are very much obliged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are very much obliged" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express gratitude or appreciation towards someone for a favor or assistance provided. Example: "Thank you for your help with the project; we are very much obliged for your support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Draper is only one of dozens of historians and many thousands of students of the past 20 years who are very much obliged to Francis Jennings.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ms. Tymoshenko said, "I am very much obliged to Vladimir Vladimirovich and his team for finding the opportunity to grant special terms for Ukraine".

The New York Times

It goes, in full: My Dear Madam, I am very much obliged to you for your beautiful lines on the death of Nell, which I have read with great interest and pleasure.

The Guardian - Books

Some are very much not.

The Economist

They are very much appreciated.

The New Yorker

We are very much alike.

The New York Times

They are very much individuals.

Forbes

But also, it's very much a time of being obliged to bankrupt yourself on a Secret Santa gift the colleague you've been randomly assigned will actively hate.

Vice

Cindy McCain seems to represent the best of that tradition to me; her charitable work is very much old-school conservative and old-fashioned noblesse oblige.

The Guardian - Opinion

Handling is very much encouraged.

The New York Times

"We were very much outnumbered.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are very much obliged" in situations where you want to convey a sense of formal gratitude. It is best suited for professional or respectful communications.

Common error

Avoid using "are very much obliged" in casual settings or informal conversations, as it can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Opt for simpler expressions of thanks in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are very much obliged" functions as a declarative expression of gratitude or obligation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability in specific contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academic

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are very much obliged" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating gratitude or obligation, as validated by Ludwig AI. While somewhat formal, it is appropriate for professional or respectful communications. It's less common in casual conversation. Alternatives such as "are deeply grateful" or "are extremely thankful" offer similar sentiments with varying degrees of formality. When using this phrase, consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone. Overall, it's a valuable expression when a higher degree of gratitude or obligation is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are much obliged

A slightly shorter and more concise version of the original phrase.

are most grateful

Emphasizes the high degree of gratitude.

are deeply grateful

Emphasizes the depth of gratitude felt.

are extremely thankful

Highlights the feeling of thankfulness.

are really grateful

Uses "really" to intensify the gratitude.

are very thankful

A slightly less formal alternative.

are very appreciative

Focuses on the appreciation for the assistance.

are keenly appreciative

Highlights the intensity of appreciation.

are greatly indebted

Stresses the sense of owing a debt of gratitude.

are in your debt

A more direct way of expressing indebtedness.

FAQs

How can I use "are very much obliged" in a sentence?

You can use "are very much obliged" to express gratitude for a specific action or favor. For example, "We "are very much obliged" for your generous donation to our cause".

What are some alternatives to "are very much obliged"?

Alternatives include "are deeply grateful", "are extremely thankful", or the simpler "are much obliged".

When is it appropriate to use "are very much obliged"?

It is appropriate in formal communications, such as thank-you notes, business correspondence, or speeches, where a high degree of respect and gratitude is warranted.

Is "are very much obliged" still commonly used today?

While grammatically correct, "are very much obliged" is not as common in everyday conversation as simpler expressions of gratitude. It maintains a presence in more formal contexts and writing.