101+Thankyou or Thank You Which One Is Correct and When to Use It? 2026

If you’ve ever paused while typing and wondered “thankyou or thank you – which one is correct?”, you’re not alone.

This is one of the most common grammar questions searched online, and the confusion grows because people see both spellings used in emails, social media, and sometimes even advertisements.

Many assume “thankyou” might be a modern or casual version, while others think “thankyou” is just a spelling mistake. So, what’s the truth?

This article gives you a clear and final answer. You’ll learn the correct spelling, why confusion exists, and when one version is acceptable as a creative exception.

We’ll also compare British vs American usage, show examples from real writing, and give you simple rules you can follow.

By the end, you will never doubt this phrase again—and you’ll be able to write confidently in emails, essays, job applications, and professional communication.

✅ Thankyou or Thank You – Quick Answer

The correct spelling in standard English is “thank you” (two words).
❌ “thankyou” is not grammatically correct as a word in formal writing.

✅ Correct Examples:

✔️ Thank you for your help.
✔️ Thank you so much!
✔️ I just wanted to say thank you.

❌ Incorrect Examples:

✘ Thankyou for your help.
✘ I just wanted to say thankyou.

📚 The Origin of “Thank You”

The phrase “thank you” comes from Old English. The word “thank” comes from “thancian” meaning “to express gratitude.”
The word “you” simply refers to the person being thanked.

Originally, it was a phrase—not a single word—and it has always been written as two words. Over time, people started writing it quickly online and accidentally combined it into “thankyou”, but dictionaries still do not recognize it as a real word.

🇬🇧 British English vs 🇺🇸 American English

There is no difference between British and American English for this phrase. Both use “thank you” (two words). The spelling does not change.

Region	Correct Form	Notes
American English	thank you	Standard
British English	thank you	Standard
Australian/Canadian English	thank you	Standard
Informal Online Use	thankyou	Still incorrect

✅ Which Spelling Should You Use?

Situation	Use
Academic writing	thank you
Job application	thank you
Professional email	thank you
Website or blog	thank you
Friendly SMS/chat	thank you or thanks
Branding name/logos	Sometimes “THANKYOU” (creative use only)

✔️ Rule: In all formal writing, always use “thank you.”
“Thankyou” may appear in brand names or logo designs, but it is still not standard English.

❗ Common Mistakes with “Thank You”

Mistake	Why It’s Wrong	Correct Version
Thankyou	Not a real word in English	Thank you
Thankyouverymuch	Incorrect spacing	Thank you very much
Thank’s you	Apostrophe misuse	Thank you
Thanx (in formal writing)	Slang only	Thank you

✍️ “Thank You” in Everyday Examples

✅ Email Examples

Formal: Thank you for your time and consideration.
Business: Thank you for your quick response.
Casual: Thank you! Talk soon.

✅ Social Media

Thank you for 1,000 followers!
Big thank you to everyone who supported us!
“The mayor said thank you to healthcare workers for their service.”

📊 “Thankyou or Thank You” – Google Trends & Usage Data

According to Google Trends, the spelling “thank you” is searched 10x more than “thankyou” globally. The incorrect version appears mostly in:

Fast social media writing
SMS/text chats
Countries where English is a second language (ESL learners)

Top countries using correct “thank you”:

United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
Philippines

🔁 Keyword Comparison Table

Keyword/Variation	Correct?	Usage
thank you	✅ Yes	Standard English
thankyou	❌ No	Incorrect
thank-you	✅ Rarely	Acceptable only as adjective (thank-you note)
thank u	❌ No	Slang only
thanks	✅ Yes	Informal

❓ FAQs About “Thankyou or Thank You”

1. Is “thankyou” ever correct?
No, not in standard English—but it may appear in brand names.

2. Is “thank-you” with a hyphen correct?
Only when used as an adjective: a thank-you gift.

3. Can I write “thanks” instead of “thank you”?
Yes, but “thanks” is casual.

4. Is “thank u” okay?
Only in text messages with friends. Not for work or school.

5. Do I capitalize “thank you”?
Only at the start of a sentence or in titles.

6. Is “thankyou” acceptable in British spelling?
No. Both UK and US use thank you.

7. Why do people write “thankyou”?
Typing speed, informal texting, and low grammar awareness.

✅ Conclusion

The debate over “thankyou or thank you” is simple to solve: the correct form is always “thank you,” written as two separate words. This rule applies to all types of writing—emails, assignments, professional letters, and formal communication. While you may sometimes see “thankyou” used casually online, it is not recognized by any major dictionary and should be avoided in serious writing.

If you’re ever unsure, remember this easy rule: If in doubt, keep it formal—use “thank you.” The only time “thank-you” (with a hyphen) is acceptable is when it functions as an adjective, like “thank-you message” or “thank-you card.”

Using correct English builds trust, professionalism, and clarity in your writing. So next time someone helps you or supports you, you can confidently write: “Thank you.”