Ludwig is an AI-powered English writing assistant that helps you find example sentences, check grammar, and improve your writing using reliable sources from reputable publications.

Is Ludwig free to use?

Ludwig offers both free and premium plans. The free plan provides basic access to our features, while the premium plan unlocks advanced tools, unlimited searches, and additional writing assistance features.

How does Ludwig help with English learning?

Ludwig provides contextual example sentences from reliable sources like The New York Times, BBC, and academic publications, helping you understand how words and phrases are used in real-world contexts. This improves both writing fluency and comprehension skills.

Ludwig is trusted by students, teachers, researchers, and professionals worldwide. It's used by top universities including MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Oxford, as well as professionals in tech companies like Adobe.

What makes Ludwig different from other writing tools?

Ludwig focuses on providing real example sentences from authoritative sources, not just grammar checking. This contextual approach helps users understand not just what's correct, but how language is actually used by native speakers and professional writers.

Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

Special thanks to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"special thanks to" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English
It can be used when you want to express your appreciation for a person or group who has done something helpful or beneficial for you. For example: "Special thanks to my family for their help and support throughout this difficult time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Special thanks to Apple.

News & Media

The New York Times

Special thanks to our cherished friend Angel.

News & Media

The New York Times

Special thanks to Daniel Marques Sampaoi and Rosy Hill.

News & Media

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Special thanks to Jeffrey Toobin for his assistance.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Special thanks to @BruceArians & the @AZCardinals".

News & Media

The Guardian - Sport

Special thanks to Dr. Robert Matalon.

News & Media

The New York Times

Special thanks to Fan Xinheng.

News & Media

Forbes

Special thanks to Dr Akram Fayed.

Science

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

A special thanks to Dr. David Hradil, RNDr.

Science

Heritage Science

Special thanks to Object.

News & Media

Vice

Special thanks to Hertz.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

When using "special thanks to", be specific about the person or group you are thanking and, if possible, briefly mention the reason for your gratitude. This adds a personal touch and makes the acknowledgement more meaningful.

⚠ Common error

While "special thanks to" is generally acceptable, overuse in very formal documents (e.g., legal briefs, academic dissertations) can diminish its impact. Consider stronger or more formal alternatives like "deepest gratitude" or "sincere appreciation" for a more professional tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "special thanks to" functions as an acknowledgement or expression of gratitude. It introduces the individual(s) or entity(ies) being recognized for their contribution or assistance. As supported by Ludwig and its examples, the phrase is widely used to express appreciation in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

10%

⚠ Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "special thanks to" is a versatile phrase used to express gratitude and acknowledgement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound and widely accepted expression. Its frequency across various sources, particularly news and media, underscores its common usage in both formal and informal settings. While generally neutral in tone, alternative phrases might be preferable in highly formal contexts to maintain a professional register. When using this phrase, remember to be specific and personalize the acknowledgement for maximum impact.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular thanks to

Uses "particular" instead of "special", emphasizing a specific individual or group.

specific thanks to

Replaces "special" with "specific", highlighting the directness of the gratitude.

deepest gratitude to

Emphasizes the extent of the gratitude being expressed.

heartfelt thanks to

Conveys a sincere and emotional appreciation.

with sincere appreciation to

A more formal way of expressing gratitude.

I am indebted to

Highlights the speaker's sense of obligation and gratitude.

More alternative expressions(6)

particular thanks to

specific thanks to

special thank to

officials thanks to

selected thanks to

individuals thanks to

FAQs

How can I use "special thanks to" in a sentence?

You can use "special thanks to" followed by the name(s) of the person(s) or organization(s) you wish to acknowledge. For example, "Special thanks to the research team for their invaluable contributions."

What are some alternatives to "special thanks to"?

Alternatives include "particular thanks to", "specific thanks to", or "deepest gratitude to", depending on the level of formality and emphasis you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "special thank you to"?

While "special thanks to" is the standard and more common phrasing, "special thank you to" is also grammatically acceptable, although it might sound slightly less formal. The best choice depends on context and personal preference.

When is it appropriate to use "special thanks to"?

It is appropriate to use "special thanks to" when you want to express gratitude for specific assistance, contributions, or support. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though consider alternatives for highly formal situations.

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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Special thanks toGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

Special thanks to
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples