Grammar gremlins: 'You're welcome' beginning to lose favor in everyday speech

Knoxville News Sentinel ^ | 6/18/6 | DON K. FERGUSON

[JRios1968]

Well, no worries!

[HungarianGypsy]

I admit it. I am bad at this. Last week I told myself I need to remember to say, "You're welcome" in response to "Thank you". I usually say, "Thank you."

[SmithL]

no problem

Well, I've got a problem with that!

So, they're!
So, their!
Nevermind, no problem at all.

[Mamzelle]

Worries, mate?

[ladyinred]

So true. I say "you're welcome" still, but you don't hear it very often these days.

[sully777]

[dfwgator]

"No, thank you."

[Professional Engineer]

Whatever

[Knitting A Conundrum]

I tend to use "it's nothing!" and "Any time!" and "You're welcome"...I think I favor "It's nothing," but I haven't counted! Sometimes it's "I'm just glad to help."

[Rocky]

No hay problema.

[dfwgator]

"No problem, whatsoever."

[livius]

because they're so confused by the apostrophe.

LOL! Good observation, and you may be right - people are totally freaked out by apostrophes and few people seem to know how to use them. Personally, I think their time has come - and gone. You can tell from context whether it's a possessive or a contraction, and the rules on possessives are so variable that even that's not much help. Apostrophes are simply a spelling convention, but they do have a really intimidating effect on people!

As for "You're welcome," it does sound a little stiffer and more formal than "no problem," "sure thing," or any of the alternatives I have heard, and Americans really don't like formality much. As long as people say something, that's good enough for me.

[Cvengr]

Great sign,..I've known a few Methodists who could profide such help...:^)