In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to thank someone for a favor or compliment.
- Focuses on the person's kindness rather than the object received.
- Works in both professional and social settings with ease.
Meaning
This is a warm way to say thank you when someone does something nice for you. It shows you appreciate their thoughtfulness, not just the action itself.
Key Examples
3 of 6A colleague offers to help with a project
That's very kind of you, I'd love some help.
That's very kind of you, I'd love some help.
A friend brings you a coffee
Oh, that's very kind! You didn't have to do that.
Oh, that's very kind! You didn't have to do that.
Receiving a compliment on a presentation
That's very kind of you to say, thank you.
That's very kind of you to say, thank you.
Cultural Background
In the UK, 'That's very kind' is often used to avoid awkwardness. It is a way to acknowledge a favor without making a 'big deal' out of it. Americans often use 'That's so kind' with a lot of enthusiasm. It's common in customer service or when meeting new people to show friendliness. Australians might use 'That's lovely' or 'Good on ya' in similar situations, but 'That's very kind' remains the standard for formal or semi-formal gratitude. In international business English, this phrase is a 'safe' way to show appreciation in emails without being too informal or too emotional.
The 'Of You' Rule
Always remember to add 'of you' if you want to sound more natural and complete. It's the 'gold standard' for this phrase.
Sarcasm Alert
Be careful with your tone! If you say it too slowly or with a flat voice, people might think you are being sarcastic.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to thank someone for a favor or compliment.
- Focuses on the person's kindness rather than the object received.
- Works in both professional and social settings with ease.
What It Means
That's very kind is a heartfelt way to acknowledge a favor or a compliment. It focuses on the person's character rather than just the gift. It says, "I see your good heart."
How To Use It
Use it when someone offers help or gives you something. You can say it alone or add of you at the end. For example, That's very kind of you. It sounds softer than a simple thanks. It works perfectly when someone holds a door or offers a seat.
When To Use It
Use it in professional settings to show grace. Use it with friends when they do something extra special. It's great for responding to compliments about your work or appearance. If a neighbor brings you cookies, this is your go-to phrase. It makes the other person feel truly seen and appreciated.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for small, robotic transactions. Don't say it to a cashier giving you change. That would feel a bit too dramatic or strange. Avoid it if someone is just doing their basic job. It's for moments of genuine human connection, not business as usual.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and North America, value politeness. This phrase is a staple of "polite society." it stems from a culture that prefers understating things. Instead of saying "I am overwhelmed with joy," we say That's very kind. It’s a classic, classy way to stay humble while being grateful.
Common Variations
That's so kind(adds a bit more emotion)How kind of you(slightly more formal/British)You're too kind(often used when receiving a big compliment)That's very sweet(more casual or intimate)
Usage Notes
This phrase sits in the 'Goldilocks zone' of formality—not too stiff, not too casual. It's safe for almost any situation where someone is being helpful.
The 'Of You' Rule
Always remember to add 'of you' if you want to sound more natural and complete. It's the 'gold standard' for this phrase.
Sarcasm Alert
Be careful with your tone! If you say it too slowly or with a flat voice, people might think you are being sarcastic.
The Compliment Combo
When someone compliments you, use: 'That's very kind of you to say, thank you!' It's the perfect polite response.
Examples
6That's very kind of you, I'd love some help.
That's very kind of you, I'd love some help.
Accepting help professionally while showing gratitude.
Oh, that's very kind! You didn't have to do that.
Oh, that's very kind! You didn't have to do that.
A warm response to a small, thoughtful gesture.
That's very kind of you to say, thank you.
That's very kind of you to say, thank you.
A humble way to accept praise.
That's very kind! I was so worried I'd lost it.
That's very kind! I was so worried I'd lost it.
Expressing relief and gratitude to a stranger.
That's very kind, thanks for checking in on me!
That's very kind, thanks for checking in on me!
Using the phrase in a digital, supportive context.
Stop it, you're too kind!
Stop it, you're too kind!
A playful way to deflect a hyperbolic compliment.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
That's very kind ___ you to help me.
We always use 'of' in the pattern 'It is [adjective] of [person].'
Which response is the most polite when someone compliments your work?
A: 'I really liked your report.' B: '_______'
This is the standard, polite way to accept a compliment in English.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
Stranger: 'Here, you can take my seat.' You: 'Oh, ________! Thank you so much.'
'That's very kind' is the most natural response to a helpful gesture from a stranger.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesThat's very kind ___ you to help me.
We always use 'of' in the pattern 'It is [adjective] of [person].'
A: 'I really liked your report.' B: '_______'
This is the standard, polite way to accept a compliment in English.
Stranger: 'Here, you can take my seat.' You: 'Oh, ________! Thank you so much.'
'That's very kind' is the most natural response to a helpful gesture from a stranger.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is polite and slightly formal, but very common in everyday neutral conversation. It's safer than 'thanks' in professional settings.
No, that is a common mistake. Always use 'of you.'
'Kind' implies a deeper character trait and more effort. 'Nice' is more superficial and general.
You can say 'You're very welcome,' 'My pleasure,' or 'No problem at all!'
It might sound a bit 'too much' for a pen. Just say 'thanks' for very small things.
Yes, 'so' is just a bit more emotional and casual than 'very.'
Yes, starting with 'It's' is just as common as 'That's.'
Yes, though Americans might use 'That's so sweet' or 'I appreciate that' slightly more often in casual settings.
Absolutely. It's a great way to thank a colleague or client for their help or flexibility.
It's a more intense version, often used when you feel you don't deserve the praise or gift.
Related Phrases
That's so thoughtful
synonymAppreciating that someone thought about your needs.
You're a lifesaver
similarUsed when someone helps you out of a difficult situation.
I'm much obliged
specialized formA very formal way to say thank you.
Don't mention it
contrastA way to respond *to* 'That's very kind.'
