Use these to thank someone. Thank you is neutral and always safe. Thanks is more casual, and I appreciate it is warm and a little stronger.
Saying thank you
Thank you — Thank you for your help.
Thanks — Thanks for the coffee.
I appreciate it — You waited for me. I appreciate it.
Try it: Amina: Here is the book you wanted. Hiroshi: ___ so much for bringing it. Choose the best way for Hiroshi to thank Amina. (Thank you / I'm sorry / Excuse me) Answer: Thank you — Hiroshi is grateful, so he thanks her with Thank you.
Saying sorry
Use these to apologize. I'm sorry is neutral, My apologies is more formal, and Excuse me is for getting someone's attention or passing by.
I'm sorry — I'm sorry I am late.
My apologies — My apologies for the mistake.
Excuse me — Excuse me, can I pass?
Try it: Sofia: You stepped on my foot. Diego: ___ I did not see you. Choose the best way for Diego to apologize. (I'm sorry / Thank you / You're welcome) Answer: I'm sorry — Diego made a mistake, so he apologizes with I'm sorry.
Replying to thanks
When someone thanks you, reply with You're welcome (neutral) or No problem (casual).
You're welcome — Thank you. You're welcome.
No problem — Thanks for waiting. No problem.
Try it: Mei: Thank you for helping me today. Lars: ___ I was happy to help. Choose the best reply to Mei's thanks. (You're welcome / I'm sorry / Excuse me) Answer: You're welcome — Mei thanked Lars, so he replies with You're welcome.
Replying to an apology
When someone says sorry to you, tell them it is not a problem. Use It's okay, or That's all right to sound a little warmer. Watch out: You're welcome answers a thank you, not a sorry.
It's okay — I'm sorry I am late. It's okay.
That's all right — My apologies for the mistake. That's all right.
Try it: Mateo: I am so sorry. I stepped on your foot. Yasmin: ___, do not worry about it. Choose the best way for Yasmin to accept Mateo's apology. (It's okay / You're welcome / Excuse me) Answer: It's okay — Mateo apologized, so Yasmin tells him it is not a problem: It's okay.