How to use "received with thanks"

What Does "received with thanks" Mean?

• Pragmatic function: It primarily performs the social act of acknowledging receipt and simultaneously expressing gratitude.
• Literal vs. conventional meaning: The literal meaning aligns closely with the conventional meaning. It directly states that something has been received and that thanks are given for it.
• Register: Formal to neutral. While not overly stiff, it leans towards the more formal end of the spectrum and is generally inappropriate in very casual settings.

How to Use It

• Typical social context: It's used in professional correspondence (emails, letters), official acknowledgements, or when receiving gifts/assistance from someone you want to show respect to.
• Formality level and relationship between speakers: Best suited for interactions with superiors, clients, or individuals with whom you have a formal or professional relationship. Avoid using it with close friends or family.
• Expected response or follow-up: There isn't a strict expected response. The sender of the item or assistance doesn't usually reply. However, a further expression of gratitude or elaboration on the item's usefulness can be a polite follow-up, depending on the context.
• Can it stand alone or does it need a continuation? It can stand alone, particularly in short notes or emails. However, it's often followed by further details or explanations, such as the item's intended use or impact.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from received with thanks on Ludwig.guru.

"Kind supports are also received with thanks from national and international organizations in Myanmar including WHO, UNICEF, Merlin, MSF (Holland), Save the Children, and Myanmar Red Cross Society." — Conflict and Health

"After the emperor's death (May 5, 1821), Lowe returned to England, where he received the thanks of King George IV but was met with generally unfavourable opinion." — Britannica

"In 1871 Riel urged his followers to join with other Canadians in repulsing a threatened attack by American Fenians (Irish revolutionaries), for which he received public thanks." — Encyclopedia Britannica

"This is something for which he has received little thanks." — The Guardian - Books

"The data were received thanks to Allergopharma (Fig. 2)." — American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/received+with+thanks

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
Thank you for your assistance	Formal; used when acknowledging help received.
Your contribution is greatly appreciated	Formal; suitable for acknowledging significant help.
We appreciate your support	Formal; often used in business or organizational contexts.
Grateful for your help	Less formal but still polite; appropriate for professional or personal help.
Acknowledged with gratitude	Formal; emphasizes the acknowledgement of receipt and the feeling of gratitude.
Many thanks for your contribution	Slightly less formal than some options, but still suitable for professional settings.
I am grateful for your help	More personal and direct, but still polite.

Common Mistakes

• Using it in very informal settings can sound stilted or overly formal.
• Confusing it with phrases that only acknowledge receipt without expressing thanks.
• Learners often use a more direct and less formal expression like "Thanks for receiving it" when the context calls for a more formal tone.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Social Function	Register	Typical Context
Received with thanks	Acknowledging receipt and expressing gratitude	Formal to Neutral	Professional correspondence, official acknowledgements, receiving gifts/assistance in formal settings

FAQs

What is the appropriate response when someone says "received with thanks"?

A response isn't always necessary, as it primarily acknowledges receipt. However, a simple "You're welcome" or "Glad I could help" would be a polite and appropriate response if you were the sender or provider of the item or assistance. It's about closing the loop in a courteous manner.

---

Is "received with thanks" used differently in British English compared to American English?

The phrase is understood and used in both British and American English, but it might be perceived as slightly more common or traditional in British English. Usage isn't significantly different, but the overall tone might be considered slightly more formal in both regions compared to more casual alternatives.

---

How can I avoid sounding too informal when I want to acknowledge something with gratitude?

Avoid direct, casual expressions like "Thanks for receiving it," which can sound awkward. Instead, opt for phrases like "Thank you for your assistance" or "Your support is greatly appreciated," which maintain a polite and professional tone, or use received with thanks in its correct context.