I appreciate it if ..

[Aikamama]

Hi everyone,

Would you please help me clear some confusion?

Is it okay to say "I appreciate your help." when I haven't got any help and
expect to get it? The point is this sentence should go like: "I shall
appreciate your help." or "I would appreciate your help."?

Aikamama

[Jamie (K)]

You say, "I appreciate your help," AFTER the person has begun helping you.

You say, "I would appreciate your help," BEFORE the person has begun helping, as a way of asking for his help.

If you say, "I appreciate your help," before the person has begun or offered to help you, it sounds like you are sarcastically criticizing him.

[Aikamama]

Hi Jamie,

Thank you for giving me a clear-cut explanation!

I really APPRECIATE your help!!

Aikamama