our pleasure

USAGE SUMMARY

"our pleasure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase as an answer to thank someone, to express your enthusiasm for doing something, or to emphasize how much you enjoy helping someone. For example, if someone thanks you for helping them with a task, you can reply, “Our pleasure.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was "our" pleasure.

The New York Times

But why should that impede our pleasure?

The New York Times - Books

We go about our business and our pleasure.

The New York Times

Who has ever worked so hard for our pleasure?

The New York Times - Magazine

Go ahead, we said to Spielberg: it's our pleasure.

The New Yorker

And through becoming ordinary, we lose our pleasure".

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is always our pleasure to better serve our patrons.

The New Yorker

Time has changed the nature of our pleasure.

The New Yorker

We laugh together and our mutual good humour increases and strengthens our pleasure".

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is our pleasure to congratulate him on such a well-earned post.

The New Yorker

"We hope that readers everywhere will share our pleasure and excitement in this shortlist".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When replying to someone who thanks you, consider using “"it was a delight"” for a slightly more enthusiastic tone.

Common error

While "our pleasure" is generally appropriate, avoid using it in extremely casual settings where it might sound overly formal or insincere. A simple "you're welcome" might be more fitting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our pleasure" primarily functions as an interjection or a conventional expression of politeness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common and grammatically correct response used when someone expresses gratitude.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our pleasure" is a versatile and widely accepted phrase used to express politeness and willingness when responding to thanks. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news media and professional settings. While appropriate in most situations, it's best to avoid overusing it in very casual environments where a simpler "you're welcome" might be more suitable. Consider using alternative phrases like ""it was a delight"" or "we were happy to help" to add nuance to your response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was a delight

Replaces "pleasure" with "delight", emphasizing the positive feeling associated with the interaction.

we were happy to help

Shifts focus to the act of helping, highlighting willingness and satisfaction.

it was our honor

Conveys a sense of respect and privilege in providing assistance or service.

the feeling is mutual

Indicates reciprocal positive sentiment or agreement.

we enjoyed it as well

Emphasizes the speaker's personal enjoyment of the interaction or task.

we were glad to be of service

A formal expression indicating satisfaction in assisting someone.

you're very welcome

A standard polite response to gratitude, similar in function but different in structure.

not a problem at all

Assures the other party that their request or action caused no inconvenience.

it was nothing

Downplays the effort involved, indicating a willingness to help without expectation.

we are always here to assist

Highlights ongoing availability and willingness to provide support.

FAQs

How can I use "our pleasure" in a sentence?

You can use "our pleasure" as a polite response after someone thanks you for a favor or service. For example, if someone says "Thank you for your help", you can reply, "Our pleasure".

What's the difference between "our pleasure" and "you're welcome"?

"You're welcome" is a standard, general response to thanks. "Our pleasure" is a slightly more formal and enthusiastic way to express that you were happy to help or provide a service.

When is it appropriate to use "our pleasure"?

It's appropriate to use "our pleasure" in formal or professional contexts, such as when interacting with customers, clients, or colleagues. It's also suitable in situations where you want to convey sincerity and willingness to assist.

What are some alternatives to "our pleasure"?

Some alternatives to "our pleasure" include ""it was a delight"", "we were happy to help", or "it was our honor", depending on the specific context and the level of formality desired.