Regards vs. Thanks: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 29, 2023
"Regards" is used to express good wishes or respect, often in greetings or closings, while "thanks" is an expression of gratitude or appreciation.
Key Differences
"Regards" is commonly used in formal or semi-formal communication as a polite closing or greeting, implying respect or good wishes. "Thanks," on the other hand, is an expression of gratitude, used to show appreciation for someone’s help, service, or kindness.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
"Regards" carries a tone of professionalism and courtesy. "Thanks" is more personal and direct, clearly expressing gratitude.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
"Regards" has variations like "Best regards" or "Warm regards," adjusting the level of warmth or formality. "Thanks" can be informal ("Thanks a lot!") or formal ("Thank you very much"), depending on the context.
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Dec 29, 2023
"Regards" is often used in written communication, such as emails and letters. "Thanks" is versatile, used in both spoken and written contexts, and is more frequently used in casual conversations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
In different cultures, "Regards" is seen as a standard, polite sign-off. "Thanks" is universally recognized as a way to express gratitude and is considered an important part of polite discourse.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Expression of good wishes or respect.
Expression of gratitude or appreciation.
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Dec 29, 2023
Usage
Common in closings, formal communications.
Used to show gratitude in various contexts.
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Dec 29, 2023
Cultural Perception
Standard sign-off in many cultures.
Universally recognized, important for politeness.
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Dec 29, 2023
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Regards and Thanks Definitions
Regards
A polite sign-off in letters or emails.
I look forward to your reply. Regards, John.
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Dec 29, 2023
Thanks
Expression of gratitude for help or kindness.
Thanks for helping me move.
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Dec 29, 2023
Regards
A polite greeting in formal contexts.
He began the speech with ‘ladies and gentlemen, regards.’
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Dec 29, 2023
Thanks
Showing appreciation for a service or favor.
Thanks for the wonderful gift.
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Dec 29, 2023
Regards
Expressing good wishes in communication.
Please give my regards to your family.
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Dec 29, 2023
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Thanks
Acknowledging someone’s effort or work.
A big thanks to the team for their hard work.
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Regards
Showing consideration for someone.
She sent her regards, knowing she couldn’t attend.
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Dec 29, 2023
Thanks
Casual expression of thankfulness.
Thanks, I really needed that advice.
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Dec 29, 2023
Regards
An expression of esteem or respect.
She holds her mentor in high regards.
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Dec 29, 2023
Thanks
Used to express appreciation or gratitude.
Could you give me a hand, please? — Yes, sure. — Thanks.
Your last gift, for which thanks, made my family so happy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Regards
To look at attentively; observe closely
"He regarded the delicate lines of her profile" (Thomas Hardy).
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Oct 19, 2023
Thanks
An expression of gratitude.
After all I’ve done, a simple acknowledgment is all the thanks I get?
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Oct 19, 2023
Thanks
With the help of or owing to;
Thanks to hard work it was a great success
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Oct 19, 2023
Regards
Careful thought or attention; heed
She gives little regard to her sister's teasing.
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Oct 19, 2023
Thanks
Formal expression of gratitude.
I extend my thanks to the committee for their decision.
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Dec 29, 2023
Regards
Regards Good wishes expressing such sentiment
Give the family my best regards.
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Oct 19, 2023
Regards
A look or gaze
"Such quick regards his sparkling eyes bestow" (Alexander Pope).
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Regards
A greeting to pass on to another person.
Give my regards to your brother when you next see him.
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Oct 19, 2023
Regards
(pluralonly) A greeting at the end of a letter or e-mail communication.
Regards, John. Kind regards, Peter.
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
When should I use "regards"?
In formal or semi-formal closings, like emails.
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Dec 29, 2023
Is "regards" appropriate in professional emails?
Yes, it's a common and polite closing.
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Dec 29, 2023
What's an informal way to say "thanks"?
Simply, "Thanks!" or "Thanks a lot!"
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Dec 29, 2023
Is "thanks" formal or informal?
It can be both, depending on how it's used.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Are "regards" used in casual conversation?
Less commonly, it's more for written communication.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Is "regards" a greeting or closing?
Typically a closing, but can be a greeting in formal settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Can "thanks" be a sign of politeness?
Absolutely, it's key in polite discourse.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Is "thanks" appropriate in letters?
Yes, especially in informal or personal letters.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can "thanks" be used in professional contexts?
Yes, especially as "Thank you."
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Dec 29, 2023
Does "thanks" always need to be verbal?
No, it can be expressed in writing or through gestures.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Can "regards" imply consideration?
Yes, like sending regards if you can't attend an event.
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Dec 29, 2023
How can "thanks" be emphasized?
By saying "many thanks" or "thanks so much."
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Dec 29, 2023
What's a formal version of "thanks"?
"Thank you very much" or "I'm very grateful."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.