show gratitude

USAGE SUMMARY

"show gratitude" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use it when expressing appreciation or thanking someone. For example: "Please show gratitude to the staff for all their hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they show gratitude".

The New York Times

We aim to show gratitude.

Harvard Business Review

"Show gratitude... Don't complain; just work harder... Never give up".

Independent

Did the other person show gratitude in some way?

University of California, Berkeley

But of course one may show gratitude at any time.

The New York Times

They also console victims of violence and show gratitude for favors.

The New York Times

Then think about ways you might be able to show gratitude to these people.

University of California, Berkeley

Social animals show gratitude and revenge, remembering the behaviour of others and paying them back.

The Guardian

There are many cheaper ways – which customers may appreciate more than discounts – to show gratitude.

Harvard Business Review

They should show gratitude, but even if they do not, you will have no guilt over the matter.

The New York Times

The best companies make it a policy to show gratitude and reward employees for revealing their mistakes, Dr. Tavris said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with specific examples of actions (e.g. "show gratitude by writing a note") to make your writing more descriptive and impactful.

Common error

Do not use "show gratitude" as a euphemism for payment in legal or strict business contexts. While you can 'show gratitude' to a mentor, 'compensating' an employee for their labor is more accurate in a contractual setting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show gratitude" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It combines the verb "show" (meaning to manifest or demonstrate) with the abstract noun "gratitude". As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a standard English construction used to describe the externalization of an internal state of being thankful.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show gratitude" is a highly versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of expressing appreciation. Data from Ludwig highlights its significant presence in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, where it often appears as a recommendation for improving relationships or workplace culture. While alternatives like "express gratitude" or "show appreciation" are available, "show gratitude" remains a standard choice because it emphasizes the visible manifestation of being thankful. Whether used in a personal note or a corporate policy, it effectively conveys a positive social gesture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express gratitude

Places more emphasis on the verbal or written communication of thanks

show appreciation

Focuses on recognizing the value of someone's actions or qualities

give thanks

Often carries a more traditional or ceremonial connotation

extend thanks

A more formal variation suitable for business or official settings

convey thanks

Often used when passing a message of gratitude through a third party

demonstrate appreciation

Emphasizes the visible or tangible actions taken to thank someone

offer thanks

Suggests a formal presentation of gratitude for a specific favor

acknowledge kindness

Focuses specifically on recognizing a benevolent act

manifest gratitude

A literary and formal term describing the outward appearance of being thankful

return the favor

Focuses on the reciprocal action rather than just the sentiment

FAQs

How do I use "show gratitude" in a professional email?

In a professional context, you can use the phrase to acknowledge a team's effort. For example: "We want to "show gratitude" for your hard work by offering a bonus." Alternatively, you might prefer to "express gratitude" in a more formal sentence.

What is the difference between "show gratitude" and "give thanks"?

While similar, "give thanks" is often associated with religious or holiday contexts like Thanksgiving, whereas "show gratitude" is a general-purpose phrase for any situation involving appreciation.

Can I say "show appreciation" instead of "show gratitude"?

Yes, "show appreciation" is a perfect synonym and is often interchangeable with "show gratitude" in both personal and business writing.

Is it "show gratitude to" or "show gratitude for"?

Both are correct depending on the object. Use "to" for the person (e.g. "show gratitude to a friend") and "for" for the reason (e.g. "show gratitude for the help"). You can also "extend thanks" to cover both aspects.