complimentary words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'complimentary words' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone wishes to express positive, complimentary words towards another person, such as admiration, appreciation, or respect. For example, "My boss was very pleased to receive complimentary words from the company's clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The two traded brief, complimentary words.

The New York Times - Magazine

Complimentary words from an employee - but Henderson's boss is also his mother, United Christian Broadcasters Ltd's logistics manager, Shirley Henderson.

The Guardian - Money

Just recently, I have heard some very complimentary words spoken about Andy Farrell's contribution in developing England's game, both in attack and defence.

Independent

… World Peace, who was known as Ron Artest when he was growing up in Queensbridge, had a lot of complimentary words for the rebranded Nets.

The New York Times - Sports

But Ms. Merkel did have complimentary words for the Social Democratic Party in a commentary published in the daily newspaper Leipziger Volkszeitung on Thursday, calling the party a "militant and unbending voice for democracy".

The New York Times

Robert Gangi, executive director of the Correctional Association of New York, a nonprofit watchdog group, has complimentary words for Sheriff Reilly, but he sees the need for an independent monitoring agency nonetheless.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

If anyone he spoke to had a complimentary word to say about Blair, Bower does not report it.

The Guardian - Books

The complimentary word, which is of unknown origin, was popularised by Essex when he appeared on the programme The Only Way Is Essex.

BBC

He issued a perfunctory complimentary word of congratulations on the Palin VP pick and then promptly zipped the official campaign lip on her.

Huffington Post

Toronto duo Crystal Castles split up in 2014, but they made headlines in April, when Ethan Kath had some less-than-complimentary words for his bandmate Alice Glass (which he later retracted).

Vice

Even if your less-than-complimentary words are how you feel about this person, is this something you want in permanent, indelible form – the Internet never forgets.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complimentary words" when you want to emphasize that the feedback or remarks are positive and intended to show approval or admiration.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "complimentary words" (expressing praise) with 'complementary words' (words that complete or enhance something else). Double-check your spelling to ensure you're conveying the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complimentary words" functions as a noun phrase that describes positive and approving remarks directed towards someone. It indicates that the words express admiration, approval, or praise. Ludwig AI's response confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complimentary words" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe remarks expressing praise or approval. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears primarily in News & Media and Science contexts. It's important to distinguish "complimentary" from 'complementary' to avoid confusion. Alternative phrases like "praiseful remarks" or "flattering comments" can offer subtle variations in meaning, providing writers with a range of options to convey positive feedback effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appreciative words

Focuses on expressing gratitude and recognition through language.

praiseful remarks

Replaces "complimentary words" with a more direct emphasis on the act of praising.

admiring expressions

Highlights the feelings of admiration conveyed through the words.

laudatory terms

Uses more formal vocabulary to express high praise and commendation.

flattering comments

Emphasizes the pleasant and agreeable nature of the words, implying they might be exaggerated.

glowing reviews

Implies highly favorable and enthusiastic assessments.

positive feedback

Offers a more general term for favorable reactions, suitable in professional environments.

favorable mentions

Emphasizes the positive nature of the words, particularly in a public context.

approving statements

Highlights agreement and endorsement conveyed through the words.

kind remarks

Focuses on the benevolence and consideration in the words.

FAQs

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

"Complimentary words" are used to describe positive and praising remarks. For example, "The speaker received many "complimentary words" after the presentation".

What's the difference between "complimentary words" and "flattering comments"?

"Complimentary words" generally express genuine approval, while "flattering comments" might be exaggerated or insincere to please someone.

Which is a more formal alternative to "complimentary words"?

A more formal alternative would be "laudatory terms", which conveys high praise in a sophisticated manner.

When is it appropriate to use "complimentary words"?

It is appropriate to use "complimentary words" in situations where you want to acknowledge and praise someone's achievements, qualities, or actions. It is suitable in both personal and professional contexts.