The phrase "a complimentary reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a positive mention or acknowledgment of someone or something, often in a formal or professional context.
Example: "The report included a complimentary reference to the team's outstanding performance during the project."
Alternatives: "a positive mention" or "an appreciative reference".
More modestly hopeful were noises from China, where a think-tank described Mr Modi as "like Nixon", a complimentary reference to the former president's friendliness to Beijing, rather than to Watergate.China, however, will be less cheered by Mr Modi's gushing goodwill towards Japan.
The first recorded representatives of the family were Michel Danican (died c. 1659), upon whom the nickname Philidor (the name of a famous Italian musician) was bestowed by Louis XIII as a complimentary reference to his skill, and André's father Jean (died 1679), who, like Michel, played various instruments in the Grande Écurie, the king's band.
At one point, he professed acquaintance with Richard II, and in 1399 he was granted two pipes (casks) of wine a year for life by Henry IV as a reward for complimentary references in one of his poems.
His men — more than half of whom would die in the fighting — admiringly dubbed him "Wild Bill" for his courage under fire, a nom de guerre that one of his commanders, Douglas MacArthur, echoed, though as a less-than-complimentary reference to his tendency to exceed orders.
Mr. Bennett refused, to the dismay of many Republicans, but he included several complimentary references to Mr. DiFrancesco, calling him "my dear friend and predecessor".
For some fans, the playing list did, at one point, contain less than complimentary references to James McClean, the Sunderland player who defected from Northern Ireland to play for the Republic.
There have been the casual and complimentary references to Kenny Dalglish, the recalling of childhood memories when he watched the great sides of the 1970s and 1980s with his Liverpool-supporting father and grandfather and clear links between his own footballing principles and those of the club's great managers.
What's more, his Times piece contrasts the alleged intransigence of "the left" with complimentary references to the Deficit Commission's co-chairs and Republican leaders who "have previously expressed a willingness to tackle the issue".
"It could be a complimentary energy source".
A complimentary bonbon accompanies all beverages.
We received a complimentary bottle of wine!
