My 9 year old son is writing a Thank You note, which reads:

"Dear John,  Thank you very much for the <gift>. I am happy that you
could come to the party."

should it read:

"Dear John, Thank you very much for the <gift>. I am happy that you
came to the party."

Or, is either version okay?

thanks!

Greetings Gretelsmom:

In my estimation as an English/Literature major, either is
apporpriate.  The implications of both reflect similar sentiments. 
You may also wish to consider suggesting to your child to add
something personal to each note regarding the recipient.

The first example "Dear John, Thank you very much for the <gift>. I am
happy that you could come to the party" implies "I am happy that you
were able to attend the party."

The second example "Dear John, Thank you very much for the <gift>. I
am happy that you came to the party." implies "I am happy that you
attended the party."

Here are a few links as well:

Totally Cool Kids - How to Write a Thank You Note
http://www.totallycoolkids.net/thankyou.htm

How To Write A Thank You Note by Amanda Tyahur 
http://www.sarasota.k12.fl.us/bhs/bryan/bryan_thank.html

How To Write a Thank You Card
http://mtmt.essortment.com/howtowritetha_ruqo.htm


Thank you for the opportunity to answer this interesting question and
I applaud you on teaching your child to be so gracious!

Best regards,
journalist-ga


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Hi gretelsmom,

I think either version would be ok, except that the second one sounds
a bit more positive in that he was glad that his friend attended the
party. The first one technically sounds like he was glad that his
friend was 'able' to attend rather than that he was there.

Here's another option:

"It was fun having you at my party."

hummer