In 15 Seconds
- Super formal way to say thanks.
- Used mainly in academic/official writing.
- Avoid in everyday chats or texts.
- Sounds impersonal, detached, and old-fashioned.
Meaning
Think of this phrase as a super-formal, almost academic way to acknowledge someone's contribution or help. It's not about a quick 'thanks!' in a text; it's more like a formal nod in a report or a very official speech. It sounds a bit stiff, like it belongs in a university thesis or a legal document, but it gets the point across that someone’s effort is recognized and valued, without making it personal.
Key Examples
3 of 11Academic paper acknowledgments
Appreciation is expressed for the funding provided by the National Science Foundation.
Appreciation is expressed for the funding provided by the National Science Foundation.
Formal business report
Appreciation is expressed for the timely completion of the project by the engineering team.
Appreciation is expressed for the timely completion of the project by the engineering team.
Award ceremony speech script
Appreciation is expressed for the unwavering support of our volunteers throughout the year.
Appreciation is expressed for the unwavering support of our volunteers throughout the year.
Cultural Background
In British academic and civil service culture, this phrase is part of the 'stiff upper lip' tradition—avoiding excessive emotion while remaining perfectly polite and professional. While Americans are often more informal, this phrase is strictly maintained in US legal and high-level corporate documents to avoid individual liability and project corporate unity. When translating this phrase into Japanese, translators often use 'Kansha no i o hyousuru' to match the extreme formality, as Japanese culture highly values the 'public face' (tatemae) in official settings. German professional culture values precision and hierarchy. This passive construction is common in 'Urkunden' (official certificates) and formal 'Danksagungen' (acknowledgments).
The 'I' Rule
Use this phrase specifically when you want to avoid using the word 'I' or 'We'. It makes the document sound like it was written by an institution.
Register Clash
Never use this in a spoken conversation unless you are reading from a script at a very formal event. It sounds very unnatural when spoken spontaneously.
In 15 Seconds
- Super formal way to say thanks.
- Used mainly in academic/official writing.
- Avoid in everyday chats or texts.
- Sounds impersonal, detached, and old-fashioned.
What It Means
This phrase is a fancy, indirect way to say thanks. It's like saying gratitude exists for something specific. You’re not saying 'I am grateful.' Instead, you're pointing out that gratitude *is felt* for a particular action or item. It’s a very detached and objective way to show thanks. It sounds like it came straight from a research paper's acknowledgments section, doesn't it? It’s all about the *act* of appreciation, not necessarily the *actor*.
How To Use It
You’d typically use this in writing, especially in formal reports, academic papers, or official commendations. Imagine you're writing a company report and want to thank a department for their work. You wouldn't text them 'Thx, guys!' You might write, 'Appreciation is expressed for the diligent work of the IT department on the new system rollout.' It’s very specific and points to the exact thing you’re thankful for.
Formality & Register
This is highly formal. We're talking top-tier, black-tie event, or a Nobel Prize acceptance speech formal. You wouldn't use this in casual conversation, texting friends, or even most professional emails. Think of it as the linguistic equivalent of a three-piece suit and polished shoes. It’s a bit old-fashioned, but it has its place in the most serious of settings. It’s definitely not for ordering coffee!
Real-Life Examples
- In a research paper: 'Appreciation is expressed for the insightful feedback provided by anonymous peer reviewers.'
- In a formal award ceremony speech: 'Appreciation is expressed for the decades of service by our retiring CEO.'
- In a legal document: 'Appreciation is expressed for the cooperation of all parties during the mediation process.'
- In a corporate annual report: 'Appreciation is expressed for the loyalty of our shareholders over the past fiscal year.'
- In a very formal thank-you note for a significant gift: 'Appreciation is expressed for your generous contribution to the new library fund.'
When To Use It
Use this phrase when you need to convey thanks in a very official capacity. This includes academic publications, formal reports, official commendations, or speeches at highly formal events. It's perfect when you want to acknowledge a contribution without sounding overly personal or emotional. It adds a layer of gravitas. It's like adding a sprinkle of fancy salt to a dish – it elevates it, but too much can ruin it.
When NOT To Use It
Never, ever use this with friends, family, or colleagues in everyday work. Don't use it in texts, casual emails, social media posts, or during informal meetings. It would sound incredibly awkward and out of place, like wearing a tuxedo to a barbecue. It’s too stiff for modern, everyday communication. You'll just sound like a robot trying to be polite.
Common Mistakes
People often try to shoehorn this phrase into everyday situations where it doesn't fit. It's like trying to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut – overkill! Another mistake is using it in a slightly less formal context, which still sounds odd. Stick to the extreme ends of formality.
Common Variations
Honestly, this phrase is so formal that variations are rare. You might see slight tweaks like 'Deep appreciation is expressed for...' to add emphasis. Sometimes, the 'is expressed' might be replaced with a more active verb in slightly less formal, but still formal, contexts, like 'We express our appreciation for...' But the core structure is quite fixed. It's like a classic car – not much room for customization without losing its essence.
Real Conversations
This phrase is almost never used in actual spoken conversations. It's primarily a written construct. Imagine trying to say this to a barista: 'Appreciation is expressed for the latte.' They'd probably look at you like you've just landed from Mars! It's reserved for the written word, like in the acknowledgments section of a book or a formal award citation. It’s a bit like Shakespeare – great for the stage, but not for ordering pizza.
Quick FAQ
- Is this phrase common?
No, it's quite rare and very formal.
- Can I use it in an email?
Only in extremely formal business correspondence, like a formal proposal or official letter.
- Does it sound polite?
Yes, but in a very distant, official way. It lacks warmth.
- What's a simpler alternative?
'Thank you for...' or 'We appreciate...'
Usage Notes
This phrase is exclusively for highly formal, often written, contexts like academic papers, official reports, or legal documents. Its impersonal and passive structure makes it sound distant and bureaucratic, so it should be avoided in everyday conversation, casual emails, or social media. Using it inappropriately can make you sound robotic or out of touch.
The 'I' Rule
Use this phrase specifically when you want to avoid using the word 'I' or 'We'. It makes the document sound like it was written by an institution.
Register Clash
Never use this in a spoken conversation unless you are reading from a script at a very formal event. It sounds very unnatural when spoken spontaneously.
Preposition Power
Always follow this phrase with 'for' + [the thing] or 'to' + [the person] + 'for' + [the thing].
Examples
11Appreciation is expressed for the funding provided by the National Science Foundation.
Appreciation is expressed for the funding provided by the National Science Foundation.
This is a standard way to thank a funding body in a research paper.
Appreciation is expressed for the timely completion of the project by the engineering team.
Appreciation is expressed for the timely completion of the project by the engineering team.
Acknowledges the team's effort in a professional, objective manner.
Appreciation is expressed for the unwavering support of our volunteers throughout the year.
Appreciation is expressed for the unwavering support of our volunteers throughout the year.
Used to formally recognize a group's contribution during a public event.
Appreciation is expressed for your significant contribution to our charity's annual drive.
Appreciation is expressed for your significant contribution to our charity's annual drive.
Conveys gratitude in a very dignified and official tone.
My cat just did the funniest thing. Appreciation is expressed for his dedication to napping.
My cat just did the funniest thing. Appreciation is expressed for his dedication to napping.
Used ironically for humor, highlighting how out-of-place the phrase is in casual social media.
✗ Appreciation is expressed for the pizza you brought over!
✗ Appreciation is expressed for the pizza you brought over!
This sounds way too formal and robotic for a friend.
✗ Appreciation is expressed for the opportunity to interview today.
✗ Appreciation is expressed for the opportunity to interview today.
Too impersonal; a simple 'Thank you for the opportunity' is much better.
Appreciation is expressed for your patience as we resolve this issue.
Appreciation is expressed for your patience as we resolve this issue.
Used to acknowledge the customer's waiting time in a formal customer service context.
Appreciation is expressed for the thoroughness of your analysis in this report.
Appreciation is expressed for the thoroughness of your analysis in this report.
A very formal way to compliment a piece of work in a professional setting.
Appreciation is expressed for the community's participation in the recent park cleanup initiative.
Appreciation is expressed for the community's participation in the recent park cleanup initiative.
Formal recognition of public involvement in a civic event.
Appreciation is expressed for the sacrifices made by the frontline workers during the pandemic.
Appreciation is expressed for the sacrifices made by the frontline workers during the pandemic.
While formal, it carries significant emotional weight due to the context.
Test Yourself
Complete the academic acknowledgment using the correct formal phrase.
__________ the financial support provided by the University Research Council.
This is the standard passive construction for formal acknowledgments.
Which situation is MOST appropriate for the phrase 'Appreciation is expressed for'?
Choose the correct context:
The phrase is 'frozen' and highly formal, making it perfect for academic writing but wrong for casual social life.
Complete the formal dialogue between a CEO and a speechwriter.
CEO: 'I want to thank the city council in my speech, but I don't want it to sound too personal.' Speechwriter: 'Understood. We should write: "__________ the cooperation of the city council."'
'Appreciation is expressed for' removes the 'I' and makes the thanks institutional.
Match the phrase to the correct level of formality.
1. Thanks! 2. I appreciate it. 3. Appreciation is expressed for...
'Thanks' is casual, 'I appreciate it' is standard, and the passive form is the most formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of Gratitude
Practice Bank
4 exercises__________ the financial support provided by the University Research Council.
This is the standard passive construction for formal acknowledgments.
Choose the correct context:
The phrase is 'frozen' and highly formal, making it perfect for academic writing but wrong for casual social life.
CEO: 'I want to thank the city council in my speech, but I don't want it to sound too personal.' Speechwriter: 'Understood. We should write: "__________ the cooperation of the city council."'
'Appreciation is expressed for' removes the 'I' and makes the thanks institutional.
1. Thanks! 2. I appreciate it. 3. Appreciation is expressed for...
'Thanks' is casual, 'I appreciate it' is standard, and the passive form is the most formal.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on what follows. Use 'for' for the thing being thanked (e.g., 'for the help') and 'to' for the person (e.g., 'to the staff'). Often they are combined: 'Appreciation is expressed to the staff for their help.'
Only if the email is extremely formal, such as a legal notice or a formal announcement to the whole company. For regular emails, 'I appreciate your help' is much better.
The passive voice ('is expressed') removes the speaker, making the statement sound objective, official, and institutional rather than personal.
It is not old-fashioned, but it is 'frozen.' It is still the standard in academic and legal writing today.
'Gratitude is extended to' is almost identical in formality but is more commonly used when focusing on the people receiving the thanks.
No, 'appreciation' is an uncountable noun in this context. Keep it singular.
Yes, it is perfectly standard in both British and American formal English.
You can add an adjective: 'Sincere appreciation is expressed for...' or 'Deep appreciation is expressed for...'
It might be a bit too stiff. A cover letter should be professional but also show your personality. 'I would like to express my appreciation for...' is a better middle ground.
The most common mistake is using it in a casual setting where it sounds like a joke.
Related Phrases
Gratitude is extended to
similarA formal way to thank a specific person.
Recognition is given for
similarFormally acknowledging an achievement.
With thanks to
specialized formA shorter formal acknowledgment.
In recognition of
builds onUsed when giving an award or plaque.