B2 Collocation 正式 2分钟阅读

express gratitude

Show thankfulness

15秒了解

  • A formal way to show you are thankful for something.
  • Used in speeches, professional emails, and heartfelt cards.
  • Goes beyond a simple 'thanks' to show deep appreciation.

意思

This phrase is about showing someone you really appreciate what they did. It is more than just saying 'thanks'; it is about making your feelings of gratitude clear and visible to others.

关键例句

3 / 6
1

Writing a formal email to a mentor

I would like to express my gratitude for your guidance this year.

I would like to express my gratitude for your guidance this year.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
2

Giving a speech at a wedding

We want to express our gratitude to everyone who traveled to be here.

We want to express our gratitude to everyone who traveled to be here.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>
3

Texting a friend after they helped you move

Just wanted to express my gratitude for the heavy lifting today!

Just wanted to express my gratitude for the heavy lifting today!

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
🌍

文化背景

In many Western cultures, expressing gratitude is seen as a key social skill that builds 'social capital.' It became even more popular with the rise of positive psychology, which links the act of thanking others to personal happiness. In professional settings, a follow-up email to express gratitude after an interview is often the deciding factor in getting a job.

💡

The 'I would like to' trick

Pair this phrase with 'I would like to' or 'I wish to' to sound extra polished in emails.

⚠️

Don't overdo it

If you use this for every small thing, you'll sound like you're trying too hard. Save it for the big stuff!

15秒了解

  • A formal way to show you are thankful for something.
  • Used in speeches, professional emails, and heartfelt cards.
  • Goes beyond a simple 'thanks' to show deep appreciation.

What It Means

Express gratitude is a fancy way of saying you are showing your thanks. It is about taking the feeling inside and putting it into words or actions. Think of it as 'unboxing' your appreciation so others can see it. It is polite, warm, and very intentional.

How To Use It

You usually use this phrase when you want to describe the act of thanking someone. You can express gratitude through a handwritten note, a small gift, or a heartfelt speech. It often follows verbs like 'want to' or 'wish to.' For example, "I want to express my gratitude for your help."

When To Use It

Use this in professional settings or emotional moments. It works perfectly in a graduation speech or a wedding toast. Use it when a simple 'thanks' feels too small for the favor. It is great for emails to mentors or bosses. It also fits when you are writing a thank-you card after a big event.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this for tiny things. If someone passes you the salt, just say 'thanks.' Saying "I wish to express my gratitude for the sodium" makes you sound like a robot. Avoid it in very casual slang-heavy chats with best friends. It can feel a bit too stiff for a quick text about grabbing coffee.

Cultural Background

In English-speaking cultures, showing appreciation is a huge social lubricant. It builds trust and keeps relationships healthy. There is a big emphasis on 'giving back' or acknowledging help. In the US and UK, 'Gratitude Journals' have become a massive trend lately. People actually schedule time to express gratitude to improve their mental health!

Common Variations

You might hear people say show appreciation or extend thanks. These mean almost the same thing. In very formal letters, you might see convey my thanks. If you want to be poetic, you could say offer my heartfelt thanks. All of them aim to make the other person feel valued.

使用说明

This is a 'high-register' collocation. It is most at home in professional correspondence, formal speeches, and serious personal letters.

💡

The 'I would like to' trick

Pair this phrase with 'I would like to' or 'I wish to' to sound extra polished in emails.

⚠️

Don't overdo it

If you use this for every small thing, you'll sound like you're trying too hard. Save it for the big stuff!

💬

The Power of the Note

In the US, sending a physical 'Thank You' card to `express gratitude` after a dinner party is considered a very high-class move.

例句

6
#1 Writing a formal email to a mentor
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

I would like to express my gratitude for your guidance this year.

I would like to express my gratitude for your guidance this year.

A classic professional way to start a thank-you message.

#2 Giving a speech at a wedding
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

We want to express our gratitude to everyone who traveled to be here.

We want to express our gratitude to everyone who traveled to be here.

Warm and inclusive for a large audience.

#3 Texting a friend after they helped you move
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Just wanted to express my gratitude for the heavy lifting today!

Just wanted to express my gratitude for the heavy lifting today!

Slightly formal for a text, which shows the favor was a big deal.

#4 A sarcastic moment with a sibling
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Allow me to express my gratitude for you eating my last slice of pizza.

Allow me to express my gratitude for you eating my last slice of pizza.

Using formal language for a small annoyance creates a funny, sarcastic tone.

#5 Accepting an award
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

I am here to express my gratitude to the committee for this honor.

I am here to express my gratitude to the committee for this honor.

The standard phrase for acceptance speeches.

#6 Leaving a note for a helpful neighbor
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

I'm writing this note to express my gratitude for watering my plants.

I'm writing this note to express my gratitude for watering my plants.

Polite and neighborly.

自我测试

Choose the best word to complete the formal sentence.

The CEO took a moment to ___ gratitude to the hardworking staff.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: express

`Express` is the standard verb that pairs with `gratitude` in professional contexts.

Which preposition usually follows the phrase?

I want to express my gratitude ___ your help.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: for

We express gratitude `for` an action or a thing.

🎉 得分: /2

视觉学习工具

Formality of Saying Thanks

Casual

Quick and easy

Thanks!

Neutral

Standard polite

Thank you so much.

Formal

Professional and deep

I wish to express my gratitude.

Where to Express Gratitude

Express Gratitude
💼

Job Interview

Emailing the recruiter

🎤

Public Speaking

Thanking the organizers

📦

Big Favors

A friend helping you move

✉️

Formal Letters

Thank-you cards

练习题库

2 练习
Choose the best word to complete the formal sentence. Fill Blank

The CEO took a moment to ___ gratitude to the hardworking staff.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: express

`Express` is the standard verb that pairs with `gratitude` in professional contexts.

Which preposition usually follows the phrase? Fill Blank

I want to express my gratitude ___ your help.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: for

We express gratitude `for` an action or a thing.

🎉 得分: /2

常见问题

10 个问题

Not at all! You can say it out loud in speeches or formal meetings. It is very common in spoken English when the situation is serious.

Yes, express my thanks is a slightly less formal version. Both are perfectly fine to use.

Thanks is the word you say, while gratitude is the feeling you have. Expressing gratitude is the act of showing that feeling.

Both! You express gratitude to a person for a specific reason. For example: "I express gratitude to my mom for her support."

Yes, especially during a deep or emotional conversation. It shows you really value them beyond just a casual 'thanks babe.'

Absolutely. It is a standard phrase across all major English dialects, including British, American, and Australian.

Only if you use it for something bad. If you say it when someone helps you, it sounds very sincere.

Only if it is a 'long' text where you are being serious. For a quick 'see you at 5' text, it is too much.

People sometimes say express grateful. That is wrong. You must use the noun gratitude or the adjective phrase express how grateful I am.

Yes, show gratitude is very common and slightly more casual than express gratitude.

相关表达

🔗

Show appreciation

To demonstrate that you value someone or something.

🔗

Indebted to you

A very formal way to say you owe someone thanks for their help.

🔗

Much obliged

An old-fashioned, formal way to say thank you.

🔗

Give credit where it's due

To acknowledge someone's contribution or success.

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