not at all

Question

Do people nowadays in the US and UK use "not at all" in response to "Thank you" ?

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

That is, or was, very commonly used in Northern Ireland. I have seldom heard it since I left there years ago to live in England and then North America.

Clive

EnglishStorm · Answer

And what does it mean exactly

I can understand the following conversation

A- I hope you're not mad with me.
B- No , not at all

But

A- Thank you very much.
B- Not at all. (?) [ perhaps " it was nothing" ]

Can you please explain ?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

It's really just a fixed expression of politeness that does not carry a lot of meaning.
I suppose you could think of it as eg 'It is not at all necessary for you to thank me'.

Are you planning to visit Northern Ireland?

Clive

Skype My English · Answer

Yes, and No. When you hear a 'Thank you' after you've gone ahead and tidied up someone's room, their desk, washed your own dishes at their house, taken your shoes off at the door without being asked or have added a small touch of improvement to, say, a project, you may say 'not at all.' I use it all the time because people don't always want to hear in response to 'Thank you' a 'you're welcome.' It's the kindness that's getting the credit. If, however, you were asked to do these things beforehand, a 'you're welcome' works. Thanks

EnglishStorm · Answer

Thank you all very much for your time.

I would be honored to visit Northern Ireland, one day hopefully.

not at all

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