The most important difference:
After appreciating, you can only follow things, not people.
appreciate + sth.
be grateful to + sb.
be grateful for + sth.
grate‧ful /ˈɡreɪtfəl/ ●●○ S3 W3 adjective
- 1 feeling that you want to thank someone because of something kind that they have done, or showing this feeling
– grateful for
I’m so grateful for all your help.
– grateful to
I am very grateful to all those who took the trouble to write to me.
– grateful (that)
She should be grateful that he was making things easier for her.
– extremely/deeply/eternally etc grateful
I am extremely grateful for the assistance your staff have provided.
Our grateful thanks go to all who participated.
She gave me a grateful look. - 2 → I would be grateful if you could/would …
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In everyday English, people usually say I appreciate it rather than I’m grateful:
Thanks, I’m really grateful. → Thanks, I really appreciate it. | I’m grateful for everything you’ve done. → I appreciate everything you’ve done.
ap‧pre‧ci‧ate /əˈpriːʃieɪt/ ●●○ S3 W3 AWL verb
- 1 [transitive] to understand how serious or important a situation or problem is or what someone’s feelings are SYN realize
appreciate the significance/importance/value of something
He did not fully appreciate the significance of signing the contract.
appreciate that
We appreciate that caring for children is an important job.
appreciate what/how/why
It is difficult to appreciate how bad the situation had become. - 2 [transitive] used to thank someone in a polite way or to say that you are grateful for something they have done
Thanks ever so much for your help, I really appreciate it.
I appreciate your concern, but honestly, I’m fine.
I’d appreciate it if you let me get on with my job. - 3 [transitive] to understand how good or useful someone or something is
Her abilities are not fully appreciated by her employer.
I’m not an expert, but I appreciate fine works of art. - 4 [intransitive] technical to gradually become more valuable over a period of time OPP depreciate
Most investments are expected to appreciate at a steady rate.
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