"You're welcome" is one of the first words taught to beginners of English, but to me personally it sounds rather formal, and certainly inappropriate for very small favours, for example:
"Pass the salt, please."
"Here."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome." (no response is necessary here)
"You're welcome" can also be used sarcastically, to criticise someone who hasn't thanked you:
"Hey, can I borrow $100?"
"Well, I suppose so. Here you are."
"Okay. Anyway, I have to go!"
"Well, you're welcome!"
What other alternatives for "you're welcome" can you think of? Here are some that come to mind. Useage of these could vary widely throughout the English-speaking world:
- My pleasure (semi-formal)- That's okay/That's all right (neutral register. I use this more to respond to apologies.)
- No problem/Not a problem (informal)
- No worries (informal, mostly Australasian English)
- Don't mention it (informal)
- Sure/Sure thing (informal, American English)
- You got it (informal, American English)
- Anytime (informal)
- It's nothing (informal)
- I'm happy to help (semi-formal)
Are there any other alternatives I've missed? Does anyone disagree with the italicised descriptions I wrote? Are there any contextual details you'd like to add?
