All Ears English Podcast: Episode AEE 2420 – Grateful to or Grateful For? What’s the Difference?

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Description: Dive into the nuances of expressing gratitude in American English with Lindsay and Michelle. This episode explores the subtle differences between “grateful to” and “grateful for,” enhancing your understanding and usage of these commonly interchanged phrases.

1. Introduction and Listener Engagement (00:00 – 02:22)

The episode begins with the hosts, Lindsey McMahon and Aubrey Carter, introducing the topic of gratitude. They establish a friendly and engaging atmosphere by sharing personal things they are grateful for, setting the tone for an in-depth discussion on the subject.

• Lindsey McMahon (00:05): “Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection.”

• Aubrey Carter (01:33): “I am grateful for public school in the United States...”

• Lindsey McMahon (02:08): “I'm grateful for physical movement, being able to... feel better mentally.”

2. Listener Question: Grateful vs. Thankful (02:35 – 04:14)

A listener named Asami from Tokyo poses a question regarding the difference between “grateful” and “thankful,” and the appropriate prepositions to use with each. The hosts express excitement about addressing this nuanced topic.

• Lindsey McMahon (02:35): “I've been listening to your podcast for seven years... what preposition should I use with grateful and thankful?”

• Aubrey Carter (03:10): “First of all, often grateful and thankful are used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference.”

3. Exploring “Thankful” vs. “Grateful” (04:14 – 11:35)

The hosts delve into the distinctions between “thankful” and “grateful,” emphasizing the depth and context in which each is used.

• Lindsey McMahon (04:26): “Thankful usually refers to a less profound, more of a passing feeling of appreciation.”

• Aubrey Carter (04:36): “Thankfulness is sometimes focused more on a specific event or a person.”

• Aubrey Carter (09:36): “Grateful implies a deeper and more long-lasting, more sustained sense of appreciation.”

• Lindsey McMahon (10:35): “This is a real nuance. You could get away with saying like...”

Prepositional Usage:

• Thankful to: Used when referring to a person or organization for something specific.

  • Example: “I’m thankful to my son’s teacher for helping him succeed.” (06:06)

• Thankful for: Used to express appreciation for something more general or specific events.

  • Example: “I’m thankful for the nice weather.” (07:22)

• Grateful to: Often reserved for deeper, more significant sentiments towards people or organizations.

  • Example: “I’m grateful to my parents for all they’ve done for me.” (10:07)

• Grateful for: Used to express sustained appreciation for broader aspects of life or significant things.

  • Example: “I’m grateful for my health.” (11:50)

4. Role-Playing Demonstration (12:55 – 16:23)

To illustrate the practical application of “grateful” and “thankful,” the hosts enact a Thanksgiving dinner scenario. This role-play highlights how the choice of words can convey different emotional depths.

• Aubrey Carter (13:19): “Would anyone like to share something they're grateful for?”

• Lindsey McMahon (13:23): “I’m grateful to you for inviting me to this lovely dinner.”

• Aubrey Carter (13:26): “Oh, I’m thankful you came.”

This exchange showcases the subtle shift from a deep feeling of gratitude to a more immediate and specific thankfulness.

5. Takeaways and Conclusion (16:23 – 17:10)

The episode wraps up with key insights and encouragement to practice expressing gratitude, supported by references to neuroscience research validating its positive impact on mental well-being.

• Aubrey Carter (16:30): “Expressing gratitude is one of the best ways to connect in English...”

• Lindsey McMahon (16:46): “There is neuroscience that proves that you then start searching for things that you're grateful for. And it does rewire your brain.”

• Aubrey Carter (17:04): “Can't argue with neuroscience.”

Key Insights:

1. Depth of Emotion:

   • Grateful: Conveys a deeper, more sustained sense of appreciation.
   • Thankful: Reflects a more immediate or specific feeling of appreciation.

2. Prepositional Nuances:

   • “Thankful to” and “Grateful to” are typically directed towards people or organizations.
   • “Thankful for” and “Grateful for” address things, events, or broader aspects of life.

3. Practical Application:

   • Use “grateful” for significant, long-term appreciations.
   • Opt for “thankful” when expressing immediate or specific gratitude.

4. Psychological Benefits:

   • Regularly expressing gratitude can enhance mental well-being and foster a positive mindset.

Conclusion:

Understanding the nuanced differences between “grateful” and “thankful” enhances your ability to express appreciation more accurately and meaningfully in American English. By selecting the appropriate term and preposition, you can convey the depth of your gratitude effectively, fostering better connections and a more positive outlook.

Join the All Ears English community to continue improving your English fluency through engaging and practical discussions. Remember, it's about connection, not perfection!