Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Katherine Spiegel]

I am wondering why the Americans (because originally it is the American expression) and generally the whole world keep saying 'you are welcome' instead of using the form 'you are welcomed' or 'you welcome'. I know everybody uses these forms but it does not alter the fact that grammatically thinking it is not correct. Why is that? Who accepted the form first?
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[Lorikeet]

The American Heritage dictionary http://www.bartleby.com/61/39/W0083900.html has this to say under "Adjective" (see number 4):

1. Received with pleasure and hospitality into one's company or home: a welcome guest. 2. Giving pleasure or satisfaction; agreeable or gratifying: a welcome respite from hard work. 3. Cordially or willingly permitted or invited: You are welcome to join us. 4. Used in the expression you're welcome to acknowledge an expression of gratitude.

the Online Etymology Dictionary http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=w&p=4

says "You're welcome as a formulaic response to thank you is attested from 1907."

And by the way, I'd say that something that's been around that long and is such a common part of the language isn't "wrong." What is language after all? Language isn't stagnant--it changes. The rules change too. Some of the common "errors" we hear today may be considered correct a hundred years from now. No use getting upset over it.

[Jintii]

You are welcome = subject + verb + adjective

I don't see the problem, but your questions are always welcome.