gave thanks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave thanks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing gratitude or appreciation, often in a formal or religious context. Example: "After the meal, we all gathered to give thanks for the food and the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He gave thanks for his ability to thank.

Huffington Post

In the statement read by Hester, Hayes gave thanks to many before concluding, "Just thank everyone in the whole world".

The New York Times - Sports

You gave thanks for that.

Independent

A nation of pizza makers gave thanks.

The New York Times - Food

I gave thanks that, besides at beaches, society requires clothes.

The New York Times

As I headed for the bus stop, I gave thanks.

The Guardian

They survived hardship, gave thanks, ate turkeys and eventually flourished.

The New York Times

Instead he gave thanks for "the deep friendship" between the two faiths.

Independent

Football shouted in the face of terror and we gave thanks for that.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The goodwill lasted even through a long speech about AIDS drugs for mothers and children, during which Bono gave thanks to Nancy Pelosi.

The New Yorker

23 Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gave thanks", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being appreciated. Be specific to enhance the impact of the expression.

Common error

Avoid using "gave thanks" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler phrases like "thanked" or "appreciated" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave thanks" functions as a verb phrase, specifically the past tense of the verb phrase "give thanks". According to Ludwig AI, it's commonly used to express gratitude or appreciation for something. Examples show its usage in various contexts, from expressing gratitude for personal blessings to acknowledging support and kindness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gave thanks" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey gratitude or appreciation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While "thanked" might be suitable for everyday scenarios, "gave thanks" often suggests a deeper, more profound sense of thankfulness, sometimes with religious undertones. For formal settings, alternatives such as "expressed gratitude" or "offered appreciation" may be more appropriate. When using "gave thanks", specificity in what is being appreciated enhances the expression's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expressed gratitude

Replaces "gave thanks" with a more general term for showing appreciation.

showed gratitude

A simpler way to convey that someone displayed their thankfulness.

offered appreciation

Emphasizes the act of presenting or extending thanks.

acknowledged gratefully

Highlights the recognition of a benefit and the feeling of thankfulness.

expressed thankfulness

Similar to expressing gratitude but focuses specifically on the state of being thankful.

voiced appreciation

Implies that the thanks were spoken aloud.

extended thanks

Suggests a more formal or elaborate expression of gratitude.

returned gratitude

Indicates that the thanks were given in response to something.

recognized with gratitude

Emphasizes the acknowledgement of something deserving of thanks.

offered a prayer of thanks

More specific, indicating a religious expression of gratitude.

FAQs

What's a simple way to use "gave thanks" in a sentence?

You can say, "He "gave thanks" for the opportunity" to express gratitude for a specific chance or situation.

What can I say instead of "gave thanks" in a formal setting?

Alternatives like "expressed gratitude" or "offered appreciation" can be more suitable for formal contexts.

How does ""gave thanks"" differ from "thanked"?

"Gave thanks" often implies a deeper, more profound sense of gratitude, sometimes with a religious connotation, while "thanked" is a more general term.

Is it correct to use "gave thanks" in a non-religious context?

Yes, although often associated with religious settings, ""gave thanks"" can be used in any context where deep gratitude is felt, regardless of religious belief.