In compliment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In compliment" is not commonly used in written English and may be considered incorrect in certain contexts.
It can be used when referring to giving praise or expressing admiration, but it is more often seen as part of the phrase "in compliment to." Example: "In compliment to her hard work, the team organized a surprise party to celebrate her achievements."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

As a special gesture to its arrival in the UK the Tower Bridge was raised fully in compliment.

Independent

The soil is for the new Flanders Fields Memorial Garden, and as a special gesture to its arrival in the UK the Tower Bridge was raised fully in compliment.

The Guardian

Instead, he says: Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, But seeming so, for my peculiar end: For when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart In compliment extern, 'tis not long after But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at: I am not what I am.

The New Yorker

For all his uncontrolled anger, Iago is the most calculating of avengers, who as he plots Othello's downfall knows he must conceal his true objectives behind the appearance of goodwill: For when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart In compliment extern, 'tis not long after But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at: I am not what I am.

The New York Times

These results are in compliment with former studies [14, 15].

International Nano Letters

Not only is it usually useful and it's a hugely useful thing in compliment to this.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

In the preamble he clothed condescension in compliments.

Independent

But because the complaint was bathed in compliments, Della Casa classifies it as a kindness.

The New York Times - Books

But that's about as far as I can go in complimenting the book.

The New York Times - Books

In Switzerland, an American was bathed in compliments comparing the election to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The New York Times

Ever eager to sprinkle beads of approbation for the storied man he hopes to bring down, Mr. Hayworth couched his confidence in compliments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in compliment", ensure the context clearly indicates you're giving praise or showing respect. Consider using more common alternatives like "as a compliment" for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "in compliment" in overly formal or academic writing where precision is key. Opt for phrases like "in recognition of" or "in tribute to" for a more sophisticated and widely accepted tone.

Linguistic Context

In compliment functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, adverb, or noun. It indicates the purpose or intention behind an action, specifically to give praise or show respect. Ludwig examples show it describing gestures made as tributes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in compliment" is used to convey an action performed as a gesture of praise or respect. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig indicates it's less common than alternatives like "as a compliment" or "in tribute to". Its usage spans across news, science, and wiki sources, suggesting versatility but leaning towards a more formal tone. When writing, it's advisable to consider the context and whether a more common alternative might enhance clarity. Although acceptable, it's recommended to use it sparingly to ensure the writing style feels current and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a compliment

More common and direct way to express the act of complimenting.

in tribute to

Conveys respect and honor toward someone or something.

as a gesture of respect

Highlights the respectful nature of the action.

in honor of

Similar to 'in tribute to', focusing on honoring someone.

to show appreciation for

Emphasizes the act of expressing gratitude.

in recognition of

Highlights the acknowledgement of someone's achievements.

out of respect for

Indicates that the action is motivated by respect.

as a sign of admiration

Focuses on admiration as the reason for the action.

to acknowledge

A simpler way to indicate recognition or respect.

to commend

Highlights the act of praising someone.

FAQs

What does "in compliment" mean?

The phrase "in compliment" typically means as a gesture of praise or respect. It's often used to describe an action taken to honor or commend someone or something.

How can I use "in compliment" in a sentence?

You can use "in compliment" to describe an action that serves as a tribute. For example, "The Tower Bridge was raised fully "as a compliment" to the visiting frigate."

What are some alternatives to "in compliment"?

Alternatives to "in compliment" include "as a compliment", "in tribute to", "in honor of", or "as a gesture of respect". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "in compliment to" or simply "in compliment"?

While "in compliment" can be used, it's often clearer and more common to use the fuller phrase "in compliment to", which explicitly indicates that the action is directed toward someone or something. For example, "The award was given "in compliment to" her dedication."