be thankful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be thankful" is a perfectly valid and useful part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to express gratitude to someone, or to emphasize the importance of feeling thankful for something. For example: "I'm so grateful for all the support I've received from my family. I will always be thankful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Be thankful lad, be thankful.

Independent

Be thankful for it.

The New York Times

Let's just be thankful".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He tried to be thankful.

Independent

Be thankful you havin girls".

The New Yorker

Be thankful for your happiness.

The New Yorker

Let's be thankful for that.

The New York Times - Sports

You'll be thankful they did.

The New Yorker

The Mets can be thankful.

The New York Times - Sports

BE THANKFUL for the small things.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

So I'm thankful".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "be thankful" to encourage a positive mindset and appreciation for what one has, even in challenging situations.

Common error

Avoid using "be thankful" as a generic platitude. Instead, specify what one should be thankful for to make the sentiment more meaningful and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be thankful" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to adopt an attitude of gratitude. Ludwig highlights numerous examples where this phrase is used to encourage appreciation for various aspects of life.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

22%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be thankful" is a versatile and frequently used expression that encourages gratitude and appreciation. As Ludwig highlights, it's grammatically sound and appears across numerous contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for a wide range of situations. While the phrase is useful, it's important to use it thoughtfully, specifying what one should be thankful for to avoid sounding generic or insensitive. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage, reinforcing its value as a tool for promoting positivity and recognition of life's blessings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel grateful

Emphasizes the emotion of thankfulness, rather than the expression of it.

be appreciative

Similar to feeling grateful, but can also imply a sense of understanding and recognition.

show appreciation

Similar to expressing gratitude, but can also imply recognizing the value of something.

be filled with gratitude

Focuses on the internal state of overflowing thankfulness.

express gratitude

Focuses on the act of showing thanks, rather than simply feeling it.

give thanks

A more formal or traditional way of expressing thankfulness, often used in religious contexts.

count your blessings

A more idiomatic way of expressing thankfulness, focusing on recognizing the good things in your life.

value what you have

Shifts the focus to appreciating current possessions or circumstances.

recognize your fortune

Highlights the luck or good fortune one has experienced.

acknowledge your gifts

Emphasizes the recognition of talents, opportunities, or blessings received.

FAQs

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

You can use "be thankful" to express gratitude or encourage appreciation. For example, "Be thankful for the small things" or "Be thankful that you have this opportunity".

What's a more formal way to say "be thankful"?

In formal contexts, you might use phrases like "express gratitude" or "show appreciation". These alternatives convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

Is it always appropriate to tell someone to "be thankful"?

While the sentiment is generally positive, it's important to consider the context. Telling someone to "be thankful" when they are experiencing genuine hardship might come across as insensitive. In such situations, empathy and understanding are more appropriate.

What's the difference between "be thankful" and "give thanks"?

"Give thanks" is often used in a more formal or religious context, referring to a specific act of expressing gratitude, especially to a higher power. "Be thankful" is a more general expression of feeling or showing appreciation in everyday situations.