Cool MateNo thanks vs Thanks but no
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
No thanks
Top 2,000 (common)
Thanks but no
InformalCommon idiom
Most formal: No thanksMost common: No thanks
| No thanks | Thanks but no | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nəʊ θæŋks//🇺🇸 //noʊ θæŋks// | 🇬🇧 //θæŋks bʌt nəʊ//🇺🇸 //θæŋks bʌt noʊ// |
| Meaning | Used to politely refuse something. | I appreciate it, but I don't want it. |
| Example | Would you like some dessert? No thanks. | I really value your advice, but thanks but no. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Common idiom |
| Collocations | no thanks, say no thanks, give a no thanks, offer no thanks, respond with no thanks | thanks but no, thanks but no thanks, just say thanks but no |
| Common mistakes | Saying 'no thank you' in very casual contexts, where 'no thanks' is preferred., Using 'no thanks' in very formal situations where a more elaborate response might be needed. | Use it in very formal contexts where a more polite phrase is needed., Overuse it in situations where a detailed explanation might be better., Assume everyone understands it, leading to possible confusion. |
| Usage notes | Use 'no thanks' when declining offers or suggestions politely. It's appropriate in most informal and some formal situations. | Used in casual conversation to politely decline an offer or invitation. It's friendly but may sound dismissive in very formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: No thanks vs Thanks but no
What's the difference between No thanks and Thanks but no?
No thanks: Used to politely refuse something. Thanks but no: I appreciate it, but I don't want it.
Which is more formal: No thanks and Thanks but no?
No thanks is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: No thanks and Thanks but no?
No thanks is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
No thanks: Would you like some dessert? No thanks. Thanks but no: I really value your advice, but thanks but no.
Can I use No thanks and Thanks but no interchangeably?
Not always. No thanks and Thanks but no are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.