Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
pay gratitude
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "pay gratitude" is a valid part of written English.
It can be used to express appreciation to someone for something they have done. For example: "We must pay gratitude to all the frontline workers for their tireless dedication to the cause."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Science
Alternative expressions(20)
express gratitude
show appreciation
give thanks
offer gratitude
demonstrate gratitude
feel grateful
be thankful
convey gratitude
appreciate
extend appreciation
convey appreciation
thankful for
pay respects
feeling grateful
expressing gratitude examples
express thanks
feeling honoured
feeling thankful
feeling appreciated
appreciating
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
When we pay gratitude for something we do indeed invite more in to be grateful for.
News & Media
Give yourself credit for having made it through!! Taking this time to affirm and pay gratitude for yourself will be healing from the inside out and will put you in a prime space to begin to receive the wisdom you need to feel better.
News & Media
We must pay gratitude to them.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
The next assignment was to pay a gratitude visit or write a gratitude letter.
News & Media
After watching/hearing the show, I know for a fact something came full circle for me and I pay deep gratitude towards my mother for influencing me and gifting me the sound of oldies!
News & Media
The authors would like to pay their gratitude to the key informants for their precious information, and their kind, patient and active support – without their necessary help, the study could not have been developed and completed.
Drivers for IPs mentioned by patient stakeholders included the desire for faster care (avoid waiting list), fear that quality would be affected if you did not pay, and gratitude for a good health outcome such as the birth of a child.
Science
It's a way of paying homage, gratitude, and respect.
News & Media
The directive verbs occurring in the material are: appeal, authorize, call upon, conclude, invite, promise, request, urge and warn while the expressive verbs are: congratulate, express (gratitude), pay (tribute) and thank.
Three months after their counseling was over, all of the participants completed a "Pay It Forward" gratitude task in a brain scanner.
News & Media
The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/9/476/prepub wouldulikeike to pay our sincere gratitude to Mr. Faisal Edhi and all team of Edhi Foundation-Pakistan who helped us to visit vicinity and managed to draw the attention of authorities and media with the intension of getting better living facilities for the villagers.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "pay gratitude" when you want to emphasize a formal or considered expression of thankfulness. It suggests a deliberate act of acknowledging a debt of gratitude.
Common error
Avoid using "pay gratitude" in informal contexts where simpler expressions like "thank you" or "express gratitude" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can sound overly formal or insincere.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "pay gratitude" functions as a verbal expression to indicate the act of showing thankfulness or acknowledging a debt of gratitude. It's often used in formal contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Wiki
33%
Science
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "pay gratitude" is a valid, though somewhat formal, way to express thankfulness or acknowledge a debt of gratitude. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's less common than alternatives like "express gratitude" or "show appreciation". Its usage leans towards formal and scientific contexts, suggesting a thoughtful and deliberate expression of thankfulness. When choosing between "pay gratitude" and its alternatives, consider the formality of the situation and the intended audience. Overusing this phrase might sound insincere, so it's best reserved for appropriate occasions.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
express gratitude
Focuses on the act of conveying thankfulness.
show appreciation
Highlights demonstrating value or thankfulness for something.
demonstrate gratitude
Focuses on actively showing thankfulness through actions.
give thanks
A more traditional or religious way to express gratitude.
acknowledge gratitude
Emphasizes recognizing or admitting feelings of thankfulness.
offer gratitude
Implies a formal or sincere presentation of thankfulness.
render gratitude
A formal way to express gratitude.
repay gratitude
Suggests returning a favor or kindness.
feel grateful
Emphasizes the internal emotion of thankfulness.
be thankful
Highlights a state of being appreciative.
FAQs
How can I use "pay gratitude" in a sentence?
You can use "pay gratitude" to express a formal acknowledgment of thankfulness. For example, "We must "pay gratitude" to all the frontline workers for their tireless dedication".
What is a more common way to say "pay gratitude"?
A more common way to express the same sentiment is to "express gratitude" or "show appreciation". These phrases are generally more versatile.
Is it better to say "pay gratitude" or "express gratitude"?
"Express gratitude" is generally preferred for everyday use due to its broader acceptance. "Pay gratitude" is more formal and less frequent.
What are some alternative phrases similar to "pay gratitude"?
Alternatives include "give thanks", "offer gratitude", and "render gratitude". Choose the phrase that best suits the formality and context of your communication.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested