compliment them for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compliment them for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing praise or admiration for someone's actions or achievements. Example: "I always make it a point to compliment them for their hard work and dedication to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"What we need to do is apologize to Apple and compliment them for the job creation they're doing".

The New York Times - Tech

Having donned recyclable 3-D glasses and seen the thing for myself, I'm not sure whether to mock the enemies of "The Lorax" for their cluelessness, to offer them reassurance or to compliment them for being half-right.

The New York Times

Here's how.

Huffington Post

If they are shy, compliment them for their courage to play against you.

WikiHow

Every time a worker does something good, compliment them for it.

WikiHow

Compliment them for something, thank them for something they've done or just give them the equally simple and beautiful "I love you".

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Airline personnel have complimented them for their behavior.

The New Yorker

At the end of the presentation, Rodriguez complimented them for their hard work but said he wanted to return to the Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

On Monday, when he addressed some of the most successful and powerful women in India, he inadvertently assumed the role of a condescending patriarch who complimented them for being great mothers and for making papads (crackers).

The New York Times

"It made a lot of the other guests uncomfortable, and the ship's management was getting a lot of letters and feedback from other guests complimenting them for their service".

The New York Times

The Emperor Alamgir II in his farman to the Peshwa had complimented them for looking after the Chhatrapati family.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow the lead of Ludwig AI, and be positive. A compliment is a positive statement about someone. Keep it upbeat and avoid negative language or backhanded comments.

Common error

Avoid generic compliments like "good job" without specifying what was good about it. Instead, provide specific feedback on their actions or qualities to make the compliment more meaningful and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compliment them for" functions as a verb phrase used to express praise or admiration towards someone regarding a specific action or quality. It highlights the positive aspects of their behavior or achievements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

43%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "compliment them for" is a grammatically sound and versatile way to express praise or admiration. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, specific and sincere compliments are more impactful. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it serves to encourage and motivate. While it's acceptable to use in many situations, more formal alternatives might be preferred in specific contexts. Primarily found in Wiki and News & Media sources, this phrase effectively highlights positive qualities and actions, fostering a positive and appreciative environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

praise them for

Replaces "compliment" with a more direct synonym, "praise".

commend them for

Uses a more formal verb, "commend", to indicate a more official or significant praise.

applaud them for

Emphasizes public approval or admiration for their achievements.

congratulate them for

Focuses on expressing pleasure and approval for their success or good fortune.

recognize them for

Highlights the act of acknowledging their contributions or achievements.

acknowledge them for

Similar to "recognize", but may also imply a more formal or official acknowledgment.

give them credit for

Stresses the importance of acknowledging their contributions or efforts.

extol them for

Implies a high degree of enthusiastic praise.

celebrate them for

Highlights the act of publicly honoring and enjoying their achievements.

laud them for

Another formal synonym for praise, suggesting a high degree of admiration.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "compliment them for"?

You can use alternatives like "praise them for", "commend them for", or "congratulate them for" depending on the context.

How can I make my compliments more impactful?

Be specific and sincere. Instead of general phrases, mention the specific action or quality you admire. This shows genuine appreciation and makes the compliment more meaningful.

Is "compliment them for" formal or informal?

The phrase "compliment them for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, you might prefer alternatives like "commend them for" or "recognize them for".

What's the difference between "compliment them for" and "thank them for"?

"Compliment them for" expresses admiration or approval, while "thank them for" expresses gratitude. You compliment someone for their qualities or actions, and you thank someone for a specific favor or act of kindness.