express respect to vs express respect for

Both "express respect to" and "express respect for" are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. "Express respect to" is used when referring to the recipient of the respect. "Express respect for" is used when referring to the object of the respect.

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Last updated: March 03, 2025 • 5683 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the recipient of the respect.

"express respect to"

This phrase is used when you want to show respect directly to someone. For example, "I would like to express my respect to the elders in our community."

Examples:

He expressed his respect to his mentor during the award ceremony.
It is important to express respect to those in authority.
She always expresses her respect to her parents for their hard work.
The students expressed their respect to the visiting dignitaries.
The team captain expressed his respect to the opposing team after the match.

Show examples from the web [+]

I should like to express my respect to you and the other MEPs who took the initiative to travel to the Gaza Strip in recent days.
Mr President, I should like to express my respect to Mrs Jeggle for her work.
Most important of all is the fact that the Danish Government subsequently used its freedom of expression clearly to express respect for other peoples and their religions, not least Islam.
I should therefore like to express my respect and gratitude to him.
Ladies and gentlemen, I want to express my respect to the rapporteur for the report that has given a detailed account of the human rights situation in the world in 2004, and the position of the European Union on the issue.
The European Union has an express responsibility to ensure respect for the linguistic and cultural diversity of the European public.
The European Union has an express responsibility to ensure respect for the linguistic and cultural diversity of the European public.
I would like to express my respect and gratitude to all the professionals and volunteers who have contributed to the rescue and reconstruction effort in the affected areas, and I would like to express my particular condolences to the families of the victims.
Finally, I should like to express my respect for Mr Barroso.
Madam President, I would like to express my respect for the rapporteur and thank him for his excellent report.
I would particularly like to express my respect for EU Ambassador Ulrika Barklund Larsson, who was taken from us so suddenly this autumn.
Commissioner Bolkestein, I would also like to express my respect for the way you today clarified and enlarged on what President Prodi said.
Mr President, I would like to take this opportunity to express my respect for the brave mountain people of Tibet who are fighting for national independence.
I would like to express profound respect for the courage and determination of the citizens of Tunisia.
Secondly, I wish to express my respect for the EU's regulatory powers.
I should like once again to express my respect for the Japanese people.
We express our deepest respect and honor to them.
I want to express my respect for Parliament, but I must also respect the work carried out by the Commission...
Finally, I would like to express my respect for the rapporteur, Mr Schwaiger, regarding his activities and his unstinting willingness to compromise given the flood of amendments.
I should like to express my respect for the rapporteur and thank her for being prepared to enter into discussion with me.

Alternatives:

show respect to
demonstrate respect to
convey respect to
pay respect to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the object of the respect.

"express respect for"

This phrase is used when you want to show admiration or regard for someone or something. For example, "I express my respect for her dedication to her work."

Examples:

He expressed his respect for his colleague's expertise.
She always expresses her respect for nature by recycling and conserving resources.
The artist expressed his respect for the beauty of the landscape in his paintings.
The teacher expressed her respect for the students' hard work.
The community expressed their respect for the fallen soldiers.

Show examples from the web [+]

Most important of all is the fact that the Danish Government subsequently used its freedom of expression clearly to express respect for other peoples and their religions, not least Islam.
Finally, I should like to express my respect for Mr Barroso.
Madam President, I would like to express my respect for the rapporteur and thank him for his excellent report.
I would particularly like to express my respect for EU Ambassador Ulrika Barklund Larsson, who was taken from us so suddenly this autumn.
Commissioner Bolkestein, I would also like to express my respect for the way you today clarified and enlarged on what President Prodi said.
Mr President, I would like to take this opportunity to express my respect for the brave mountain people of Tibet who are fighting for national independence.
I would like to express profound respect for the courage and determination of the citizens of Tunisia.
Secondly, I wish to express my respect for the EU's regulatory powers.
I should like once again to express my respect for the Japanese people.
I want to express my respect for Parliament, but I must also respect the work carried out by the Commission...
Finally, I would like to express my respect for the rapporteur, Mr Schwaiger, regarding his activities and his unstinting willingness to compromise given the flood of amendments.
I should like to express my respect for the rapporteur and thank her for being prepared to enter into discussion with me.
Commissioner, I would like to express my respect for your work but, as with all work, it is also necessary to have clarity.
It remains for me to express my respect for Mr Geremek and to thank Mr Poettering and Mr Schultz most sincerely for what they said about me.
I wish to express my respect for Parliament, which a few years ago gave its clear backing to the permanent use of nuclear power in the European energy mix, but which has doubtless begun to reconsider this position.
But we also want to express our respect for the dignity and communal spirit shown by all the families affected.
Madam President, I should like to express my respect for those who do not smoke and to state there must indeed be routes which allow them to move through the Parliament building without being affected by smoke.
Mr President, I would like to express my deep respect for the European Police Office, which I certainly support.
I think we should take this opportunity to express our utmost respect for the people of Beslan, who have themselves been victims.
Firstly, I wish to express my deep respect for your rapporteur, Mrs Bauer, who has done an excellent job.

Alternatives:

show respect for
demonstrate respect for
convey respect for
pay respect for

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