gratitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'gratitude' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the feeling of appreciation for something good or kind that someone has done for you. Example: I want to express my gratitude for all the help you have given me.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fabio Capello believes the World Cup owes England a debt of gratitude for the gift of goalline technology and has said only Fifa had to change, not himself, after his team's dismal exit from the 2010 finals.

The Guardian - Sport

In Egypt, the government showed its gratitude for Abdullah's staunch support for the current Egyptian regime by declaring seven days of mourning – four days longer than the mourning periods in the aftermath of other recent deaths.

The Guardian

Some minds remember with gratitude and enjoyment the small pleasures of suburban existence.

The Guardian - Opinion

So in Kos, mixed in with fear that tourists won't come any more, there is some gratitude that the migrants have euros to spend.

The Guardian

"I realise the sacrifices they made to raise me – I have nothing but gratitude for that.

The Guardian

In Coventry, 32-year-old Nor also expresses gratitude to the officials who took her from a refugee camp in Lebanon.

The Guardian

One email began in a moderate tone – "Let us hope the public spending cuts in higher education put a speedy end to your career" – before descending into bigotry: "Perhaps that money-lending Jew will find you a job in gratitude after you did his spade work".

The Guardian - Opinion

Clearly emotional about his decision Mr Hume expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to the people of Northern Ireland and to the members of the SDLP who had given him their support over the last 25 years.

The Guardian

The dialogue is perfect: the broker waxes inanely on ("A lovely space"), and the prospective buyers ooze gratitude at being granted a viewing.

The Guardian - Opinion

The country owed Cafferkey and the other volunteers an enormous debt of gratitude, said Hunt. "I know the whole house will join me in wishing Pauline well and commending her and her NHS colleagues for the exceptional bravery they showed in joining the battle against Ebola in Sierra Leone," he said.

The Guardian

The student has since tweeted her gratitude at the support she has received for the online campaign which was launched in conjunction with the Cherwell newspaper.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing "gratitude", be specific about what you are thankful for. This makes your expression more sincere and meaningful.

Common error

Avoid expressing "gratitude" merely out of obligation. Genuine gratitude stems from sincere appreciation, not a sense of duty.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gratitude" is as a noun, representing the state of being grateful. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "gratitude" functions as the subject or object of a sentence, expressing thankfulness or appreciation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Gratitude" is a commonly used noun expressing thankfulness and appreciation. It's grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, business, and even personal contexts. According to Ludwig, while alternatives like "thankfulness" and "appreciation" exist, "gratitude" often carries a deeper, more profound sense of thankfulness. Remember to be specific when expressing gratitude, and ensure it stems from genuine appreciation rather than obligation. This strengthens the sincerity and impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thankfulness

Emphasizes the feeling of being thankful.

appreciation

Focuses on recognizing the value of something.

gratefulness

A synonym for gratitude, highlighting the state of being grateful.

thankfulness for

Specifies the object or reason for being thankful.

appreciation for

Highlights a specific thing being valued.

a debt of gratitude

Implies a strong obligation to repay kindness.

sense of appreciation

Describes the feeling more subjectively.

feeling of thankfulness

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of being thankful.

in recognition of

Focuses on publicly acknowledging someone's contribution.

with grateful hearts

Adds an emotional and heartfelt tone.

FAQs

How to use "gratitude" in a sentence?

You can use "gratitude" to express thankfulness for something. For example, "I want to express my gratitude for your help".

What can I say instead of "gratitude"?

You can use alternatives like "thankfulness", "appreciation", or "gratefulness" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "show gratitude"?

Yes, it is correct. "Show gratitude" is a common way to express that you are displaying your appreciation for something someone has done.

What's the difference between "gratitude" and "thankfulness"?

"Gratitude" and "thankfulness" are often used interchangeably, both expressing a feeling of being thankful. However, "gratitude" may imply a deeper, more profound appreciation.