- "Appreciate it" indicates an action or state that is happening now or is generally true. In this case, it's a simple and immediate way to express gratitude.
- "Appreciating it" suggests an action that is ongoing or happening at the moment of speaking. When someone says they are "appreciating it," it implies that they are in the process of recognizing or valuing something.
- "Appreciated it" indicates an action completed in the past. "Appreciated it" is used when referring to a specific point in the past when one recognized and valued something.
In this article from Harvard Business Review, within the workplace, Marcial Losada, a researcher, discovered that in high-performing teams, the ratio of positive feedback expression surpasses that of negative feedback at a rate of 5.6 to 1. Conversely, low-performing teams exhibit a significantly lower ratio, standing at 0.36 to 1.
Thus, let's start appreciating one another, and do it in the grammatically correct way.
'Appreciate It': Simple Present Tense
- 'Appreciate it' is a more straightforward expression of gratitude or acknowledgment in the present moment. It is commonly used when expressing thanks or recognizing something immediately.
For instance, "I appreciate it when you take the time to help me with my work." This phrase is concise and commonly used in everyday conversations.
More example sentences
- When you offered to assist with the project, I really appreciate it.
- If you could send me the report by tomorrow, I would greatly appreciate it.
- If you could share your insights on the matter, I would really appreciate it.
- Your prompt response to my inquiry is greatly appreciated; I truly appreciate it.
Examples from the web
"... "Thank you for doing that," said one older gentleman, as Buche passed."Appreciate it," said another. A visibly exhausted police chief David Brown, a third-generation African American man of Dallas ..." - The Guardian
"... Thanks for the help.Appreciate it.He's very helpful that way, Colin is". ..." - The New York Times - Sports
"... Thank you so much, Woody, for casting me.I truly appreciate it.I'm so very proud that Blue Jasmine stayed in the cinemas for as long as it did. ..." - Independent
"'Now I'm 21.I appreciate it'.Nearly everyone in the state feels a little poorer these days with unemployment at its highest rate ..." - The New York Times
Synonyms for "appreciate it"
- Thank you
- Grateful
- Acknowledge
- Recognize
- Value
- Express gratitude
- Be thankful
- Applaud
- Give thanks
- Be appreciative
- Show gratitude
- Say thanks
- Give credit
- Offer thanks
- Extend thanks
- Express thanks
- Feel thankful
- Be obliged
- Show appreciation
- Convey thanks
'Appreciating It': Present Continuous Tense
- This phrase is used when you want to convey an ongoing or continuous act of appreciation.
The Present Continuous Tense, also known as the Present Progressive Tense, is a grammatical tense used to describe actions that are happening right now or are currently in progress. It is also used to talk about temporary actions or situations occurring around the present moment. In English, the tense is formed by using a form of the verb "to be" (am, is, are) and adding the present participle (the -ing form) of the main verb.
Subject+am/is/are+verb-ing+rest of the sentence
Here is an example:
I am reading a book.
For example, "I am appreciating it when you share your thoughts during our meetings." In this context, the action of appreciating is happening in the present and is ongoing.
More example sentences
- I am still appreciating the beautiful scenery we witnessed on our hike yesterday.
- She is appreciating the effort you put into organizing the event.
- After visiting the museum, I found myself appreciating the artist's skill and creativity.
- We spent hours talking, and I'm still appreciating the depth of our conversation.
Examples from the web
"'My grandfather was not alone in appreciating it and acting to preserve it,' Mr. Rockefeller said." - The New York Times - Arts
"I would say I'm appreciating it, rather than actually enjoying it." - The Guardian - TV & Radio
"He is able to 'understand a subject without appreciating it' and is a fantastically skilled mimic." - The Guardian - Books
'Appreciated It': Past Tense
- When you want to refer to an act of appreciation that occurred in the past, 'appreciated it' is the appropriate choice.
For instance, "I appreciated it when you supported me during a challenging time." This phrase is reflective and denotes gratitude for something that happened at some point in the past.
More example sentences
- When I was sick, I appreciated the support and kindness shown by my friends and family.
- The team truly appreciated the extra effort put in by everyone to meet the tight deadline.
- I truly appreciated your help when I was going through a difficult time.
- They appreciated the thoughtful gesture of receiving a handwritten note.
Examples from the web
"... It was just the importance Rose seemed to attach to every pitch.Not everyone appreciated it. Some opposing fans and players considered him a show-off. ..." - The New York Times - Sports
"... Fans noticed.Fans appreciated it.And studios began to see that the geeks were out there, eager to spend money on movie tickets, feeling ..." - The New York Times - Magazine
"... 'Some of the great ones haven't had a chance to go to any.I've appreciated it'.As for Stevens, few can argue with the job he has done. ..." - The New York Times - Sports
Usage of the terms: "appreciate it" vs. "appreciating it" vs. "appreciated it"
Below you can see the three terms usage from 1800s to now. As you can see, there has been an increase in the use of "appreciate it," and it is currently hitting its peak usage. "Appreciated it" and "appreciating it" are used in a lesser frequency than "appreciate it."
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Tips for Usage:
Consider the Timeline:
- Pay attention to the timing of the appreciation. Use 'appreciate it' for immediate expressions, 'appreciating it' for ongoing or continuous actions, and 'appreciated it' for past instances.
Context Matters:
- Choose the phrase that best fits the context of your sentence. If you are expressing gratitude for something happening right now, use 'appreciate it.' If you are discussing ongoing appreciation, 'appreciating it' is suitable, and for past instances, use 'appreciated it.'
Conclusion
Mastering the distinctions between 'appreciate it,' 'appreciating it,' and 'appreciated it' adds a layer of precision to your communication. By understanding the nuances and applying them appropriately, you can express gratitude and acknowledgment with clarity and confidence. Language is a powerful tool, and using it effectively allows you to navigate various social and professional situations with finesse.
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