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20 Ways to Say “You’re Welcome” in English, Plus Usage Examples

When someone thanks you for helping them, what do you usually say?

Is it “ you’re welcome” or something else?

Some English phrases are used too much. That’s why it’s important to learn different ways to say the same thing.

In this blog post, you’ll learn how to say “you’re welcome” in English with 20 different phrases.

Formal Ways to Say “You’re Welcome”

Informal ways to say “you’re welcome”, why say “you’re welcome” in english, it’s part of good manners in english, to respond to “thank you”, to (rudely) remind someone that they didn’t thank you, invite someone to do something, bragging about something you did, and one more thing....

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• My pleasure
• I’m happy to help
• I’m glad to help
• I’m happy to be of assistance
• Happy to be of service
• I’m sure you’d do the same for me
• The pleasure is mine
• You’re most welcome

You might notice that many of the more formal variants of “you’re welcome” imply that a service has been performed.

That’s because you’ll most commonly hear and use these expressions in places such as restaurants, banks, public buildings and other locations where there are people who do a specific job.

• It was nothing
• It’s no trouble
• Don’t worry about it
• Don’t mention it
• No big deal

You might notice that these are much shorter. They are more commonly used in everyday interactions, such as helping somebody on the street, lending an object to a friend and other daily interactions.

There’s generally a lot of crossover between these expressions. This is because formal and informal English is becoming less distinct (different).

As you might know, English is a very polite language with a long history of manners and customs (traditions). This is especially prominent (obvious) in British culture .

This is a type of polite behavior known as “etiquette.” It’s very important to use when interacting with other English speakers.

In fact, the English people are known for their politeness , so learning your manners in English is pretty important, and can help you sound like a native speaker.

In its simplest form, “you’re welcome” is used as a polite way to respond to a person who thanks you after you have helped them or complimented them.

For example:

“Hey, can I borrow your pen?”

“Yes, of course!”

“Thank you.”

“ You’re welcome .”

As you can see, it tells the other person you’ve accepted their “thank you.”

Sometimes you’ll hear “you’re welcome” used when no one said “thank you.”

This is a way to remind someone they need to thank you or make fun of them for forgetting.

But be careful— this should only be used as a joke between friends. Otherwise, it’s very rude.

John: “Hey, can I borrow your pen?”

Susan: “Of course!”

John forgot to say “thank you.”

Susan: “ You’re welcome !”

The intonation in this context will be different, with a heavier emphasis on the welcome.  As I said earlier, you should only use “you’re welcome” like this with your good friends.

If you aren’t sure about where to place the intonation, you can watch how native speakers do it with authentic content, such as movies, TV shows and vlogs. There’s also the FluentU program .

You can see different examples of “you’re welcome” in clips from TV shows, movies and a variety of other content. This helps improve your usage and understanding of the common phrase.

“You’re welcome” can also be used as a polite invitation. It’s a great way to invite somebody without a feeling of social pressure or sounding too demanding.

For example, maybe you’re going away on holiday and aren’t using your car. You know that your friend’s car stopped working, so you want to let them know they can use your car if they want to.

In this case, you’d say something like:

“ You’re welcome to use my car while I’m on holiday.”

It’s also a very common sentence to hear when you’re at a friend’s house, and although you weren’t planning on staying for dinner, they’d like to invite you to stay for a meal.

“ You’re welcome to stay for dinner if you’d like!”

Sometimes it’s not uncommon to hear people use “you’re welcome” when they’re bragging (being very proud in an arrogant way) about an achievement or accomplishment.

Once again, you shouldn’t use “you’re welcome” in this way unless talking to your close friends or family.

Take a look at this clip from the movie “Moana,” where Dwayne Johnson sings the song “You’re Welcome.”

Because he’s a demigod and created the oceans and the sun, he proudly sings throughout the song, “What can I say except you’re welcome!”

Take a look at another example below:

John: “Wow, this dinner looks amazing!”

It’s as if to say, “No need to thank me, I already know how good I am!”

It’s often used in a situation that we call “tongue in cheek” (not serious) and can be quite funny if it’s done correctly (like in “Moana”).

Are you feeling confident about how to say “you’re welcome” appropriately now?

If you can think of other ways to say it, then make a list and keep adding to it as you learn and hear more of them.

Challenge yourself to use some of these phrases to add variety to your English! You’ll be sounding more native in no time.

You’re welcome!

If you like learning English through movies and online media, you should also check out FluentU. FluentU lets you learn English from popular talk shows, catchy music videos and funny commercials , as you can see here:

If you want to watch it, the FluentU app has probably got it.

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You Are Welcome or You Are Welcomed? Understanding the Correct Usage (With Examples)

Marcus Froland

March 28, 2024

Many English learners find themselves standing at a crossroads when it comes to choosing the right phrase. It’s like walking through a dense forest without a map. You hear “You are welcome” and “You are welcomed” being used interchangeably in conversations and emails. But, what if I told you that one of these paths leads to grammatical paradise , while the other takes you into the thickets of confusion?

This isn’t just about being polite or showing gratitude. It’s about understanding the nuances that make English such an intriguing language to master. The difference might seem small, but it’s mighty enough to leave a lasting impression on your listener or reader. So, which path will you choose? Let’s clear the fog together, but remember—the answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems.

Many people wonder about the correct way to say “You are welcome” or “You are welcomed” after someone thanks them. The right choice is “You are welcome.” This phrase is a standard response to thank you in English. It means that the person is happy to help and there’s no need for thanks. On the other hand, “welcomed” with a “d” at the end, is not commonly used in this context. Instead, it refers to being received warmly or accepted into a place or group. So, when someone says thank you, remember to reply with “You are welcome.”

The Basic Rules of “You Are Welcome” in American English

In American English, “welcome” as an adjective conveys the meaning of being wanted or appreciated. It signifies that one’s presence or contributions are pleasing to others, and there is an element of gratification associated with this term. To better understand the usage and etiquette of this polite expression, let’s dive into the meaning, adjective form, and common mistakes associated with “welcome.”

What Does “Welcome” Really Mean?

“Welcome” serves as an adjective to describe feeling or being wanted, appreciated, or well-received. It communicates the idea that others are pleased with one’s presence or contributions, fitting nicely within the American English etiquette of gratitude and politeness. Different from the idiom “you’re welcome,” used as a response to “thank you,” this word is versatile and can be applied in various contexts, making it an essential part of polite expressions .

The Adjective Form of “Welcome”

As an adjective, “welcome” can be employed in several ways, extending beyond the standard response to “thank you.” For instance:

“You are welcome to stop by anytime.”

“Your thoughts are always welcome in our discussions.”

These phrases display how “welcome” points to something being greeted with pleasure or seen as favorable.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many individuals might confuse the adjective “welcome” with the past participle “welcomed” when articulating gratitude. To help avoid these common grammar mistakes and language errors, consider the following table, which demonstrates the differences between “welcome” and “welcomed.”

Although the distinction between the two words might seem subtle, understanding the proper usage of “welcome” vs. “welcomed” is crucial in communicating effectively and politely. Remember that “you’re welcome” is an established idiom in American English to signify there is no need for thanks, as the action was done willingly or out of kindness.

Exploring “Welcome” as a Verb

As a verb, “welcome” retains a similar meaning to its adjective form, by which it means to greet or accept something with pleasure. This versatile term can be used in a variety of situations and can denote both a warm reception of guests and an acceptance of circumstances. In this section, we will analyze the verb form of welcome and its effectiveness when welcoming guests or expressing our willingness to embrace circumstances and situations.

“We were welcomed into the home.”

“We welcomed the rain, but not the mud.”

When welcoming guests , the verb “welcome” implies an openness and willingness to receive them with warmth and open arms. It conveys a positive environment that is receptive, accepting, and appreciative of the guests’ presence. On the other hand, when used in reference to circumstances or situations, the verb “welcome” reflects a similar attitude of embracing what comes with an optimistic perspective or outlook.

• Greeting a visitor at the door: “They warmly welcomed their guests.”
• Accepting a new coworker: “The team welcomed the new member with open arms.”
• Embracing change: “After some initial hesitation, the community welcomed the changes and adapted successfully.”

Despite its versatility, it is crucial to remember that the verb form of “welcome” should not be confused with its adjective counterpart. To illustrate the differences between the verb and adjective forms of “welcome,” refer to the table below:

In summary, the verb form of “welcome” is an effective means for expressing open-mindedness, warmth, and acceptance in various situations. By understanding its appropriate usage, individuals can convey a genuine and inviting atmosphere, effectively welcoming guests and embracing change with grace.

“You Are Welcome” vs. “You Are Welcomed” in Different Contexts

Understanding when to use “welcome” as an interjection or a response to gratitude can help improve your communication skills and politeness in English. This section will explore the appropriate usage of “welcome” in different contexts, highlighting its versatility and importance in conveying warmth and kindness.

When to Use “Welcome” as an Interjection

Used as an interjection, “welcome” is similar to greetings like “hello” and serves to invite guests into one’s space or group. This hospitable word creates a warm reception and can be incorporated in various situations, such as:

• When greeting someone at a party: Welcome, it’s great to see you!
• When visitors arrive at your home: Welcome, please make yourselves comfortable.
• When a new member joins the team: Welcome aboard, we’re excited to have you.

In these scenarios, using “welcome” as an interjection fosters a friendly atmosphere that helps guests and newcomers feel valued and accepted.

“You’re Welcome” in Response to “Thank You”

The phrase “you’re welcome” is a standard response to “thank you” in American English. It serves as a polite acknowledgement, expressing that the kind act or favor was done without any expectation of repayment. Some common situations where you may use “you’re welcome” include:

• After holding the door open for someone who thanks you
• When someone thanks you for giving them a gift
• After helping someone with a task and they express their gratitude

It is crucial to use “you’re welcome” instead of “you’re welcomed” when responding to thanks , as the former is the grammatically correct and accepted expression. By using the appropriate phrase, you convey politeness and demonstrate that your actions were driven by goodwill.

Remember: Use “welcome” as an interjection for greetings and “you’re welcome” as a response to “thank you” for a more accurate and polite expression in English conversations.

Diving Deeper: Shades of Politeness in “You Are Welcome”

When it comes to expressing gratitude and acknowledging someone’s appreciation, the phrase “you are welcome” covers a wide spectrum of politeness and sincerity. By incorporating expressions of empathy and adjusting your tone of voice , you can elevate your language use to create a more heartfelt and sincere communication .

Adding Empathy with “You Are More Than Welcome”

While “you are welcome” is already a polite response to an expression of gratitude, there are ways to enhance your response and make it even more empathetic. Using phrases like “you are more than welcome ” or “you are very welcome ” elevates the level of courtesy, showing a greater appreciation for the thankfulness being acknowledged. These empathetic expressions will not only make the person feel valued, but also strengthen the connection between you.

The Role of Tone in Expressing Sincerity

When saying “you are welcome,” the tone of voice plays a crucial role in conveying your sincerity and warmth. Since language is more than just a collection of words, it’s essential to focus on the way you deliver your message, ensuring that your intention of making the other person feel appreciated comes across. Here are some tips for fine-tuning your tone when saying “you are welcome”:

• Maintain eye contact: This sends a clear message that you are genuinely interested in the person and value their appreciation.
• Control your volume: A calm, soothing tone can create a more comforting atmosphere, making the listener feel at ease.
• Adjust your pitch: Remember that a higher pitch can sound friendlier, while a lower pitch can be perceived as more authoritative.
• Consider your pace: Speak slowly and clearly to show that you care about the message you’re delivering.
• Use appropriate facial expressions: A warm, genuine smile can make all the difference in the world when expressing gratitude.

In summary, when using the phrase “you are welcome,” it’s important to not only choose the right words, but also to consider the tone and empathy behind them. By adapting your language use and being mindful of the subtleties in your communication, you can leave a lasting impression of politeness and sincerity.

Real-world Examples: “Welcome” vs. “Welcomed” in Published Works

In the world of literature and media, the correct usage of “welcome” often showcases its versatility as an adjective. One such example, featured in the Financial Times , states, “The absence of a gung-ho tone is welcome,” which aptly demonstrates its proper application. Adding to this, the New York Post articulates, “You are welcome to be one of them,” providing yet another instance of the adjective’s apt utilization.

On the other hand, some sources mistakenly use “welcomed” in place of the correct form, deviating from standard grammar rules. This misstep occurs in Nerdist: “You’re welcomed to the chat line,” where “you’re welcome” would be the most fitting choice. These real-world examples serve as a reminder that even well-established media outlets can occasionally err when it comes to grammatical usage.

In summary, identifying the proper usage of “welcome” versus “welcomed” in published works can be a great way to enhance your own understanding of English grammar rules . Paying close attention to context and meaning within reputable sources will allow you to effectively improve your grasp of polite expressions and navigate the complexities of the English language with confidence.

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10 Formal Ways to Say “You’re Welcome”

If you’re trying to figure out another way to say “you’re welcome” professionally, you’ve come to the right place. This article will look at the best synonyms you can use to respond to “thank you” when it comes up in formal situations.

Formal ways to say “you’re welcome” are “you are welcome,” “of course,” and “ not a problem .” These alternatives allow you to remain polite and respectful in formal situations. They apply to many contexts, making them useful regardless of the “thank you” message to which you respond.

1. You Are Welcome

It might seem simple but breaking the contraction “you’re” is a great way to come across as respectful and formal . “You are welcome” is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something more formal when responding to “thank you.”

Contractions are acceptable in formal English, but they are not required. A simple trick to come across as more formal and polite is to remove a contraction from a sentence. That’s why “you are welcome” appears to be much more formal than the synonymous “you’re welcome.”

You can look at another contraction to see how it works:

• Don’t do that!
• Do not do that!

Here, “don’t” can be lengthened to “do not.” While the sentences are identical in meaning, “do not” comes across as more formal because the contraction is removed.

This is why “you are welcome” seems to be more formal. It’s a great one to show respect when responding to “thank you.”

• You are welcome. I hope this will allow us to explore some options in the future. It’ll be good to see what happens.
• Oh, you are welcome. I’m glad that I was able to offer you this help. Come to me again if you need me.

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2. Of Course

“Of course” is an impersonal response you can use when replying to “thank you.” It shows you were happy to help someone and works in formal contexts because it shows you do not have a personal connection to the person with which you’re speaking.

“Of course” is an easy way to “brush off” a “thank you.” It shows that you did not worry about helping someone and found it quite easy to do so.

• Of course! You don’t have to thank me for something like that. I’m always happy to offer a hand when people need my services.
• Of course! I’d do it again if you required me to do so. I’m glad you can trust me with things like this.

3. Not a Problem

“Not a problem” is a good way to respond to “thank you” that’s more formal than “you’re welcome.” It shows that you’re happy to offer your assistance to someone and would usually be happy to do it again.

“Not a problem” is a fairly impersonal phrase. It’s similar to “of course,” meaning that it doesn’t come with as much friendliness as “you’re welcome.” Still, it’s polite and respectful, the two main qualities you need in formal English.

• It’s nice to see that you can trust me with your problems. It’s not a problem at all. I’d be happy to do it for anyone who works for me.
• Not a problem. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do while you have me here. I’d be happy to offer a hand.

4. My Pleasure

“ My pleasure ” shows that you were happy to accept someone’s “thank you.” “Pleasure” is used to share your joy or happiness when helping someone out or doing a task for them.

It’s a great choice in formal English. It’s very common to use this when responding to “thank you’s” from employees and colleagues alike.

• My pleasure. It shouldn’t be long. I’ll let you know when I’ve completed the remaining assignments you need help with.
• It was my pleasure. I’m truly glad you allowed me to do this for you. It’s nice to be included in these activities.

5. Happy to Help

“Happy to help” is a fairly common phrase used in formal contexts. It’s a great way to show that you are happy to help someone and accept the “thank you” they gave you.

It’s common for customer-facing jobs to use this phrase when helping customers. It’s an impersonal and formal way to show that you are willing to help anyone who requires your assistance.

You should be careful using it too much, though. Since it’s so impersonal, it does sound like you don’t mean what you’re saying. That’s why it’s most common for customer-facing jobs, as they must say things to customers to make them approachable.

• I’m happy to help. I love being able to offer my services. It often feels like the team doesn’t like me, so I appreciate you coming to me.
• I’m happy to help, and I’d do it again. Let me know if there’s anything else you want me to sort out before we continue.

6. The Pleasure is All Mine

“The pleasure is all mine” is a great formal phrase. It shows that you took all the “pleasure” in helping someone, and you would usually be willing to do it again if they ask.

It’s formal because it uses “pleasure” to refer to the happiness you feel when accepting a “thank you.” It’s great when you want to accept someone’s appreciation.

“All” is an intensifier here. It shows that you took “all the pleasure” in helping them, meaning you couldn’t have felt better about doing it.

• The pleasure is all mine, Randy. You don’t have to ask for my help with things like that. I’ll always be there for you.
• The pleasure is all mine. I’m glad you found it in you to ask for help. I know you can be led by your pride more often than not.

7. You’re Most Welcome

“You’re most welcome” modifies “you’re welcome” to show that you are happy to help someone “to the highest degree.” “Most” is a superlative adjective showing that you cannot be more “welcome” if you tried.

You should use this when you want to appear friendly, respectful, and polite. It’s great in formal contexts for these reasons.

• You’re most welcome. If you need anything else from me, you know where to find me. I’ll be there to help.
• You’re most welcome. Of course, I’d love to find out more about what you’re doing here. Can you talk me through it?

8. Is There Anything Else I Can Do?

“Is there anything else I can do?” works as a question alternative in formal writing. It allows the person saying “thank you” to ask for more help if they can think of something you can do.

It shows that you’re willing to continue offering your services. This is especially effective if you’re speaking to a superior or someone who you want to impress.

It shows you’re ready and willing to help, regardless of what they might ask you to do.

• Is there anything else I can do to help? I’d love to offer my services. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you think of anything.
• Is there anything else I can do to help? I would love to make this a little bit easier for you. Things are getting better for me now.

9. Don’t Mention It

“Don’t mention it” works well in formal contexts, though some argue it’s more informal than the other options. You should use it when you don’t mind helping someone and don’t believe their “thank you” is necessary.

It shows that you do not need them to thank you for what you did. This works best if you are a superior and do not think one of your employees needs to thank you for completing a simple task to help them.

• Don’t mention it. I was happy to do it for you. I’m glad you decided that I was the best person to ask to help act on it.
• Don’t mention it. You only need to ask if there’s anything else I can do for you. That’s what I’m here for, after all.

10. Let Me Know if I Can Do Anything Else

“Let me know if I can do anything else” offers your help on top of what you’ve already done. It gives someone a chance to ask you for further help if they need you for something else.

You should use this phrase to show that you’re proactive and polite. It encourages the person you’re speaking with to ask you for more help when they need you. This could help them remember you for a future time when your help might come in handy.

• I feel great being able to help you with your tasks. I really feel like part of the team. Let me know if I can do anything else.
• Let me know if I can do anything else. I’m trying to be as helpful as possible. Things like this really give me a chance to do that.

Is It Polite to Say “You’re Welcome”?

“You’re welcome” is polite to say and correct in formal situations. It’s a good way to respond to “thank you,” showing that you were happy to help someone.

“Welcome” is used when “thank you” is politely received. It shows that you appreciate someone saying “thank you,” and you want to return the positive sentiment.

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

• 16 Best Replies When Someone Says “Welcome”
• Is It Correct to Say “You Are Most Welcome”?
• “You’re Welcome” vs. “No Problem” (When Someone Thanks You)
• 25 Best Replies To “You’re Welcome” (Formal & Friendly)

“You’re Welcome” Or “Your Welcome”: Which One Is Correct?

⚡ quick summary.

You’re is a contraction of the phrase you are . Your is the possessive form of the pronoun you . You’re welcome is a common shortening of the phrase you are welcome , which is used as a polite response to the phrase thank you . It is possible to use your welcome together in a sentence to express possession, as in The king was pleased by your welcome because it was friendly and extravagant.

The phrase you’re welcome is very commonly used when being polite. But it’s a common point of confusion. When someone says “thank you” to us, why do we answer with “you’re welcome” and not “your welcome”?

In this article, we’ll break down the difference between you’re welcome and your welcome and explain why you’re welcome is used as the polite response to the phrase thank you . 

you’re welcome or your welcome

The word your is the possessive form of the pronoun you . It’s used to mean that something belongs to the singular or plural you , as in Your cleats are in your bag by the front door . 

The word you’re is a contraction that is short for the phrase you are . The phrase you’re welcome is commonly used as a shortening of the phrase you are welcome , which is often used in response to the phrase thank you . 

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In this situation the word welcome is used to mean “under no obligation.” Let’s say you give someone a pen so they can fill out a form. They thank you for the pen, and you respond, “You’re welcome.” You’re telling them that you don’t expect anything in return for giving them the pen and that you did it simply out of kindness or politeness. 

But why do we want you’re ? It’s because you’re contains the linking verb are , which connects the subject you to the subject complement welcome . The phrase you’re welcome is also used in other contexts in which welcome is being used as an adjective, as in I don’t think you’ll beat her in a race, but you’re welcome to try. 

Of course, it is possible that the phrase your welcome may be used in a sentence to express possession of the welcome. In this context, the word welcome is typically used as a noun rather than as an adjective, as in Your welcome was very hospitable—thank you for making us feel like part of the family .

You're going to up your grammar game when you learn the difference between "your" and "you're."

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Is It Correct to Say, “You Are Most Welcome?”

By: Author Dr. Patrick Capriola

Posted on Published: September 2, 2021

You will frequently hear the expression “You are most welcome” when someone replies to another person’s “thank you.” However, English language learners often want to know whether it is always correct to say, “You are most welcome.”

It is correct to reply with “You are most welcome” when someone thanks you as a formulaic and familiar answer. The adverb “most” indicates that the adjective “welcome” describing the subject “You” is in the highest degree. Still, there are also many other ways of responding that are sometimes more appropriate, especially in casual circumstances.

We’ll discuss the different uses of the phrase “You are most welcome” and in what contexts you can use it. We’ll also offer many alternative expressions to use as a response to “Thank you.”

Possible Replies to “Thank You”

You can react in many ways to a “Thank you.” The situation often dictates the most appropriate reaction, and, in many cases, “You are most welcome” is not the best alternative, although it is grammatically correct.

When Should We Say, “Most Welcome?”

The expression “You are most welcome” is the correct reaction to “Thank you” if you use it when you express an abundance of thanks. Using the expression “You are most welcome” is not incorrect, but it is, however, a very formal or business-like way to react to a thank you.

Formulaic Responses

The expression “You’re welcome” as a formulaic response to “thank you” dates back to at least 1907. The use of “You’re most welcome” dates from about the same period. A formulaic phrase is one that many use in a fixed form or pattern “automatically” ( source ).

Some formulaic examples other than “You’re welcome” would be “You’ve got to be kidding,” “Excuse me?” or “Hang on a minute.” 

But why do we include “most” in the expression? “Most” is the superlative form of “much” and “many,” and we often use it to indicate that someone or something possesses more of a certain quality than any other person or thing ( source ).

As an example, we can say that London is England’s most important city as it offers much more than any other city in England.

However, this is not what we mean to imply by “most welcome” if we use it as a response to “thank you.” Surely, you don’t mean that the person’s “thank you” is better than any other person’s appreciation for what you’ve done.

In this context, we use “most” as an adverb that means “to the highest degree” or “to a very great degree” ( source ). We then combine “most” with the predicate adjective “welcome,” which refers to receiving someone or something gladly or willingly permitting them to do something.

This is what you mean when you respond with a “You are most welcome.” It does not mean “more than others” but, rather, states they are welcome to the greatest possible extent.

What Can I Say Instead of Most Welcome?

You can respond in many other ways when somebody thanks you, so you don’t have to restrict your answer to “You’re most welcome.”  Many other responses are more appropriate and applicable, and not overusing the formulaic will help you to develop a better rapport with others.

As long as people say “Thank you” when you’ve done something for or given something to them, there will be a need for an appropriate response. But although some people still use very formal responses, the trend is to use more casual responses.

The Formal Response

Although we do not hear “You’re most welcome” so often anymore, you’ll still hear the expression “You’re very welcome” quite often, especially in the U.K. Note that you shouldn’t use both “very” and “most” in the same expression. For example, it is incorrect and uncommon for someone to respond with “You’re very much welcome.”

To respond by simply saying “You’re welcome” is still popular all over the English-speaking world. It is actually a formal response, but, again, we often use it in everyday speech because it is so formulaic.

Another way to respond formally is to answer, “The pleasure is mine.” Also, a more old-fashioned response that many still use in formal situations is “Much obliged.”

Similarly, you might rarely hear someone say, “It’s my duty” as a formal response in an office situation to someone who thinks you have done them a favor. It conveys the message that you don’t consider the action a favor but have only acted within the scope of your professional duties.

The Casual Response

Nowadays, responses to “Thank you” are generally more casual, and sometimes you may not even receive a response at all. And, sadly, a response is sometimes not necessary as the individual has not offered a thank you in the first place.

According to Lisa Gache, the co-founder of Beverly Hills Manners in Los Angeles, courteous language is disappearing from young people’s vocabulary ( source ).

She blames it on the trend to treat everything casually nowadays and says casual conversation and casual dress lead to casual behavior. Thus, the courteous “Thank you” and related responses are disappearing from our vernacular.

You will hear “Sure,” “No problem,” “You bet,” and “Enjoy” replacing the traditional expressions.

“Sure” is a decent response to use when there’s no need for a big show of gratitude and it’s time to move on.

“No problem” is an answer to let the person know that the help you offered was not a bother to you. It also invites the person to ask for another favor in the future.

When you use “No worries,” you indicate that what you have done was not a big deal and that you don’t need further compensation.

Fewer Responses as Fewer People Say, “Thank You”

According to Gache, all these casual responses are partly a result of the disappearance of “Thank you.” Instead of saying “thank you,” people say things like “got it” or “have a good one.” Unfortunately, casual expressions don’t carry the same sentiment as when you sincerely express gratitude or thanks.

Another more polite way to respond is to use the expression “Thank you,” with the emphasis on the “you,” meaning the person receiving thanks is now offering back or reciprocating thanks to the person who offered it. 

Similarly, “The pleasure was all mine” is a polite way of saying, “You’re welcome.” It’s an excellent option to respond to a thank you because it makes the situation less awkward for the other person.

Less formal would be “Anytime,” which is a one-word response that is also very popular nowadays, along with “Don’t mention it.” Another heartfelt response is, “It is the least I could do.” Finally, an amiable response between friends is, “I know you’d do the same for me.” 

In the digital age, many communicate electronically, and many social media users react to a thank you with a smiley emoji or a thumbs-up. This way, you let the person know that you appreciate the gratitude.

In principle, all these expressions mean the very same thing. However, the difference is in how polite you want to be. For instance, an expression like “That’s alright” conveys a very casual response.

Other Uses of “Most” and “Welcome”

There are different ways we can use the combination of “most” and “welcome.” To know where you can and where you can’t use “most” with “welcome,” you have to understand how welcome can function as a verb, noun, participle, or adjective.

In addition to functioning as an adverb, we can also use “most” as an adjective, noun, or pronoun.

Most + Welcome as an Adjective

Apart from the response to “Thank you,” we can only use the adverb “most” before the word “welcome” if we’re using the latter as an adjective. A few examples where “welcome” is the adjective will help explain this principle.

First, if one person receives another with friendliness into their home, we can describe that person as a welcome guest. In this case, the adjective modifies or describes the noun “guest.”

It is also correct to say that the person is a most welcome guest. Here, the adverb “most” modifies the adjective “welcome,” indicating the highest degree of being welcome. While adjectives can only modify nouns, adverbs can modify verbs, adjectives, prepositions, and other adverbs.

Next, a person can receive a welcome break after a long work session. To say the person has a most welcome break would also be correct.

Lastly, you can invite someone by saying, “You are welcome to join us.” It is not wrong to invite the person by saying, “You are most welcome to join us.” Here, “welcome is a predicate adjective because it comes after the noun that it describes. The linking verb “are” connects the predicate adjective to the subject “You.”

We can also insert the adverb “most” in between the linking verb and the predicate adjective.

Most + Welcome as a Verb

However, since we generally use the adverb “most” to form the superlative, we don’t typically use it before “welcome” when it functions as a verb. As a verb, “welcomed” is the past tense and past participle, and “welcoming” is the present participle.

The verb “welcome” indicates the act of greeting or receiving someone. As “welcome” is the action, you generally don’t “most welcome” somebody. For instance, you could say, “I welcome you to my home,” but it sounds awkward to say, “I most welcome you to my home.”

However, we can use “most” as an adverb of manner to describe how someone welcomed you. For example, we could say, “I welcome them most when they bring gifts” or “They welcomed me most when they wanted something,” although this is somewhat outdated ( source ).

In contrast, if we changed “most” into the focusing adverb “mostly,” we could say, “I mostly welcome them if they bring gifts.”

We can also combine the verb “welcome” with “most” when it functions as a pronoun, as in “I welcomed most of them to my home.”

Most + Welcome as a Noun

We cannot use the adverb “most” together with “welcome” when it is a noun, but we can use “most” as an adjective. 

The noun “welcome” originates from Old English wilcuma and describes a greeting as a thing and is, thus, a noun.

You could give someone a friendly welcome, or if you would’ve preferred that the person was not there, one might say that the person has received a very unfriendly welcome. In the sentence “Don’t overstay your welcome,” the noun “welcome” describes the state of being welcome.

Similarly, we can use the adjective “most” to describe “welcome” as a noun, as in “My hometown is where I receive the most welcome.”

You Are Most Welcome or Welcomed

It is incorrect to use “welcomed” in the expressions “you are most welcome” or “you are welcome” in response to a “thank you.” “Welcomed” is the past tense and past participle of the verb “welcome,” and you can only use it in that capacity. The dictionaries do not recognize “welcomed” as an adjective.

While you might say, “You are most welcomed by the congregation,” this would be in the passive voice using the helping verb “are” in conjunction with the main verb “welcomed.” There’s no reason why you would choose such an expression anyway since “The congregation welcomes you” is much simpler and less awkward.

The passive voice uses “welcomed” as a past participle, as in, “Peter was welcomed to the club with open arms” or “Peter was most welcomed to the club with open arms.” Again, we could easily simplify the in the active voice to “They welcomed Peter to the club with open arms” or “They welcomed Peter the most with open arms.”

This article was written for strategiesforparents.com. 

To read more about using degrees of comparison, check out “ Clearer or More Clear: Understanding the Proper Usage of Degrees of Comparison .”

Final Thoughts

We can conclude that the expression “You are most welcome” as a response to a “thank you” is very common. There are, however, other expressions that sometimes fit the situation better, such as very casual responses among close colleagues.

If you’re in doubt about how to respond to a thank you, use “You are welcome” because it suits any situation and is never rude.

The other uses of the phrase” most welcome” can sometimes be confusing for English language learners. The general rule of thumb is to use “most” as an adverb together with “welcome” only when using “welcome” as an adjective.

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Whether you're using a fancy camera or a smartphone, here's how to take photos of the solar eclipse

The upcoming April 8 total eclipse will likely be the one of the most photographed events of the year

Getting to see even one total solar eclipse is a rare occurrence. Photographer Stan Honda has three under his belt. His first experience took place in Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, in 2015 - what he saw was a singular spectacle and chance for anyone wielding a camera.

"At that latitude the sun, even at noon, was only about 11 degrees above the horizon, which is pretty low," Honda said. "So we didn't really have to look up into the sky - we just sort of looked straight at the horizon to see the eclipse taking place. When it went total, it was against this incredible foreground of ice and snow, and it was 2 degrees Fahrenheit there. We were all pretty bundled up, but it was a pretty remarkable scene. That has stayed with me."

RELATED: Everything you need to enjoy the eclipse safely including solar glasses and more

The upcoming April 8 total eclipse will likely be the one of the most photographed events of the year, with almost 32 million people in the United States alone living in the path of totality - the corridor along which the moon will completely cover the sun - and another 150 million living within 200 miles of it.

Crossing from Mexico into Texas and then across a dozen US states before reaching Maine and ending over Canada, the path will range between 108 and 122 miles (174 and 196 kilometers) wide, offering up to 4 minutes of totality in the Southern states.

Weather permitting, it is an incredible opportunity for photographers of any skill level. Whether you're working with a high-end DSLR camera or a smartphone, Honda - an experienced astrophotographer who in addition to total eclipses has captured a whole lot of partial ones - has some tips on how to make the moment last through images.

Setting up for eclipse photos

For the upcoming eclipse, Honda will be in Fredericksburg, Texas, taking pictures on behalf of international news agency Agence France-Presse.

"I was looking at weather maps and historically, as you go further south, there's less chances of clouds. Texas is as far south as you can go in the US to view the totality part of the eclipse," he said. "Fredericksburg is just west of Austin, so it's easy to get to. It seems to be a pretty popular choice, and it looks like this area of Texas is getting ready for pretty big crowds."

Honda said he usually plans two kinds of pictures. One is taken with a wide-angle lens to capture the eclipse and also the landscape around it. "To me, that's actually a better photo, because it kind of puts the eclipse in a location, it puts it in a setting," he said. "And also, it shows you where you were at the time."

The other kind of image he aims for involves using a telephoto lens and prioritizes the celestial event. "You've probably seen a lot of those shots, just focusing on the sun itself," he said, "and the sun makes up a large part of the picture."

As part of his professional setup, Honda will have a third camera with a really wide-angle lens to try to get even more of the landscape, and a fourth camera around his neck, with a wide-angle zoom lens, to photograph the people around him and document their reactions.

But you don't need all that.

"With pretty much any kind of camera or any lens, you can get a good picture of the eclipse," he said. "I would just recommend a fairly sturdy tripod, to make your setup pretty steady, and a remote shutter release, because that allows you to take the pictures without jarring or moving the camera too much."

Eclipse moments to capture - and how to do it safely

Just like your eyes need protection during the partial phases of the eclipse - ISO 12312-2 compliant eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer to watch it safely - your camera does, too.

Remember that it's not safe to look at the eclipse through an unfiltered camera, even when wearing protection on your eyes. That's because optical devices can concentrate solar rays, which can then cause eye injury, according to NASA.

"A safe solar filter really is a necessity for the partial phases, and the American Astronomical Society has a whole section on its website about solar eclipse glasses and filters that they approve as being safe to use," Honda said.

RELATED: How to make a pinhole projector with a cereal box to safely view an image of the solar eclipse

The filter cuts out a huge amount of light, and different filters produce different colors, depending on the material they're made of, Honda said, adding that you should switch your exposure setting to manual mode.

"The automatic settings just won't work with the filter on, because most of the frame will be black, so it'll be like taking a picture at night," he said. "Manually focusing would be a big help, too - you can autofocus on the sun, but then you have to disable the autofocus so that your camera doesn't try to keep focusing through the filter. It's so dark that it'll be fooled by the darkness, and it won't be able to focus."

Right at the beginning of the totality period, you might be lucky to capture something called the " diamond ring " effect, which happens just before the moon completely covers up the sun.

"It's this very bright section of the sun, just on one corner of it - it looks like a ring with a diamond on it, and that lasts for just a few seconds, maybe 10 or so," Honda said.

Equally as elusive are Baily's beads , which might appear right as the moon and sun appear to align.

"The moon isn't perfectly smooth - there's mountains, craters and other formations - so as it's covering up the sun, some of the sunlight will stream through these formations and create spots of light along one edge," Honda said. "Again this lasts a couple of seconds before you transition to the full totality, when you see the corona."

During the eclipse, there could even be the chance to witness a coronal mass ejection - a large, spectacular plume of material rising from the sun's surface, weighing billions of tons, according to NASA.

Once the moon covers up the face of the sun, you will have to take the filter off the camera; otherwise, you won't be able to see the sun's corona, which is really the money shot, Honda said.

"When you take the filter off, you'll have to increase the exposure by quite a bit, because the corona itself is fairly dim, about the brightness of a full moon, so compared to the brightness of the sun that's a pretty big difference," Honda said. "Keep the shutter speed and the ISO consistent and just slow down the shutter speed, because that will give you more and more exposure as you increase the time of the shutter speed, and you'll catch more and more of the corona on each frame."

During totality, you can also look at the eclipse directly with your naked eyes, but knowing exactly when it's safe to take filters and glasses off can be tricky. If you're in a group of people, it's likely that the moment will be announced. Otherwise, you should look out for when the sun reaches a super-thin crescent, Honda said.

How to practice eclipse photography

Of all the stages of a total solar eclipse, the moment of totality is special and the one most photographers covet. "That's also a pretty dramatic shot, especially with the wide-angle lens," Honda said. "Everybody wants that picture during totality, to show the sun's corona."

Luckily, you'll have plenty of time to photograph this phase in April as this event's totality will last at least 2 minutes and up to well over four, depending on your location. Once it's over, the cycle that reveals Baily's beads and the diamond will start in reverse.

"As you get closer toward what's called third contact, when the moon is ready to move off the face of the sun, then you have to remember to reset your shutter speed back to the original setting - when you were shooting the partial phases before totality - and put your filter back on," Honda said.

ALSO SEE: Will weather spoil your eclipse view? Here's an early look

How many pictures should be taken during the eclipse is up to you, but Honda recommends buying the largest memory card you can find.

"What I do is, I'll set my remote trigger to take a picture every minute as the eclipse progresses. During transition for Baily's beads and the diamond ring, I'll take a picture at least every second, maybe a couple times a second, because that only lasts a very short time. And then during totality, I'll probably try to shoot as many as I can. So the idea is to try not to run out of space."

If you get a good exposure in your camera, Honda said you don't really have to do too much afterward in terms of image processing, but you should shoot in the "RAW" setting if you have the option, because it will give you the highest quality.

After each eclipse, he always creates a composite shot showing the sequence from the start to the end in a single image.

If you want to get some practice beforehand, you can simply put your filter on and take pictures of the sun (without looking at it unless through your camera): "That will help you determine a base exposure setting for your camera, or the lens you're going to use," Honda said. "You can shoot with a variety of exposures and see what looks good on your computer. On eclipse day, you might have to adjust a little bit here and there, but you probably won't be very far off."

RELATED: Total solar eclsipe: Are you in the path of totality?

And if you only have a cell phone? "I used one on the past eclipses, just on the automatic settings, and it actually seemed to work OK," Honda said. "Just leave it on the standard wide-angle setting - if you start to zoom in on the sun to try to make it bigger, it throws off the automatic exposure."

A wider shot with a phone might be less dramatic, but it will capture either the people or the landscape around you, and that might make for a better picture, Honda added.

However, don't forget to make looking at the eclipse the priority, he advised. "Photography should be the secondary objective, because this is a truly amazing natural event that you might not ever see again," he said. "So, if you're in the path of totality, make sure you spend more time looking at it with your eyes than with the camera."

(The-CNN-Wire & 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.)

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Watch CBS News

Where to get free "I Love NY" eclipse glasses for April 8 total solar eclipse in New York

By CBS New York Team

Updated on: April 5, 2024 / 6:45 AM EDT / CBS New York

NEW YORK --  Limited edition "I Love NY" solar eclipse glasses are now available statewide ahead of the  April 8 total solar eclipse .

Gov. Kathy Hochul and state officials caution New Yorkers to protect their eyes and beware of fake glasses.

"Looking at the sun without proper eye protection can literally cause permanent damage," State Operations Director Kathryn Garcia said on March 25, two weeks before the big event. "We have special eclipse glasses that will be available in limited quantities at our welcome centers and at our thruway rest stops across the state."

The American Astronomical Society warns fake glasses have straight edges with sunglass-like lenses, but real ones should have curved edges with reflective lenses. See the approved list .

The April 8 total solar eclipse will travel through the western part of the state , including cities like Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse. Celebrations are planned all weekend long , and traffic is expected to be heavy. 

Garcia said the state even has a  special eclipse playlist , featuring everything from "Here Comes the Sun" to "Total Eclipse of the Heart."  

Most of the surrounding Tri-State Area will be outside the path of totality, but will see the moon cover about 90% of the sun. 

I Love NY eclipse glasses

The state is distributing the free  "I Love NY" eclipse glasses at 30 locations , including welcome centers and service areas.

Around the New York City area, they are available at Penn Station's Moynihan Train Hall, the Long Island Welcome Center on the Long Island Expressway Eastbound in Dix Hills and the Hudson Valley-Catskills Welcome Center at Woodbury Commons in Central Valley. See the full list.

• Adirondacks Welcome Center on I-87 Northbound in Glen Falls
• Lake Placid Visitor Bureau on Main Street in Lake Placid
• Capital Region Welcome Center on I-87 Northbound in Hannacroix
• New Baltimore Service Area on I-87 North & Southbound in Hannacroix
• Mohawk Valley Welcome Center on I-90 Westbound in Fultonville
• Southern Tier Welcome Center on I-87 Northbound in Kirkwood
• Mohawk Service Area on I-90 Eastbound in Amsterdam
• Indian Castle Service Area on I-90 Eastbound in Little Falls
• Iroquois Service Area on I-90 Westbound in Little Falls
• Schuyler Service Area on I-90 Westbound in Frankfort
• Oneida Service Area on I-90 Eastbound in Westmoreland
• Chittenango Service Area I-90 Westbound in Canastota
• National Comedy Center on West 2nd Street in Jamestown
• Central NY Welcome Center on Destiny USA Drive in Syracuse
• Finger Lakes Welcome Center on Lakefront Drive in Geneva
• Port Byron Service Area on I-90 Eastbound in Port Byron
• Warners Service Area on I-90 Westbound in Warners
• Junius Ponds Service Area on I-90 Westbound in Phelps
• Clifton Springs Service Area on I-90 Eastbound in Clifton Springs
• Seneca Service Area on I-90 Westbound in Victor
• Western NY Welcome Center on Alvin Road in Grand Island
• Pembroke Service Area on I-90 Eastbound in Corfu
• Clarence Service Area on I-90 Westbound in Clarence
• Hudson Valley | Catskills Welcome Center at Woodbury Commons in Central Valley
• Ardsley Service Area on I-87 Northbound in Hastings-on-Hudson
• Plattekill Service Area on I-87 Northbound in Plattekill
• Modena Service Area on I-87 Southbound in Modena
• Long Island Welcome Center on the Long Island Expressway Eastbound in Dix Hills
• Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in Manhattan
• North Country Welcome Center on Collins Landing Road in Alexandria Bay

Experts say it is important to wear protective eclipse glasses, which are 1,000 times darker than sunglasses and adhere to international safety standards. 

"If you buy a pair of eclipse glasses online or from a store, please make sure they are from a trusted source," Garcia said. "If you can see your hand in front of your face with the glasses on, if you can see, they're not good."

NASA warns not look at the eclipse through a camera lens, binoculars or telescope -- even while wearing eclipse glasses -- because the solar rays could burn through the lens. 

"During the eclipse, as the sunlight dims, our eyes go through a fascinating shift, called purkinje. What it means is that we're more sensitive to colors. Reds may appear to fade, while greens and blues will come alive," said Garcia. "Pay attention to how colors around you change -- a great science experiment. And ask people in your group to wear red and green so that you can have the full effect."

You can also try to view the eclipse indirectly with a  homemade pinhole projector .

CBS News New York will  stream live coverage  of the event from 2 to 4 p.m. with Chief Weathercaster Lonnie Quinn in Rochester and CBS2 News at 5 Anchor Kristine Johnson in Niagara Falls, along with reporters across New York and New Jersey.  

• Kathy Hochul

The CBS New York team is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on CBSNewYork.com.

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Savers wishing to use their annual ISA allowance have until the end of today to do so.

The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April, so those wishing to maximise their tax-free savings must deposit £20,000 by the deadline.

An ISA, or individual savings accounts, allows you to save money without having to pay tax on any interest gained.

If you are unsure about whether you have any ISA allowance left for this tax year, check with your provider.

A new allowance will begin tomorrow for the tax year 2024-25.

You cannot roll over any unused allowance so it is important to utilise your full yearly allowance if you can.

Want to know more? Read on here... 

It can be hard to balance getting nutritious foods that make you feel good without emptying your wallet.

In this series over the coming months, we're trying to find the cheapest ways to identify the healthiest options in the supermarket.

We've asked  Sunna Van Kampen, founder of Tonic Health ,  who went viral on social media for reviewing supermarket products in the search of healthier choices, for his input. 

The series does not aim to identify the outright healthiest option, rather how to get better nutritional value for as little money as possible.

This week we're having a look at  juices - the staple of the lunchbox. 

The NHS recommends children between the ages of four and six should have no more than 19g of sugar a day and ages seven to 10 no more than 24g.  

"But would you believe a standard apple juice carton (200ml) contains over 22g of sugar," Sunna says - equal to five teaspoons. 

That's nearly a child's daily intake in a single carton.  

"It might seem like the healthier option at a glance, because it’s just fruit juice and sure, it's natural fruit sugar, but remember those are concentrated doses without the fibre of whole fruit," Sunna says.

Many reach for juice cartons labelled "no added sugar" or "sugar-free" - but here's where we hit a speed bump. 

"These options contain the same artificial sweeteners as diet soft drinks, which, while cutting down on sugar, introduce their own set of concerns for parents," Sunna says. 

"From affecting taste preferences to unnecessary chemicals, they're not the golden ticket to healthy hydration we might hope for."

The alternative

"I look for juice cartons that strike a balance without breaking the bank," Sunna says. 

He suggests aiming for options with lower natural sugar content that are diluted with water to keep the sweetness in check without resorting to additives.

"This way, you're not just quenching thirst - you're also fostering healthier hydration habits," he says.

"The secret I've discovered upon my many journeys down the supermarket aisles is Cawston Press." 

The company offer a "pressed fruit shaken with water" range that is as low as 45% juice.

"That makes a 200ml carton 8.8g of sugar - over a 50% reduction in their standard juice carton sugar intake."

The nutritionist's view - from  Dr Laura Brown , senior lecturer in nutrition, food, and health sciences at Teesside University...

There are some accurate suggestions here. 

Additionally, the message should be to stay away from these juices as they are undoubtedly contributing to the tooth decay and obesity issues. 

It's difficult, though, to achieve especially with children so, as suggested, look for the lowest sugar content with nothing artificial added as stated.

This range of Cawston Press is 32p per 100ml or £1.90 for a pack of three in Tesco.

Slightly more expensive are Innocent smoothies at 47p per 100ml or £7 for a 10 pack.

Fruit Shoot, which uses  Sucralose and Acesulfame K as sweeteners, comes in cheaper at 22p per 100ml or £3.60 for an eight pack.

Working that over the course of a year with a juice carton a day:

• Fruit Shoot is £164.25 a year
• Cawston Press is £231.16
• Innocent is £255.50

Even though there are cheaper alternatives, Sunna suggests that the extra cost is an investment in your health. 

By picking Cawston Press over Innocent you can save nearly £25 a year and reduce your kids' sugar intake by 3kg every 12 months. 

"Good for your wallet and great for their health," Sunna says. 

In response to our article, Innocent told us: "We're on a mission to make it easier to live well through the delicious goodness of fruit and veg. 

"We know that most of us need to get more of it into our diets and our juices and smoothies are packed full of fruity goodness. We don't add sugar - we never have, and we never will - so our products only contain the same natural sugar as you’ll find in fresh fruit and veg.

"Our 'innocent kids' range of juices and smoothies are made from 100% crushed fruit and veg, contain at least one micro-nutrient, and count towards one of your five a day.

"All our kids' smoothies are available in the recommended 150ml portion and are less than 100kcals per wedge allowing our customers to enjoy the drinks in moderation."

A Fruit Shoot spokesperson told us: "Fruit Shoot is all about offering healthier consumer choices, which is why over the years we've worked to reformulate Fruit Shoot to reduce calories without compromising on taste."

"Fruit Shoot contains sugar from real fruit complemented by permitted sweeteners - providing the taste consumers love."

Cawston Press said: “Our Cawston Press Fruit Waters are a blend of not-from-concentrate fruit juice shaken with still water and made with natural ingredients, meticulously crafted to meet the high standards of school approval. 

"As with all Cawston Press juices, our Fruit Waters are made simply with pressed fruit, and are free from artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives with no added sugars - what we call No Jiggery Pokery. The sweetness of Cawston Press' Fruit Waters comes solely from the pure juices of the pressed fruit, nothing else."

Disney+ is set to crack down on password-sharing.

Chief executive Bob Iger told CNBC the streaming platform would start taking action against the behaviour from June in some countries, before a "full rollout" in September.

Password sharing refers to users who share their log-in details with family and friends who are not in the same household, enabling them to access content without paying for it.

The crackdown would be "our first real foray into password sharing" to "turn this business into a business that we feel really good about", Mr Iger said.

Disney's decision comes after fellow streaming giant Netflix attributed a recent jump in subscribers to its own action on password sharing.

"Netflix is the gold standard in streaming," Mr Iger said.

"They've done a phenomenal job and a lot of different directions. 

"I actually have very, very high regard for what they've accomplished. If we can only accomplish what they've accomplished, that would be great."

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

The price of oil has continued to shoot up this morning - meaning the cost of petrol at the pumps in Britain is at risk of rising further in the coming weeks.

A barrel of Brent crude topped $91 (£72.10) at one point this morning - its highest level since October.

The price has since eased back slightly to $90 (£71.30) a barrel, but that is still the highest it has been in months.

It comes as tensions ramp up in the Middle East amid fears of a wider escalation of the Israel-Hamas war.

Investors have also been growing increasingly jittery about global supplies after another Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian oil refinery earlier this week.

Meanwhile, London's FTSE 100 is down 1% this morning amid the geopolitical tensions - though oil and gas stocks have risen 0.3% (no surprise there).

On the currency markets, £1 will buy you $1.26 US or €1.16, down slightly on yesterday's rates.

By Ollie Cooper, Money team

We've all heard consumer advice that's repeated so often it almost becomes cliché. So, every Friday the Money team get to the bottom of a different "fact" and decide whether it's a myth or must.

This week it is...

'It's harder to get a mortgage if you're self-employed'

We've enlisted the help of Pete Mugleston , managing director and mortgage expert Online Mortgage Advisor, and to help us get to the bottom of this one, he's outlined two examples. 

"By looking at the two hypothetical individuals, Person A and Person B, I aim to outline the differences and nuances of securing a mortgage under two very different circumstances," he says.

Person A: Self-employed - annual income £60,000

Person A is a self-employed professional with an annual income of £60,000. 

They run their own business, providing services directly to clients and managing their finances independently. 

"In the realm of mortgage applications, self-employed individuals like Person A face a unique set of challenges, especially if they do not have the required proof of accounts readily available," Pete says. 

When it comes to securing a mortgage, lenders typically rely on financial documents to assess an applicant's income stability and affordability.

"For self-employed individuals without the necessary proof of accounts, the road to mortgage approval can indeed become more arduous."

Without the required documents such as two to three years of certified accounts, SA302 forms and business accounts, Person A might find themselves facing several obstacles...

"One potential hurdle is the possibility of a larger deposit requirement - lenders often view self-employed applicants without sufficient financial documentation as higher risk," Pete says.

"To mitigate this risk, they may request a more substantial deposit, possibly ranging from 20% to 25% of the property's value."

For the average UK property, with the value sitting at around £263,600, that deposit could range between £52,700 and £65,900 - a far cry from the more reasonable 5-10% deposit.

However, in some cases, lenders may consider Person A's past and projected future earnings. 

If they can demonstrate a history of consistent income through bank statements, contracts of future work or other evidence, this may strengthen their case. 

"However, this process can be complex and may not guarantee approval," Pete says. 

Lenders also assess the stability of income for self-employed individuals. 

Unlike salaried employees with predictable monthly earnings, self-employed individuals may experience fluctuations in income due to seasonality, market changes or other factors. 

"This variability can raise concerns for lenders, who want assurance that the borrower can consistently meet mortgage repayments," Pete says.

"Without the required proof of accounts, Person A's journey to securing a mortgage may involve more stringent requirements, additional scrutiny of income, and a potential need for a larger deposit."

Person B: Employed full-time - annual income £40,000

Now let's turn our attention to Person B, who is employed full-time with an annual income of £40,000. 

Person B holds a traditional job, receiving regular payslips and tax deductions through the PAYE system. 

"In the eyes of mortgage lenders, Person B represents a more straightforward case compared to Person A, despite earning £20,000 less per annum," Pete says.

"For employed individuals like Person B, the process of obtaining a mortgage tends to be smoother. 

"Person B can easily provide payslips, P60 forms and other employment-related documents to verify their income." 

These documents offer a clear and consistent picture of earnings, making it easier for lenders to assess affordability.

"With a reliable income stream and documented financial history, Person B may qualify for standard deposit requirements, typically ranging from 5% to 20% of the property's value."

Lenders can conduct a straightforward affordability assessment for Person B based on their documented income. The process usually involves multiplying their annual salary by a standard factor (often four to 4.5 times) to determine the maximum mortgage amount.

"In comparison to the self-employed Person A, Person B's path to mortgage approval is generally smoother, with fewer hurdles related to income verification and deposit requirements," Pete says. 

While employed individuals like Person B benefit from easily verifiable income and standard procedures, self-employed individuals such as Person A face a more challenging path, particularly in circumstances where they have less than the required proof of accounts.

In summary...

This one is no myth. 

"For self-employed individuals, the key lies in meticulous financial preparation, including maintaining accurate accounts, saving for a potentially larger deposit and providing additional evidence of income stability," Pete says. 

You can also seek professional help if required. 

With all that in mind, the money must here if you are self-employed is to be well-prepared!

The next time you order an Uber, you might notice something different.

The company is introducing a new safety feature that will remind you to put your seatbelt on.

When your trip starts, the driver's Uber app may sound an alert so you don't forget.

At the same time, your own Uber app will receive a push notification, with another reminder to buckle up.

"You can expect to receive these reminders on a regular basis," Uber says.

"Wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest ways to help keep you and any fellow riders safe. We understand that some riders may have medical exemptions from wearing a seat belt."

Carers will be entitled to unpaid leave under a new law hailed as a "huge step forward" for more than two million people. 

Under the Carer's Leave Act, which comes into force on Saturday, employees who are carers can take up to a week of unpaid leave every 12 months - equating to five days for most people.

They will be entitled to this leave to give or arrange care for a dependent (who has a physical or mental illness or injury meaning they will need care for more than three months), who has a disability, or who needs care due to old age.

Charity Carers UK has said past research found about 600 people a day give up work so they can care due to a lack of flexibility and support. 

The new law is aimed at giving people more flexibility to balance work and caring. 

Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, said too many "skilled and valued workers are leaving employment due to the stress of balancing work and unpaid care".

Tens of thousands of people are facing crippling tax demands from HMRC for taxes their employers failed to pay. 

It's a campaign that has driven people to the brink of bankruptcy and devastated families.

At least 23 victims have taken - or attempted to take - their own lives.

For the first time, two people who tried to end their lives have shared their story with Sky News.

The following article contains references to suicide that readers may find distressing.

We've all found ourselves stuck on a delayed train and wished we'd chosen any other route to get home. You might even be on one right now.

Well, thanks to a new study you can at least take note of routes you might want to avoid.

It has listed the worst offending companies on the UK's rail network by looking at official data from the Office of Rail and Road between January 2021 and September 2023.

It looked at trains that were cancelled or delayed by 15 minutes or more during that time period.

The research found Avanti West Coast had 15.36% of its services delayed or cancelled. 

The study's second worst offender, with 12.32% of all trains either cancelled or seriously late, is Grand Central Rail . 

And  CrossCountry was the third least reliable operator, with 12.26% of trains arriving 15 minutes or more late, or being cancelled altogether. 

Axel Hernborg, founder of Tripplo , which conducted the study, said: " It's no secret that the UK's rail network is a far shout from those within mainland Europe in terms of efficiency and reliability, and these findings simply underscore that."

Look at the table below for the full list of the 10 least reliable train operators, as ranked by the travel website. The column on the right shows the number of minutes customers lost in delays.

By Faith Ridler, news reporter

At the start of the year, I set myself what felt like an impossible challenge - to make enough cash to finally go on my dream holiday to Japan – all through side hustles.

After a few false starts – and a lot of cat sitting – I discovered Vinted, a second-hand selling app which had the very convenient side effect of helping me declutter my very tiny London flat.

I set up my account at the very end of January, listing a few items that were spilling out of my wardrobe – jackets, dresses and shoes I hadn’t worn once since purchasing them.

I also listed some craft supplies that had become a hobby graveyard on my cluttered desk during COVID lockdowns.

To my surprise, pretty much everything sold.

And to date, I've made the hefty sum of around £1,500. 

This was more than enough for my flight to Japan, a new suitcase, and a hotel for my arrival in Tokyo this summer.

Here are the tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way…

Do your research

The biggest piece of advice I could give you if you’re thinking about selling on Vinted is to make sure you know the value of what you're selling.

I was surprised to find through my own selling experience that some brands hold their value much better than others. 

For example, a dress I bought for £40 from a brand called Louche sold (after some weeks) for only £4.

On the other hand, a Lucy & Yak T-shirt I bought for £30 sold used for £20.

You may ask, how do I know what something is worth?

The best way to investigate this is to check what other people are doing on the app. That way, you don’t list things too cheaply and end up losing out.

Other items I found hold their value are Nintendo Switch games, some of which I sold on for face value after completing a playthrough myself.

An important note – make sure you check which items you can sell through Vinted before listing. If you have listings deleted too often, you can get your account banned. You can find this information through the app itself.

No printer? InPost lockers are your friend

A key element of Vinted selling is physically posting the items, which can become a bit of a headache if you don’t know the ins and outs of the app.

I fell victim to the many shipping options at the start of my selling journey – until a kind friend mentioned you can actually switch off methods not available in your area in the Postage tab of Settings.

My advice would be to have a good look at what you can offer for delivery, and make sure those are the only options available for people buying items through your page.

If – like me – you don’t have a printer, you can turn off every option but InPost lockers.

These are postal lockers you simply need to scan a QR code to open and leave the parcel inside.

No label, no problem.

Learn how to haggle

This was something that shocked me about the app.

Although you set a price for your items, almost everybody will try to haggle the price down.

You can ask for people not to send offers in the description of the items, but I’ve had very limited success with that method.

What I find works best is to list the item for slightly more than you would accept, and just let people haggle down. You're still earning the best price, and the buyer goes away with a "deal".

Everybody wins.

Taxes and Vinted

When it comes to earning money through any method, you always have to consider the tax ramifications.

However, as Vinted explains clearly on its website , if the money you make on the app over a year is less than what you paid for the items initially, you pay no tax.

It adds: "The only time that an individual item might be taxable is when you sell it for more than £6,000 and there is a profit from the sale.

"Even then, you can use your capital gain tax-free allowance (which is £3,000) to reduce this profit."

Essentially, if, like me, you're simply decluttering your way to Japan, you're very unlikely to find yourself crossing paths with HMRC.

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