Various Forms of the Verb “Thank”

The verb “thank” is a crucial part of the English vocabulary, expressing gratitude or appreciation. Understanding its various forms and how to use them in sentences is key to mastering this verb. Let’s explore the different forms of “thank” and how they function in different contexts.

Forms of the Verb “Thank”

Every verb in English has different forms depending on tense, mood, and usage. The verb “thank” has the following forms:

1. Base Form (Infinitive): thank

2. Past Tense: thanked

3. Past Participle: thanked

4. Present Participle (Gerund): thanking

5. Third-Person Singular (Present Simple): thanks

Detailed Explanation of Each Form

1. Base Form (Infinitive): Thank

• • The base form is used:
    • After modal verbs (e.g., can, should, will).
    • To express actions in general.
  • Examples:
    • “I want to thank everyone for their support.”
    • “You should thank your teacher.”

2. Past Tense: Thanked

The past tense form is used to describe gratitude expressed in the past.

• • Examples:
    • “She thanked her friend for the gift.”
    • “We thanked the host before leaving.”

3. Past Participle: Thanked

The past participle form is used with auxiliary verbs to form perfect tenses or the passive voice.

• • Examples:
    • “He has thanked everyone who helped him.”
    • “The guest was thanked for attending the event.”

4. Present Participle (Gerund): Thanking

The present participle form is used in continuous tenses or as a gerund.

• • Examples:
    • “They are thanking the volunteers right now.”
    • “Thanking people for their kindness is a good habit.”

5. Third-Person Singular (Present Simple): Thanks

This form is used with singular third-person subjects in the present tense.

• • Examples:
    • “She thanks her parents every day.”
    • “The manager always thanks his employees.”

Examples of “Thank” in Different Tenses

Present Tense:

• • Simple Present: “I thank my teacher every week.”
  • Present Continuous: “He is thanking the delivery person now.”

Past Tense:

• • Simple Past: “We thanked the driver for his help.”
  • Past Continuous: “She was thanking her team for their hard work.”

Future Tense:

• • Simple Future: “They will thank the organizers tomorrow.”
  • Future Continuous: “I will be thanking the audience during my speech.”

Perfect Tenses:

• • Present Perfect: “He has thanked the staff already.”
  • Past Perfect: “They had thanked everyone before leaving.”
  • Future Perfect: “By this evening, she will have thanked all the guests.”

Common Phrases Using “Thank”

 

1. “Thank you” – A polite expression of gratitude.

• • Example: “Thank you for your help.”

2. “Thanks a lot” / “Many thanks” – Informal expressions of gratitude.

• • Example: “Thanks a lot for the wonderful dinner.”

3. “Be thankful” – Expressing a state of gratitude.

• • Example: “Be thankful for what you have.”

4. “Give thanks” – A formal or traditional way of expressing gratitude.

• • Example: “Let us give thanks for this meal.”

Practice Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb “thank”:

1. She ______ her friend for the beautiful card. (past tense)

2. I will ______ everyone who helped us. (base form)

3. They are ______ the volunteers for their contributions. (present participle)

4. He ______ his colleagues every morning. (third-person singular)

5. We had ______ the organizers before the event ended. (past participle)

Answers:

1. thanked

2. thank

3. thanking

4. thanks

5. thanked

Frequently Asked Questions on the Verb “Thank”

Q1: What does the verb “thank” mean?
The verb “thank” means to express gratitude or appreciation for something someone has done.

Q2: What are the different forms of “thank”?
The forms are: thank (base), thanked (past), thanked (past participle), thanking (present participle), and thanks (third-person singular).

Q3: How is “thank” used in sentences?
“Thank” can be used in various tenses to express gratitude. For example:

• • “I thank you for your help.” (Present Simple)
  • “She thanked her teacher yesterday.” (Past Simple)

Q4: Is “thank” used as a noun?
No, “thank” is only a verb. However, “thanks” can be used as a noun to express gratitude.