Introducing English Linguistics

Other kinds of politeness
Tact is not the only consideration motivating polite language usage. There
are additional motivating factors as well.
Gratitude for favors (either accepted or declined) and compliments are
typically expressed through variations of the lexeme thanks. In the exam-
ples below, gratitude for favors accepted is conveyed through use of the
verb thank as well as the expressives thank you and thanks, often intensified
with adverbials such as very much:
i’d like to thank my wife Rachel for her kindness and her loving support
and understanding of the husband that at eight o’clock goes back to his
office five nights a week, and to Hannah and Jeremy. 
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