The response to a thank you

It's not poor English, but I personally find it not very gracious.

You're welcome

My pleasure.

Happy to help.

All of those acknowledge the thanks.

AnonymousIs responding to a thank you with "not a problem" poor english?

"Not a problem" or "No problem" is casual English -- not ungrammatical English. In the Midwest, they even say "You bet" or "Sure thing" in response to "Thank you". Many of these formulas are not necessarily logical. They are merely traditional.

CJ

Hi Anon [who?],

I agree with GG. I think the reply "Not a problem." is very condescending. It is like saying, "Although I am very important, it is not a problem for me to help you this time; but next time I will probably be too busy so don't bother."

"You're welcome." or "My pleasure." or "Happy to help." are all much better to say, i think.

Regards,

Hi,

Some of us regret the seemingly bygone days when 'Thank you' was just received in silence, occasionally accompanied by a very slight smile.

'Not a problem / no problem' is particularly annoying when said by someone whose job is to do something for you. It suggests 'It is not a problem for me to do what I am paid to do'.

Best wishes, Clive

It's amazing how sensitive some people can be.

CJ

Is 'anytime' also possible as a polite answer to 'a thank you'?

Hi,

Yes, sadly life today offers much for sensitive souls to be sensitive about.

A further point is the situati