are grateful for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'are grateful for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express appreciation and gratitude. For example: We are grateful for the support our friends have provided during this difficult time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are grateful for their leadership".

The New York Times

"We are grateful for your service.

The New York Times

"People are grateful for the interruption".

The New York Times

Constituents are grateful for personal attention.

The Economist

Teachers are grateful for advice.

The Guardian

The Alvas are grateful for the help.

The New York Times

Efficiency-minded people are grateful for it.

The New Yorker

We are grateful for honoring his legacy.

The New York Times

"We are grateful for the opportunity.

The Guardian - Sport

And people are grateful for that.

The New York Times

We are grateful for her leadership and generous spirit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing gratitude, be specific about what you are thankful for. Instead of saying "We are grateful for your help", specify "We are grateful for your assistance with the project."

Common error

Avoid redundancy by replacing "very grateful" with a more impactful synonym like "deeply appreciative" or "immensely thankful". This strengthens your expression of gratitude and adds nuance to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are grateful for" functions as a subject complement, describing the state of being of the subject. It typically follows a linking verb like "are" and expresses appreciation or thankfulness. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Reference

6%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are grateful for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express thankfulness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like "are thankful for" or "appreciate" exist, being specific about the object of gratitude enhances clarity and impact. Be mindful of overusing qualifiers like 'very'; consider stronger synonyms for more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thankful for

This adjective is a more direct synonym for grateful.

appreciate

This verb is a more concise way to express gratitude.

give thanks for

A more ceremonial or traditional way to express gratitude.

express gratitude for

This phrase explicitly states the action of expressing thankfulness.

show appreciation for

This focuses on demonstrating gratitude through actions.

value

This verb highlights the worth or importance of something.

indebted to

This phrase suggests a sense of obligation for something received.

obliged to

Similar to 'indebted to', but can also imply a formal duty.

recognize the value of

This phrase emphasizes the acknowledgment of something's importance.

acknowledge

A broader term that can include recognizing contributions or efforts.

FAQs

How can I use "are grateful for" in a sentence?

The phrase "are grateful for" is used to express thankfulness. For instance, you might say, "We are grateful for the opportunity" or "They are grateful for the support they received".

What are some alternatives to "are grateful for"?

You can use alternatives like "are thankful for", "appreciate", or "are indebted to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "are grateful to" instead of "are grateful for"?

Yes, but the preposition changes the meaning. "Are grateful to" is used when expressing gratitude towards a person, while "are grateful for" is used for things, actions or opportunities.

What's the difference between "are grateful for" and "are thankful for"?

The phrases "are grateful for" and "are thankful for" are largely interchangeable and express similar sentiments. "Grateful" might be perceived as slightly more formal than "thankful".