Appreciate It or Appreciated It? Which Is Correct?

Understanding the subtle differences between “appreciate it” and “appreciated it” can be a bit confusing. These phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, yet their correct usage often trips people up. 

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into each phrase, examining their grammatical roles, contextual differences, and providing practical examples to help you master their use.

Understanding ‘Appreciate It’ in American English

“Appreciate it” is a phrase often used to express gratitude or acknowledgment in the present moment. In American English, this phrase serves as a polite and immediate response to something someone has done for you. It conveys a sense of current appreciation.

The Present Tense Use of ‘Appreciate It’

When you say “appreciate it,” you are referring to an action or gesture that is happening right now or is ongoing. This usage is rooted in the present tense, highlighting that your gratitude is immediate.

Examples of ‘Appreciate It’ in Everyday Conversations

• “Thanks for helping me with my project. I really appreciate it.” Here, “appreciate it” acknowledges the current assistance provided.
• “I appreciate it when you listen to me.” This example demonstrates ongoing appreciation for someone’s listening skills.

In both cases, “appreciate it” is used to express gratitude for actions that are either happening or have recently occurred.

Grammar Deep-Dive: When to Use ‘Appreciate It’

To use “appreciate it” correctly, remember these key grammatical rules:

• Present Tense Context: Use “appreciate it” when referring to actions or gestures in the present or immediate past.
• Politeness: This phrase is a polite way to acknowledge someone’s help or effort.

Avoid using “appreciate it” to refer to past events that have concluded. For those situations, “appreciated it” would be more appropriate.

The Past Tense Nuance of ‘Appreciated It’

“Appreciated it” shifts the focus to the past tense. This phrase is used to express gratitude for something that happened earlier. The use of “appreciated it” indicates that the action or gesture has already been completed, and your acknowledgment is reflective.

Exploring ‘Appreciated It’ in Past Scenarios

Consider these examples:

• “I appreciated it when you helped me last week.” This sentence reflects on past assistance with gratitude.
• “She appreciated it when we threw her a surprise party last year.” Here, “appreciated it” acknowledges a past event.

‘Appreciate It’ vs. ‘Appreciated It’: The Contextual Difference

The choice between “appreciate it” and “appreciated it” depends on the timing of the action you are referring to:

• Use “appreciate it”: When the action is ongoing or recent.
• Use “appreciated it”: When referring to an action that occurred in the past.

Determining the Appropriate Usage Through Context

To decide which phrase to use, consider the timing of the action or gesture:

• Immediate Actions: Use “appreciate it” for actions that are happening right now.
• Completed Actions: Use “appreciated it” for actions that have already concluded.

Conveying Gratitude: Which Phrase to Choose?

Choosing the right phrase is crucial for clear communication. Here’s a quick guide:

• “Appreciate it”: Suitable for expressing immediate gratitude.
• “Appreciated it”: Ideal for reflecting on past gestures or help.

Real-world Examples of ‘Appreciate It’ and ‘Appreciated It’

Scenario	Phrase	Explanation
Immediate help	“I appreciate it.”	Expresses current gratitude.
Past favor	“I appreciated it.”	Reflects on gratitude for a past favor.
Recent advice	“I appreciate it.”	Thanks for advice given recently.
Historical support	“I appreciated it.”	Acknowledges support received in the past.

How Native Speakers Use These Phrases

Native speakers often choose between “appreciate it” and “appreciated it” based on the timing of their gratitude:

• Formal Settings: “Appreciate it” is commonly used in both professional and informal settings to express immediate thanks.
• Informal Settings: Both phrases are used casually, but “appreciated it” is more common when discussing past events with friends or family.

Tips to Remember the Correct Use of ‘Appreciate’ and ‘Appreciated’

Here are some practical tips to ensure you use “appreciate it” and “appreciated it” correctly:

1. Check the Timing: Use “appreciate it” for present or recent actions, and “appreciated it” for completed actions.
2. Consider the Context: Reflect on whether you’re expressing immediate or past gratitude.
3. Practice with Examples: Try using both phrases in different scenarios to get comfortable with their use.

Summary

Mastering the use of “appreciate it” and “appreciated it” involves understanding their grammatical roles and the contexts in which they are appropriate. By recognizing whether you are expressing immediate or past gratitude, you can choose the right phrase to communicate effectively.

Conclusion

Navigating between “appreciate it” and “appreciated it” might seem challenging at first, but with a clear understanding of their uses, you can confidently express your gratitude.

Whether you’re thanking someone in the moment or reflecting on a past gesture, choosing the correct phrase will enhance your communication and show your appreciation accurately.