informal common_idiom

Thanks but no

🇬🇧 UK //θæŋks bʌt nəʊ// 🇺🇸 US //θæŋks bʌt noʊ//

Meaning of Thanks but no

A polite way to refuse an offer or invitation.

In simple words: I appreciate it, but I don't want it.

Thanks but no in a sentence

• I really value your advice, but thanks but no.
• She offered to help, and I said 'thanks but no'.
• When they suggested going out, I replied, 'thanks but no'.
• I appreciate your offer, but thanks but no, I’ll manage.
• He suggested a movie, and I said, 'thanks but no, I’m tired'.

How to use Thanks but no

Used in casual conversation to politely decline an offer or invitation. It's friendly but may sound dismissive in very formal situations.

Grammar pattern

standalone phrase

Memory hint

Imagine someone thanking a person for food but shaking their head to say no.

Related words

Collocations with Thanks but no

• thanks but no
• thanks but no thanks
• just say thanks but no

Synonyms for Thanks but no

• no thanks
• not interested
• appreciate it but decline
• thank you anyway

Common mistakes with Thanks but no

• 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.

Frequently asked questions about Thanks but no

What does Thanks but no mean?

I appreciate it, but I don't want it.

What is the definition of Thanks but no?

A polite way to refuse an offer or invitation.

How do you use Thanks but no in a sentence?

I really value your advice, but thanks but no.

Can you give another example of Thanks but no?

She offered to help, and I said 'thanks but no'.

What are synonyms for Thanks but no?

Common alternatives include no thanks, not interested, appreciate it but decline, thank you anyway.

What words go with Thanks but no?

It commonly pairs with thanks but no, thanks but no thanks, just say thanks but no.

What are common mistakes when using Thanks but no?

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.

How do you pronounce Thanks but no?

US: //θæŋks bʌt noʊ//, UK: //θæŋks bʌt nəʊ//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Thanks but no formal or informal?

"Thanks but no" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use Thanks but no?

Used in casual conversation to politely decline an offer or invitation. It's friendly but may sound dismissive in very formal situations.