accepting compliments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accepting compliments" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of graciously receiving praise or positive feedback from others. Example: "She has learned the importance of accepting compliments without feeling embarrassed or dismissive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I think I can be quite tough… I'm not very good at accepting compliments.

The Guardian - Film

Jonas, a young boy, lives next door to an old man whose job is accepting compliments without being douchey about it.

The New Yorker

"The Receiver" Jonas, a young boy, lives next door to an old man whose job is accepting compliments without being douchey about it.

The New Yorker

Among curators and other art world people, Eliasson is known both for his politeness and modesty, and when you meet him, his straightforwardness and grace – I've never heard someone sound so sincere when accepting compliments – strike you immediately as all of a piece with his nubby Scandinavian clothes, his understated gestures, his instinctively democratic manner.

The Guardian - Arts

Compounding our difficulty accepting compliments is the "internalized message that it's not good to seem like we're bragging," which leads to the common tendency of explaining away achievements, according to Melody Wilding, a licensed social worker, professor of human behavior at Hunter College and performance coach for clients in high-powered jobs.

The New York Times

"It's such a privilege just being part of something like this, I'm happy to do whatever I can," Forte told me between accepting compliments from well-wishers.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He accepts compliments with grace and humbly deflects comparisons with Woods.

The New York Times - Sports

But without a victory this year, Toms is not in the mood to accept compliments.

The New York Times - Sports

At this point, Ashanti giggles a lot, accepts compliments graciously and remains attached to her family.

The New York Times

In another, one of the funniest and most shocking, a group of female acquaintances are so unable to accept compliments that they go berserk and kill themselves when they hear a woman accept a compliment with a mere "thank you".

The New Yorker

He accepts compliments graciously but with a little nod that suggests you're not telling him anything he doesn't know already.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "accepting compliments", avoid deflecting or downplaying your achievements; instead, offer a sincere "thank you".

Common error

Don't confuse "accepting compliments" with arrogance. Humility is key; acknowledge the praise without boasting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accepting compliments" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the act of receiving and acknowledging praise. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accepting compliments" is a grammatically correct and usable gerund phrase that describes the act of receiving and acknowledging praise. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media and how-to guides. To improve your ability of "accepting compliments", remember to offer a sincere "thank you" and avoid deflecting or downplaying your achievements. Related phrases include "receiving praise" and "handling compliments". Common mistakes involve confusing acceptance with arrogance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receiving praise

Focuses on the act of getting praise, omitting the response.

handling compliments

Emphasizes the way one manages or deals with praise.

taking compliments

Simple and direct, focusing on the action of receiving.

responding to compliments

Highlights the reaction or reply to praise.

acknowledging praise

Stresses recognizing and accepting praise.

graciously accepting praise

Adds an element of politeness and elegance.

being complimented

Passive voice, focusing on the state of receiving praise.

fielding compliments

Implies managing multiple or frequent compliments.

soaking up compliments

Suggests enjoying or relishing the praise.

swallowing compliments

Suggests internalizing or processing the praise.

FAQs

How can I improve at "accepting compliments"?

Practice acknowledging the compliment with a simple "thank you" and avoid minimizing your accomplishment. Focus on internalizing the positive feedback.

What's a polite way of "accepting compliments"?

A gracious "thank you" is often sufficient. You can add a brief acknowledgment of the effort involved or express gratitude for the person's kind words.

Is it better to deflect or deny compliments?

Neither. Deflecting or denying compliments can come across as insincere or insecure. It's better to simply acknowledge the compliment and express your appreciation.

What are some alternatives to "accepting compliments"?

You can use alternatives like "receiving praise", "handling compliments", or "acknowledging praise" depending on the context.