complimentary statements

USAGE SUMMARY

"complimentary statements" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe statements or remarks that are intended to convey praise or admiration for someone or something. For example, "Everyone was impressed by the speaker's eloquence, and they responded with a round of complimentary statements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I got complimentary statements about "The Room" when I went to Harvard University last October.

HuffPost

They were fined $50,000 for another violation when Johnson made complimentary statements about Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Suzanne M. Kosmas, a Democratic congresswoman whose district includes the Kennedy Space Center and who has also been skeptical of the proposed NASA changes, issued a more complimentary statement: "The successful test launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket," she said, "is a significant step in the development of the commercial space industry".

The New York Times - Science

"It's a complimentary statement". Himmel says the space will have something for everyone: Exceptional cuisine and shopping will abut 14 acres of open public space and a Culture Shed that will accommodate large-scale cultural programming year-round, including Fashion Week, awards shows, art exhibitions and more.

Forbes

That is more a condemnation of politics writ large than a complimentary statement about the president.

Vice

According to a report in The Washington Post, Trump issued that tweet in lieu of a complimentary official statement that White House aides, including press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, had prepared for the president shortly before McCain's death from an aggressive form of brain cancer.

HuffPost

When the Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said this season that 49ers defensive lineman Justin Smith "gets away with murder" — part of an otherwise complimentary assessment — Harbaugh issued a statement.

The New York Times - Sports

The language of the exit statement is very different from the usual terminology in such statements, which tend to be complimentary in a general way, often wishing the departing executive well in future endeavors.

The New York Times

Clinton was unreservedly complimentary to Yeltsin, noting in his opening statement the Russian's courage to push democratic reform.

The Washington Post

The White House issued a statement from President Bush that, while complimentary, was pale by comparison to other messages of farewell for senior officials with whom Mr. Bush has worked more closely.

The New York Times

Mr. Mondale and Mr. Carter exchanged statements of praise that indicated they felt complimentary political qualities linked them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complimentary statements", ensure the context clearly indicates genuine praise and not mere flattery. Consider the audience and purpose to decide if a more direct or specific expression of praise would be more effective.

Common error

Avoid confusing "complimentary" (expressing praise) with "complementary" (completing or enhancing something). Ensure your intended meaning is clear to avoid miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

"Complimentary statements" functions as a noun phrase, where "complimentary" is an adjective modifying the noun "statements". It describes the type of statements being made, specifically those that express praise or approval. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complimentary statements" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe expressions of praise or approval. As Ludwig confirms, it's deemed a correct expression in the English language. Its usage frequency is relatively low, indicating it's not an everyday expression. Its primary use is observed in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the potential ambiguity between "complimentary" and "complementary". Consider alternative phrasings based on the context. While grammatically correct, a more straightforward expression of praise might sometimes be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flattering remarks

Replaces "complimentary" with "flattering", suggesting the statements might be intended to please the recipient, potentially insincerely.

praising comments

Emphasizes the act of praising, focusing on the positive assessment being conveyed.

positive feedback

A more general term that encompasses any kind of positive reaction or assessment, not necessarily verbal.

laudatory words

Uses more formal and elevated vocabulary, suggesting a higher degree of admiration and respect.

glowing testimonials

Implies formal endorsements or recommendations, often used in a professional or commercial context.

approving comments

Focuses on agreement and endorsement, rather than outright praise.

favorable reviews

Primarily used when referring to evaluations of products, services, or performances.

appreciative acknowledgments

Highlights the sense of gratitude and recognition expressed in the statements.

kind words

A simpler and more informal way to express the idea of positive statements.

encouraging feedback

Suggests that the purpose of the statements is to motivate and support the recipient.

FAQs

How can I use "complimentary statements" in a sentence?

You can use "complimentary statements" to describe remarks that express praise or admiration, for example: "The artist received "complimentary statements" about their innovative work."

What are some alternatives to using "complimentary statements"?

Consider using phrases like "flattering remarks", "praising comments", or "positive feedback", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "complimentary statements" and "complementary statements"?

Yes, "complimentary statements" express praise, while "complementary statements" would refer to statements that complete or enhance something else. The words have different meanings and are not interchangeable.

What's the register of "complimentary statements"? Is it formal or informal?

The phrase "complimentary statements" is relatively neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it leans slightly towards the more formal side.