be grateful

USAGE SUMMARY

"be grateful" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it to express appreciation to someone or to remind someone of the need to be thankful. For example: "In the face of adversity, be grateful for all of the positive aspects in your life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

I'd be grateful".

The New Yorker

He should be grateful.

The Economist

"Then be grateful, be grateful," Eliot responded.

The New York Times - Books

I'd be grateful for statistics.

The New York Times - Travel

I will always be grateful.

The New York Times

Audiences everywhere will be grateful.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

And I was grateful.

The New York Times

The players were grateful".

The New York Times

And we were grateful.

The New York Times

"I am grateful.

The New Yorker

She's grateful.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be grateful" to encourage a mindset of thankfulness, especially in challenging situations. It promotes a positive outlook.

Common error

Avoid using "be grateful" excessively, as it can sound preachy or insincere. Vary your language to express thankfulness in different ways.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be grateful" primarily functions as an imperative, directly instructing or encouraging someone to adopt a state of thankfulness. This is consistent with Ludwig's AI response confirming its grammatical correctness and examples showcasing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

32%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Social Media

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be grateful" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves as an encouragement to appreciate the positive aspects of life. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms its correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the audience and situation to ensure its appropriateness. Alternatives such as "be thankful" or "show appreciation" can provide nuanced ways to express similar sentiments. Remember, authenticity and sensitivity are key when encouraging gratitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be thankful

Synonymous, but with a slightly different emphasis.

appreciate what you have

Highlights the act of valuing current possessions or circumstances.

express gratitude

A more formal way of saying thank you.

give thanks

Emphasizes the act of acknowledging blessings.

show appreciation

Focuses on the act of demonstrating thankfulness.

count your blessings

Highlights focusing on the positive aspects of one's life.

never take things for granted

Warns against losing appreciation for what one has.

value what you have

Focuses on appreciating current possessions or circumstances.

recognize your privilege

Acknowledges advantages and opportunities.

treasure every moment

Emphasizes the importance of savoring experiences.

FAQs

How can I use "be grateful" in a sentence?

You can use "be grateful" to express thankfulness for something, such as "Be grateful for the opportunities you have been given". It can also be used as a general encouragement to appreciate life's blessings.

What are some alternatives to saying "be grateful"?

Some alternatives include "be thankful", "express gratitude", or "show appreciation". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to tell someone to "be grateful"?

Yes, telling someone to "be grateful" can be insensitive if they are going through a difficult time. It's important to be empathetic and consider their feelings before offering such advice.

What's the difference between "be grateful" and "appreciate"?

"Be grateful" emphasizes a feeling of thankfulness, while "appreciate" can also mean recognizing the value or quality of something. You might "appreciate" a well-made tool without necessarily feeling grateful for it.