a big compliment

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big compliment" is an acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used as part of either a compliment or a statement about a compliment given, as in the following example sentence: "He received a big compliment from his boss for his work on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"It's a big compliment," she said.

The New York Times

Thornton's response: "Wow, that's a big compliment".

The New York Times

That's a big compliment coming from them.

The Guardian - Sport

"A big compliment to the team," Sneijder said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Boos are always a big compliment," Rodriguez said Monday.

The New York Times - Sports

That's a big compliment, but that's what it is".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

You can't get a bigger compliment than that.

The Economist

A musician can hardly pay a bigger compliment to a colleague.

The New York Times - Arts

I couldn't hope for a bigger compliment.

Vice

If there's a bigger compliment you can pay a record then I'd love to hear it.

Vice

Can't pay him a bigger compliment than say he was the kind of journalist I wanted to be.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big compliment" to emphasize the importance or impact of the praise received. It's more emphatic than a simple 'compliment'.

Common error

Avoid confusing "compliment" (an expression of praise) with "complement" (something that completes or enhances something else). For example, instead of 'His shoes complimented his outfit', use 'His shoes complemented his outfit'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big compliment" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It emphasizes the significance of the compliment being given or received. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts to highlight the impact of the praise.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Sport

28%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Arts

8%

Books

4%

Tech

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big compliment" is a commonly used phrase to emphasize the significance of praise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and general media. While adaptable, it's essential to ensure the phrase's formality aligns with the context; more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "a significant compliment". Be mindful not to confuse "compliment" with "complement". Overall, it effectively conveys notable appreciation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant compliment

Replaces 'big' with 'significant', emphasizing the importance of the compliment.

a major compliment

Substitutes 'big' with 'major', highlighting the substantial nature of the compliment.

a substantial compliment

Uses 'substantial' instead of 'big', indicating the considerable weight of the compliment.

a great compliment

Replaces 'big' with 'great', expressing a high degree of appreciation.

a considerable compliment

Employs 'considerable' in place of 'big', suggesting the compliment is noteworthy.

a sizable compliment

Uses 'sizable' instead of 'big' to indicate the magnitude of the compliment.

a flattering compliment

Focuses on the positive and pleasing nature of the compliment.

high praise

Shifts from 'compliment' to 'praise', offering a more concise expression of approval.

strong commendation

Replaces 'compliment' with 'commendation', suggesting a formal and emphatic expression of approval.

a warm tribute

Expresses the compliment as a heartfelt acknowledgement and appreciation.

FAQs

What does "a big compliment" mean?

The phrase "a big compliment" is used to emphasize the importance, sincerity, or impact of the praise or admiration being expressed. It suggests that the compliment is more than just a passing remark; it is significant and meaningful.

What can I say instead of "a big compliment"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant compliment", "high praise", or "strong commendation" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "a big compliment"?

While generally acceptable, "a big compliment" might sound slightly informal in very formal or academic settings. In such cases, consider using a more refined alternative like "a significant compliment" or "substantial praise".

How to use "a big compliment" in a sentence?

You can use "a big compliment" in a sentence like, "The director's praise was a big compliment to the entire team" or "Receiving that award was a big compliment for his years of dedication".