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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Talk about gratitude, small comforts, and things we may overlook.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe story uses late November’s Thanksgiving season to explain expressions about gratitude: count your blessings, take something for granted, give thanks for small blessings, and count yourself lucky. It also notes that “blessing” can have a religious meaning or refer more generally to something helpful or joyful.
Cultural note: Thanksgiving is a U.S. holiday, and “blessing” may carry religious meaning for some people. Gratitude can be meaningful without minimizing grief or hardship; avoid telling someone who is struggling that they should simply count their blessings.
Keep exploringGratitude language can help people notice support and small comforts. Practise using it as a personal reflection, not as a way to dismiss someone else’s difficulty.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Name people, opportunities, or comforts you appreciate.
Meaning
Think about the good or helpful things in your life and feel grateful for them.
Tone & use
Can be religious or nonreligious. As advice to another person, it may sound dismissive, so use it gently.
Example
“After a long week, she counted her blessings: supportive friends, a safe home, and time to rest.”
Meaning
Recognize that you have had good fortune or avoided a worse outcome.
Tone & use
Can be warm or sarcastic depending on tone; it sometimes implies someone should feel fortunate despite inconvenience.
Example
“We missed the earlier bus, but we counted ourselves lucky that the driver waited for us.”
Meaning
Something that brings help or happiness; in religious contexts, divine favor or approval.
Tone & use
The meaning depends on the speaker and context. Some people use it religiously, while others use it in a general sense.
Example
“Flexible hours were a blessing for the parent balancing school and work.”
Talk about value that can be easy to overlook.
Meaning
Fail to appreciate something because it is familiar or always available.
Tone & use
Often used reflectively about help, health, time, or everyday conveniences.
Example
“I used to take the neighborhood library for granted until it closed for repairs.”
Recognize something helpful during a difficult moment.
Meaning
Appreciate modest helpful things, especially during a difficult period.
Tone & use
Can express perspective, but should not be used to tell someone their serious problem is unimportant.
Example
“The train was delayed, but we gave thanks for small blessings: the station was warm and the next train came soon.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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