When someone responds to another person’s “thank you,” you’ll commonly hear the phrase “You are extremely welcome.” However, many English language learners wonder if saying “You are very welcome” is always right.
When someone thanks you, it is proper to respond with “You are most welcome” as a formulaic and standard response. The adverb “most” denotes that the adjective “welcome,” which describes the subject “You,” is at its most extreme. However, there are a variety of additional responses that are occasionally more suitable, particularly in casual situations.
You are most welcome is correct and You are mostly welcome is incorrect. You should not use “You are mostly welcome” in English.
When should the phrase “Most Welcome” Be Used?
If you use the word “You are very welcome” in response to “Thank you,” it is the right response to “Thank you.” It is not improper to say “You are most welcome,” but it is a highly professional or business-like manner of responding to a thank you.
Why use “Most”?
But why do we put the word “most” in the phrase? “Most” is the superlative form of “much” and “many,” and it’s frequently used to say that someone or something has more of a particular trait than everyone else (source).
We use “most” as an adverb to express “to the greatest degree” or “to a very considerable degree” in this instance. The predicate adjective “welcome” is then combined with “most,” which alludes to welcoming someone or anything pleasantly or readily and allowing them to accomplish something.
When you say, “You are extremely welcome,” you’re implying this. It does not imply that they are welcome “more than others,” but rather that they are welcomed to the fullest degree feasible.
The More Formal Response
Although we no longer hear “You’re most welcome,” the phrase “You’re very welcome” is still widely used, particularly in the United Kingdom. It’s important to remember that you can’t use “very” and “most” in the same sentence. For instance, responding with “You’re very welcome” is both inaccurate and rare.
The simple response of “You’re welcome” is still widely used throughout the English-speaking globe. It is a formal response, but because it is so formulaic, we commonly employ it in everyday conversation.
Another polite approach to react is to say, “The pleasure is mine.” “Much obliged” is also an old-fashioned answer that many people still employ on informal occasions.
The Casual Reaction
Nowadays, “Thank you” answers are often more casual, and you may not even get a response at all. And, unfortunately, a response isn’t always necessary because the person hasn’t said thank you in the first place.
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