ILY stands for I love you. People use it to end a message to someone close — a friend, partner or parent — on a warm note. It's not for colleagues, casual acquaintances or any formal writing.
Could you drop ily into a text?
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..., ily; ily, [name]
- Just got home, thanks for a lovely evening, ily!
- Thanks for helping me move today, ily so much.
- ily, have a safe flight and text me when you land.
What changed
First versionHi Mr Hall, thanks so much for covering my shift today, ily!
RevisionHi Mr Hall, thanks so much for covering my shift today, I really appreciate it!
ILY is a warm but informal tag for people you're close to, and you wouldn't write it to a colleague you're not close with. Here it's replaced with an ordinary phrase of thanks.
ILY is a quick texting version, often without any serious romantic weight — just a sign of warmth between friends. When saying it out loud in the same light tone, people often drop the I: Love you, see you on Sunday! The full phrase I love you carries more weight and suits a more serious conversation.
Your turn
Good night, ___, talk to you tomorrow!
Show the answer
ily — Wishing someone close good night is a typical moment for a warm ily. Lol would sound like a laugh, even though there's nothing funny about the message.
Write a short goodnight message to a close friend or family member, ending it with ily.
Off to bed now, Mum. Thanks for the call, it really cheered me up. Sleep well, ily.
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