a significant compliment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant compliment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a compliment that holds considerable value or importance. Example: "Receiving a significant compliment from my mentor boosted my confidence immensely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In doing so, he paid England a significant compliment.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a significant compliment coming from Mr. Salgardo, the president of Kiehl's U.S.A., a skin- and hair-care company.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In Steele's official sanctions letter to Choudhry, the provost said the dean demonstrated a "significant failure of judgment", but also complimented him, saying: "You have a very promising career … with your innovative ideas, high energy, and enthusiastic citizenship, and I trust that you will grow into the kind of leader that we both know you can be".

The Guardian

Renewable resources are no longer an effective compliment for traditional power, but turn into a significant competitor in the market.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Never give backhanded compliments — compliments that contain a thinly-veiled insult or a compliment to yourself.

WikiHow

"A great compliment".

The Guardian - Film

A backhanded compliment maybe, but a compliment none the less.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A backhanded compliment, but still: a backhanded compliment!

The Guardian - Film

It's a backhanded compliment.

The New Yorker

It was a surreal compliment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That is a great compliment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant compliment" when you want to emphasize that the praise you are referring to is particularly important or valuable. It suggests the compliment had a notable impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant compliment" in casual conversation where simpler phrases like "nice compliment" or "great compliment" would be more appropriate. This phrase is better suited for more formal or serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant compliment" functions as a noun phrase where 'significant' modifies the noun 'compliment'. It emphasizes the importance or impact of the compliment. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase is used to highlight the value of praise from a superior or expert.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant compliment" is a phrase used to denote a compliment that carries notable weight or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, its primary function is to emphasize the value of praise, making it more suited for neutral to professional contexts. Consider using related phrases like "a meaningful compliment" or "an important compliment" to add variety to your writing. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where the impact of the compliment truly warrants emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meaningful compliment

Emphasizes the depth and sincerity of the compliment.

a substantial compliment

Highlights the considerable value or impact of the compliment.

a noteworthy compliment

Indicates that the compliment is worth paying attention to.

a considerable compliment

Stresses the degree or extent of the compliment.

a valuable compliment

Focuses on the worth or usefulness of the compliment.

a weighty compliment

Implies the compliment carries substantial importance or influence.

a heartfelt compliment

Stresses the sincerity and emotional depth of the compliment.

a high compliment

Suggests the compliment is of a superior level or quality.

a major compliment

Emphasizes the scale or magnitude of the compliment.

an important compliment

Highlights the relevance and consequence of the compliment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant compliment" to describe praise that carries particular weight or importance. For example, "Receiving "a meaningful compliment" from my supervisor boosted my confidence.".

What's the difference between "a significant compliment" and "a nice compliment"?

"A significant compliment" implies the praise has a notable impact or importance. "A nice compliment" is more general and doesn't necessarily suggest the same level of impact or importance. The former is typically more suitable in formal contexts.

Are there synonyms for "a significant compliment"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "a substantial compliment", "a valuable compliment", or "an important compliment depending" on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a significant compliment" in casual conversations?

While grammatically correct, "a significant compliment" might sound overly formal in casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "a great compliment" or "a nice compliment" in informal contexts.