be thanked for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be thanked for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing gratitude towards someone for a specific action or contribution. Example: "She deserves to be thanked for her hard work on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You will not be thanked for it.

The Guardian - Books

They expect to be thanked for things.

The New Yorker

They should be thanked for their successes and gracefully retired.

The New York Times

Perhaps the Bond vigilantes can be thanked for that.

The Economist

"We should be thanked for taking this measure," he said.

Independent

Who doesn't want to be thanked for their military service?

The New York Times

Actually, Divac should be thanked for making this a series.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps Gove should be thanked for betraying him.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was, indeed, instrumental in its demise, and if he is to be thanked for nothing else, should be thanked for this.

The Guardian - Books

Better medicines and safer procedures can largely be thanked for the added years.

Harvard University

Those who have donated should be thanked for their enormous generosity".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, prefer alternatives like "be commended for" or "be recognized for" to convey a more professional tone when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "be thanked for" when the active voice is more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The team should be thanked for their efforts", consider "We thank the team for their efforts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be thanked for" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone is the recipient of gratitude. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. The passive voice emphasizes the action of thanking rather than the person doing the thanking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be thanked for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction to express that someone is deserving of gratitude. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate in various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and scientific writing. For optimal clarity, be specific about what action or contribution is being recognized. While valid, consider whether an active voice would be more direct. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the phrase, affirming its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be appreciated for

Focuses on the feeling of appreciation rather than the act of thanking.

be acknowledged for

Emphasizes recognition of contributions or efforts.

be recognized for

Highlights public acknowledgment of achievements.

receive gratitude for

A more formal way of expressing that someone is getting thanks.

be commended for

Implies formal praise and approval for an action.

be congratulated for

Specifically denotes praise for an achievement or success.

be lauded for

Suggests high praise and admiration.

be praised for

A general term for receiving positive feedback.

earn accolades for

Indicates that someone has gained awards or honors.

merit recognition for

Suggests that someone deserves to be acknowledged.

FAQs

How do I use "be thanked for" in a sentence?

Use "be thanked for" to express that someone should receive gratitude for something. For example, "The volunteers should "be thanked for" their dedication".

What are some alternatives to "be thanked for"?

Alternatives include "be appreciated for", "be recognized for", or "be acknowledged for", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "thanked"?

While "be thanked for" (passive) is correct, using the active voice (e.g., "We thank...") can often be more direct and impactful. Choose the voice that best suits the tone and clarity of your writing.

When is it inappropriate to use "be thanked for"?

It may be inappropriate to use "be thanked for" in informal contexts or when a more direct expression of gratitude is preferred. In casual conversation, saying "Thanks!" is often sufficient.