Blog

Why I Don’t ‘Preciate Sean Hannity

3

I was writing an e-mail to WriteAtHome customers and had to stop and look this up. Do I say “In appreciation of…,” or “In appreciation for…?”

I learned that either may be correct, depending on what I mean. If you have an appreciation of something, you are thankful for it. You recognize the value of it. So, you might have an appreciation of the soldiers serving overseas, or the work the plumber did on on your bathroom sink.

An appreciation for something, on the other hand, has to do with your feelings about it. It means you have a love, understanding, or positive connection to it. You might, for example, have an appreciation for jazz music, good coffee, or Romantic poetry. Actually, those three sound like a good combination.

So, since I was expressing thankfulness for my customers, I said, “In appreciation of their support, yada-yada.”

On a further note: one should always say “in” appreciation, never “with” appreciation. Don’t ask why. It’s just one of those idioms.

And a final note. Does it bug anyone else the way people, most notably Sean Hannity, cuts off the first syllable of the word appreciate? If you happen to listen to him (not a recommendation, mind you), notice that he always tells his callers and/or guests, “‘Preciate it.”

About the Author

Brian WaskoBrian is the founder and president of WriteAtHome.com. One of his passions is to teach young people how to write better.View all posts by Brian Wasko

  1. Brian Wasko
    Brian Wasko03-16-2011

    Thanks, Merri! That’s what we’re hoping for: educational and fun.

  2. Merri
    Merri03-16-2011

    Hello Brian,
    Your blog is educational and sparkling fun! I’m thrilled you are doing this and look forward to this enriching community.
    All the best,
    Merri

Leave a Reply

If you like a post, please take a second to click "like," and comment as often as you like.
We promise not to correct your grammar!