I was complimented

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was complimented" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you might say: "My boss was very impressed with my work, so he complimented me on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Look, if I was complimented like that when I was younger, I never would have gone into politics".

The New York Times

My academic work has been well-respected and I was complimented particularly on my hard-working attitude and writing and teaching skills.

The Guardian - Money

At the end of two days of deliberation, after three days of testimony and overnight sequestration in a hotel, I was complimented by each of my fellow jurors on the fairness, vigor and effectiveness of the proceedings in the jury room.

The New York Times

Growing up in a predominantly white school, it was my hair, now my trademark feature, the thing that would make me a millionaire if I had a £1 for every time I was complimented on it, that was once my biggest insecurity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both as a graduate student and young faculty member, I caught myself trivializing my accomplishments when I was complimented.

Science Magazine

Last night I was complimented for my son's manners, work ethic, and for what a great person he was -- "a true joy to have around".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I was complimenting him and seeing if he wanted to correspond with me, but of course he didn't".

The New York Times - Sports

Although, in hindsight, she probably thought I was complimenting her.

Huffington Post

That resulted in me getting a call from the Angriest CNN Flack In The World, who didn't seem to understand that I was complimenting the network.

Huffington Post

Every day I'm complimented on the songs, in person, through e-mails, on Facebook, in articles.

The New York Times

I'm complimented, but I wonder why people don't just go to the original records, as opposed to a copy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "I was complimented" with stronger synonyms such as "I was praised" or "I received accolades" when aiming for a more formal tone or highlighting significant recognition.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on passive voice constructions like "I was complimented" can make your writing sound less direct. Opt for the active voice (e.g. "Someone complimented me") to create a more engaging and dynamic tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was complimented" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the speaker received praise or positive feedback. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show it often precedes a statement clarifying the subject of the compliment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was complimented" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction to express receiving praise or positive feedback. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and general applicability. While suitable for many contexts, it's important to consider the formality of the situation and the impact of passive voice on your writing. For a more direct and engaging style, active voice alternatives like "Someone complimented me" might be preferable. Remember to specify what you were complimented on for clarity and impact. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its prevalent use in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I received a compliment

Rephrases using active voice instead of passive and "received" instead of "was complimented".

I was given a compliment

Similar in meaning but uses "given" which focuses on the act of offering the compliment.

I got praised

Uses the verb "praised" which indicates a higher level of approval or admiration compared to a simple compliment.

Someone complimented me

Uses active voice and replaces the passive construction with an explicit subject performing the action.

I earned praise

Implies that the compliment was deserved or worked for, adding a layer of accomplishment.

I drew compliments

Suggests the compliments were a natural consequence of something the speaker did or wore.

I was lauded

Uses a more formal and intense verb, suggesting significant admiration or acclaim.

I was given accolades

Uses "accolades," implying a more formal or significant form of praise, such as an award.

Praise was bestowed upon me

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying one was complimented.

I enjoyed words of praise

Focuses on the experience of receiving praise rather than the act of complimenting itself.

FAQs

What does "I was complimented" mean?

The phrase "I was complimented" means that someone expressed admiration or approval of something you did, said, or are. It indicates you received a positive remark about a quality, skill, or possession.

How can I use "I was complimented" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase to describe an experience where you received praise. For instance, "I was complimented on my insightful comments during the meeting", or "I was complimented on my new haircut."

What can I say instead of "I was complimented"?

You can use alternatives like "I received a compliment", "I got praised", or "Someone complimented me depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "I was complimented" or "I received a compliment"?

Both phrases are correct, but "I received a compliment" is in the active voice and can sound more direct. "I was complimented" is passive, which can sometimes be useful for shifting the focus away from the recipient of the compliment.