The pattern

"It's very kind of you to" plus a verb thanks someone by praising the act. "It's very kind of you to drive me" says thank you and "you are a good person" in one line. It is warmer and more formal than "Thanks for driving me", which makes it perfect for people you don't know well: a neighbor, a host, a colleague's parent, a stranger who helps.

Shorter versions fit quicker moments. "That's very kind of you" works as a complete reply. "How kind" is shorter still. In American English, "That's so nice of you" is the casual equal and very common among friends.

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

  4. A complete reply to an offer or a compliment.

  5. Past form, for something already done.

  6. The casual American version. Friends, coworkers, anyone.

  8. A polite way to decline help.

Check yourself

1What does "It's very kind of you to drive me" do?
2Which is the casual American version?
3How do you politely decline help?

Practice · 3 min

Thank someone warmly. Prompt on the left, one natural sentence on the right.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.