In everyday communication, we use many words to express our feelings and opinions. Among them, “appreciate” is a common verb that conveys gratitude and recognition. However, this verb can be used in multiple structures and requires accurate usage depending on the context.
In this article, IDP will guide you through the meaning, structures, and proper use of "appreciate" — especially helpful for your upcoming IELTS exam.
1. What Does "Appreciate" Mean?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the word appreciate has several meanings, but the most common include:
Meaning 1: To express gratitude or value something or someone
This is the most frequently used meaning. When you appreciate someone or something, it shows you recognize their value or importance.
Examples:
I appreciate your help with the project.
She appreciates her parents' support.
We really appreciate your support during our difficult time.
Meaning 2: To understand or recognize the value or importance of something
Examples:
He appreciates the difficulty of the task.
In time, you’ll appreciate the beauty and subtlety of this language.
Meaning 3: To increase in value over time (economic context)
In financial terms, appreciate functions as an intransitive verb meaning to rise in value.
Examples:
The value of the house has appreciated over the years.
The stock market is appreciating.
The dollar is appreciating against the euro.
2. Common Structures with "Appreciate" and How to Use Them
A common question for learners is whether "appreciate" is followed by to + verb or verb-ing. Let’s explore the standard usage below:
Case 1: Expressing gratitude for an action
Use appreciate + verb-ing when the action is done by someone else.
Structure: S + appreciate + V-ing
Examples:
They appreciate having a new contract.
He does not appreciate buying those expensive items.
Case 2: Showing appreciation for someone or something
Structures:
Appreciate + noun/pronoun/V-ing
Appreciate + that + S + V
Examples:
I appreciate the gift you gave me.
I appreciated that this task would take her a lot of time to finish.
She really appreciates all your positive help and encouragement.
Case 3: Acknowledging or recognizing something
Examples:
I appreciate the importance of punctuality in our professional environment.
We all appreciate that you are in great difficulties.
Case 4: Describing something increasing in value
Structure: S + appreciate (by/against) + something
Examples:
Our house has appreciated by 50% in the last two years.
Artwork by famous artists often appreciates against inflation.
3. Appreciate + Verb-ing or To + Verb?
As seen above, appreciate is followed by verb-ing, not to + verb.
Examples:
I really appreciate you being there for me.
She appreciates her colleague volunteering to cover her shift.
4. Prepositions Used with Appreciate
Structure | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
appreciate sb for sth | show gratitude | I appreciate John for his help during the project. |
appreciate by | increase in value by | The house has appreciated by 50% in two years. |
appreciate against | rise in value compared to | The pound has appreciated against other currencies. |
5. Synonyms and Antonyms of Appreciate
Synonyms
Word | Meaning | Example |
value | to regard highly | This lesson adds to the value of the book. |
acknowledge | to recognize | The family acknowledge the need for change. |
recognize | to identify and accept | We recognize the necessity for a written agreement. |
respect | to honor | We must respect each other's territorial integrity. |
look up to | to admire | We look up to him as a hero. |
relish | to enjoy or value | I relish the challenge of doing jobs others avoid. |
be cognizant | to be aware | Be cognizant of the freedom of choice of individuals. |
inflate | to increase | Buyers often inflate the prices they pay. |
raise the value of | to increase value | The U.S. may push China to raise the value of its currency. |
express gratitude for | to show thankfulness | She wrote a note to express gratitude. |
hold in high regard | to respect deeply | They hold his opinion in high regard. |
Antonyms
Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
criticize | to find fault | You were right to criticize him. |
belittle | to underestimate | Don’t belittle his achievements. |
disparage | to insult | Don’t disparage her attempts. |
depreciate | to decrease in value | The stock depreciated sharply today. |
devalue | to make less valuable | History tends to devalue women's contributions. |
6. Notes on Using Appreciate
You need to use the Appreciate structure correctly in different contexts. "Appreciate" is not used in the continuous tenses (present continuous, present perfect continuous, past continuous, past perfect continuous, future continuous, future perfect continuous).
For example:
Incorrect use: The boss is appreciating your effort so much.
Correct use: The boss appreciates your effort so much.
7. Practice Exercises with Appreciate (with Answers)
Exercise 1: Rewrite the following using "appreciate"
I am grateful for his sincerity. → I appreciate his sincerity.
I always value our long-lasting friendship. → I appreciate our long-lasting friendship.
Their real estate price has increased by 50%. → Their real estate price has appreciated by 50%.
They were very happy with Hung's effort. → They appreciated Hung's effort in supporting customers.
John is very important to my company. → My company appreciates John.
Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer
She appreciates ……………….. time off. A. have B. to have C. having
I extremely appreciate your ……………….. A. help B. to have C. helped
He ………………. your love. A. appreciate B. appreciates C. is appreciating
My house ………………. significantly in value. A. to appreciate B. is appreciating C. doesn’t appreciate
I appreciate ………………. the task is difficult. A. so B. that C. for
Master the Use of "Appreciate" with IDP
The verb appreciate is an essential part of English grammar, especially when expressing gratitude, understanding, or value. Using it correctly enhances clarity and emotional depth in your writing and speaking. To improve further, explore free IELTS preparation materials from IDP or download the IELTS by IDP app for expert tips.
In addition to home study, you can register for a free IELTS mock test with IDP to get familiar with the exam structure and time management. If you are not satisfied with your first score, consider taking the IELTS One Skill Retake, which allows you to retake one section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking).
Register for your IELTS test with IDP today!