a great compliment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great compliment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing appreciation or praise towards someone for their actions, qualities, or achievements. Example: "Receiving such positive feedback from my mentor was truly a great compliment to my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"A great compliment".

The Guardian - Film

That is a great compliment.

The Guardian

"I think that's a great compliment".

The New York Times

I take that as a great compliment.

University of California, Berkeley

"It's a great compliment," he said.

The New Yorker

I felt it was a great compliment.

The New York Times - Magazine

I take it as a great compliment.

The Guardian - Music

"It's a great compliment when people don't recognise it's me.

Independent

But he also paid us a great compliment.

The Guardian - Film

"I think that's a great compliment," DeLay told me afterward.

The New York Times

Rowling must surely take this as a great compliment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great compliment" to express sincere appreciation for someone's work, effort, or character. It is particularly effective when acknowledging achievements or qualities that may not always be recognized.

Common error

While "a great compliment" is generally appropriate, avoid overusing it in overly casual settings where more informal expressions of praise might be more suitable. Consider using simpler alternatives like "That's very kind of you" or "I appreciate that" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great compliment" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe a statement or action that is considered highly praiseworthy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great compliment" is a common phrase used to express appreciation for praise or acknowledgment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and academic publications. While appropriate in most situations, consider adjusting the level of formality depending on the setting. Alternative phrases, such as "a high form of praise" or "a significant honor", can be used to vary your language while maintaining a similar meaning. Be mindful of overusing it in overly casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a high form of praise

Emphasizes the elevated level of admiration being expressed.

a significant honor

Highlights the respect and esteem implied in the compliment.

a wonderful tribute

Suggests the compliment is a form of recognition or commemoration.

a flattering remark

Focuses on the pleasing and gratifying nature of the compliment.

an esteemed acknowledgment

Implies the compliment comes from a respected or authoritative figure.

a valued commendation

Stresses the importance and worth of the given praise.

a remarkable endorsement

Highlights the support and approval conveyed by the compliment.

a gracious compliment

Emphasizes the politeness and courtesy behind the compliment.

a sincere compliment

Highlights the genuineness and honesty of the compliment.

a noteworthy compliment

Indicates that the compliment is deserving of attention and recognition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great compliment" to acknowledge someone's skill or effort. For example, "The director said my performance was outstanding; it was "a great compliment" to receive."

What's a more formal way to say "a great compliment"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a high form of praise" or "a significant honor" instead of "a great compliment".

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

While generally suitable, "a great compliment" might sound overly formal in very casual settings. In those situations, simpler expressions of appreciation are often more fitting.

Can "a great compliment" be used sarcastically?

While technically possible, using "a great compliment" sarcastically could be confusing, as it's generally understood as genuine praise. Sarcasm might be better conveyed through tone or other contextual cues.