It was flattering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It was flattering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone received praise or compliments that made them feel good about themselves. Example: "When I received the award, I thought it was flattering to be recognized for my hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"It was flattering for 10 minutes and then not flattering at all".

Independent

It was flattering to recognize my words in Paul Krugman's June 4 column about economic ideologies.

The New York Times

"It was flattering to be told I could save the show, but it's not right for me at the moment," he said at the time.

The Guardian - Film

It was flattering in the end to only lose by 50 or so runs".

BBC

I thought it was flattering.

The New York Times - Arts

"They told me it was flattering".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It's flattering, it's flattering.

The Guardian - Film

A statement by the university said it was "flattered to be satirized" in Doonesbury.

The New York Times

It's flattering.

The New York Times

"Obviously, it's flattering.

The New York Times - Sports

It's flattering too!

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "It was flattering" to acknowledge positive feedback or attention, but balance it with humility and avoid excessive self-importance.

Common error

Avoid overusing "It was flattering" to prevent sounding disingenuous or overly focused on external validation. Vary your responses with other expressions of gratitude or acknowledgement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "It was flattering" functions as a statement expressing appreciation or pleasure for a compliment, attention, or recognition. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It acknowledges the positive impact of an action or remark.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "It was flattering" is a phrase used to express gratitude and acknowledgment for compliments or positive attention. As Ludwig confirms, this expression is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media. While generally appropriate, it's essential to maintain humility and avoid overuse. Consider related phrases like "I felt honored" or "I appreciated the gesture" to add variety to your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It was a compliment

A more straightforward way of acknowledging the positive feedback.

I felt honored

Focuses on the feeling of respect and esteem received.

I appreciated the gesture

Highlights gratitude for the action or compliment.

I was pleased by it

Emphasizes the feeling of satisfaction derived from the situation.

I found it gratifying

Indicates that the experience was rewarding and satisfying.

It made me feel valued

Stresses the sense of worthiness and importance the situation evoked.

I was quite touched

Highlights the emotional impact and sincerity of the gesture.

It was a welcome acknowledgement

Expresses that praise was an acceptance of your achievements or actions.

I was taken by surprise in a positive way

Expresses the unexpected nature of a compliment and your positive reaction to it.

It boosted my ego

Suggests the event increased self-esteem and confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "It was flattering" in a sentence?

You can use "It was flattering" to describe a situation where you received praise or compliments that made you feel good. For example: "When I received the award, "it was flattering" to be recognized for my hard work."

What are some alternatives to saying "It was flattering"?

You can use alternatives like "I felt honored", "I appreciated the gesture", or "I was pleased by it" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to say "It was flattering"?

While generally appropriate, consider your audience and the context. In some formal situations, a more humble or understated response might be preferred.

What's the difference between "It was flattering" and "It is flattering"?

"It was flattering" refers to a past event or compliment. "It is flattering" refers to a current or ongoing situation. For example, "It is flattering to be considered for the position" implies the consideration is happening now.