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Prepositions after adjectives

Appreciative of, for, to or about?

Appreciative of is the standard adjective pattern. Other prepositions may appear in different structures, but they are not the usual complement after appreciative.

Quick answer

Which preposition follows appreciative?

Use appreciative of to show gratitude or recognition. Appreciative for is nonstandard in most contexts. Appreciative to can appear before a person receiving gratitude, and appreciative about is uncommon.

We are appreciative of your support.
She was deeply appreciative of the opportunity.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
appreciative of + thing

Expressing gratitude or recognition

Use of before the thing that is valued or appreciated.

They were appreciative of the extra help.
2
appreciative to + person

Showing gratitude toward someone

To can introduce the person receiving appreciation in some contexts.

He was appreciative to his mentors throughout his career.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
appreciative of
I am appreciative of your advice.
Standard pattern expressing gratitude or recognition.
appreciative for
This form is usually nonstandard.
Use appreciative of instead.
appreciative to
She was appreciative to the staff.
Refers to the person toward whom gratitude is directed.
appreciative about
This pattern is uncommon and usually avoided.
Use appreciative of for the thing appreciated.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using appreciative for

English normally uses appreciative of.

✕ We are appreciative for your patience. ✓ We are appreciative of your patience.

Using about instead of of

About is not the usual complement after appreciative.

✕ She was appreciative about the feedback. ✓ She was appreciative of the feedback.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. I am appreciative ___ your honesty.
2. He felt appreciative ___ his teachers.
3. They were appreciative ___ the chance to participate.

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Frequently asked questions

Is appreciative for wrong?

It is usually considered nonstandard. Appreciative of is preferred.

Can appreciative to be used?

Yes, when referring to the person toward whom gratitude is directed.

What is the difference between grateful and appreciative?

Both express thanks, but appreciative often emphasises recognition of value or effort.

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