small token of gratitude

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small token of gratitude" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are expressing appreciation or thanks for something, usually in the form of a gift or other tangible item. For example, "I'd like to give you a small token of gratitude for all your hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Yesterday, Mr. Lockhart said the carrots were "a small token of gratitude" and called Mr. Rubin "invaluable".

The New York Times

And at the announcement for Apple's App Store, Mr. Benioff made a gift of the Web site to Mr. Jobs, as a small token of gratitude.

The New York Times

Rather than striking a canny resemblance to Lopez, biologists say that the Litarachna lopezae was given its new title as a "small token of gratitude" for the singer's music, which they listened to as they wrote about their findings.

The Guardian - Music

I leave Parson Chavasse (Maggy's husband) the snuff box I got from the Sarnia Militia, as a small token of gratitude for the service he has done my family in taking a sister that no man of taste would have taken.

The New York Times

In turn, the nominee was recognized by her fellow employees and received a small token of gratitude.

Forbes

Follow Jennifer ono Twitter.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Small tokens of gratitude are welcome, particularly around the holidays, but avoid the temptation of tit-for-tat compensation.

Huffington Post

I wrote him a letter: "Dear Donald, thank you so much for that wonderful letter to the New York Times … I enclose a check for $37.82, a small token of my gratitude.

The Guardian - Opinion

In what it calls "a small token of our gratitude" toward Linux programmers, Lindows.com is sponsoring a technical conference on the WINE system on March 15 and 16 in San Diego at which leading WINE developers will be recognized.

The New York Times - Tech

Whether you're invited to a dinner party or a weeklong stay at a friend's home, eco etiquette is no different than regular etiquette: You must acknowledge your host's efforts with a small token of your gratitude.

Huffington Post

I tore it up and wrote another check, which I sent, along with a letter: "Dear Donald: Thank you so much for that wonderful letter to the New York Times.... Though I'm sure that you, as an author, are aware that it's considered bad form to pay the people who review one's books, I nevertheless enclose a check for $37.82, a small token of my enormous gratitude.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small token of gratitude" when you want to express appreciation with a tangible item, but emphasize that the value isn't the primary focus. The gesture itself is more important.

Common error

Avoid pairing "small token of gratitude" with overly lavish or expensive gifts. Doing so can create a disconnect and undermine the sincerity of the gesture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small token of gratitude" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "give", "offer", "receive") or as a prepositional complement. It's used to identify the item presented as an expression of thanks. Ludwig AI shows it is often paired with actions involving appreciation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small token of gratitude" serves as a polite way to express appreciation, typically accompanied by a tangible gift or gesture. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriate usage in a variety of formal and semi-formal contexts. While not extremely common, this phrase is versatile and well-received, indicating thoughtfulness without overstatement. Related phrases like "token of my appreciation" offer subtle variations for different situations. When using the phrase, make sure the “token” aligns with the context and the relationship between the giver and recipient to maintain sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

token of my appreciation

Shifts the focus to the giver's feelings of appreciation.

small expression of thanks

Emphasizes the act of expressing thankfulness.

small sign of gratitude

Highlights the symbolic nature of the gesture.

small act of appreciation

Focuses on the action rather than the object representing gratitude.

small acknowledgment of thanks

Emphasizes the act of acknowledging someone's help or kindness.

gesture of thanks

A broader term that can encompass both tangible and intangible expressions of gratitude.

little thank-you gift

More informal, highlighting the gift aspect.

little something to show my appreciation

More conversational and less direct.

modest present of gratitude

More formal, emphasizing the gift and its humbleness.

nominal gift of gratitude

Emphasizes that the gift is symbolic and not necessarily valuable.

FAQs

How can I use "small token of gratitude" in a sentence?

You can use "small token of gratitude" to introduce a gift or gesture that expresses your thanks. For example, "Please accept this "small token of gratitude" for your help with the project."

What's a more formal way to say "small token of gratitude"?

A more formal alternative is "token of my appreciation", which emphasizes your personal feelings of gratitude.

What can I give as a "small token of gratitude"?

Appropriate gifts include items like a gift card, a bottle of wine, a handwritten note, or a small plant. The key is to choose something thoughtful and appropriate for the recipient.

Is it ever inappropriate to offer a "small token of gratitude"?

In some professional settings, gifts can be perceived as inappropriate or even unethical. Be mindful of company policies and cultural norms before offering a gift. A sincere verbal thank you may be more appropriate in such cases.