowledgement can seem dismissive. Always reciprocate with a positive statement.
Learners might use a more formal or less sincere expression in situations where this more casual phrasing is appropriate, or they might incorrectly use 'with whom' instead of 'with you'.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Social Function	Register	Typical Context
I really enjoyed working with you	Farewell, Expression of appreciation, Positive feedback	Neutral to slightly informal	End of project, job, or collaboration with colleagues, collaborators, or clients.

FAQs

What's the best way to respond when someone says "I really enjoyed working with you"?

A simple and sincere reciprocation is ideal. You could say, "I enjoyed working with you too!" or "The feeling is mutual; it was a pleasure working with you as well!" Showing that you share their positive sentiment is key to a positive and respectful conclusion.

Is "I really enjoyed working with you" used differently in British English compared to American English?

No, the phrase is generally understood and used similarly in both British and American English. The meaning and social function remain consistent across both dialects. The level of formality and appropriateness depend more on the context and relationship than regional variations.

How can I avoid sounding awkward when using this phrase?

Avoid overly formal language in response, which can sound insincere. Also, make sure to say "with you" and not "with whom," as the latter sounds overly formal in this context. The phrase should feel genuine and friendly, so match your tone to the situation and your relationship with the person you're addressing.

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