complimenting someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complimenting someone" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the act of expressing praise or admiration towards someone. An example is: "She was complimenting someone on their new haircut." Alternative expressions include "praising someone," "admiring someone," and "flattering someone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Conversely, complimenting someone on their business acumen in front of their colleagues is an easy way to win brownie points.

The Economist

Complimenting someone on nonexistent weight loss may cause them to start questioning their appearance, wondering if their clothing choices have been unflattering, their posture that bad, their demeanor downtrodden.

The Washington Post

Your conversation doesn't have to be threatening - simply complimenting someone or asking about a book they're reading can get a light conversation rolling.

Forbes

"Complimenting" someone on their weight loss can be equally damaging and may convey the opposite of your intentions.

HuffPost

Complimenting someone whose weight loss results from one of these diseases only adds fuel to the fire.

Huffington Post

You look like you're 58.' I thought, that's not nearly enough to take off if you're complimenting someone.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Avoid the temptation to "out-compliment" someone.

Huffington Post

According to Zimmerman, the whole thing started when he complimented someone's Confederate flag tattoo.

Vice

When I say "thank you," when I appreciate or compliment someone.

Huffington Post

If he compliments someone for staying linear during a plank, I try to hit that position, too.

Vice

You cannot be sincere when you compliment someone but deep inside you detest him or her.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure your delivery is sincere; as seen in Ludwig examples, insincerity can be easily detected and may damage a relationship.

Common error

Do not confuse the spelling with 'complementing'. While "complimenting someone" means praising them, "complementing someone" implies that you are completing them or making them better through a balanced addition. They are not interchangeable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complimenting someone" functions primarily as a gerund phrase. In many Ludwig examples, it acts as the object of a preposition or a participial phrase describing an ongoing action. Ludwig AI confirms that the structure follows standard English transitive verb patterns where "complimenting" takes "someone" as its direct object.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki & How-to Guides

45%

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle & Wellness

15%

Less common in

Academic Research

3%

Technical Documentation

1%

Legal Proceedings

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complimenting someone" is a standard and highly effective English expression for describing the act of praising another person. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts. A recurring theme in high-quality sources like The Washington Post and WikiHow is the importance of sincerity and specificity when "complimenting someone". Writers should be careful not to confuse this with "complementing", which refers to things that go well together. Overall, the phrase is a staple of social interaction and interpersonal communication, appearing frequently in advice-focused and journalistic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paying someone a compliment

A more idiomatic version that emphasizes the delivery of the praise

offering a compliment

Implies a slightly more formal or intentional gesture

praising someone

Focuses on the approval or admiration of achievements rather than just polite remarks

commending a person

Much more formal, often used in professional or official contexts

expressing admiration for someone

Suggests a deeper level of respect or affection

flattering someone

Often carries a connotation of insincerity or praise given to gain favor

speaking highly of someone

Usually refers to praising someone to others rather than to their face

giving praise

A more general expression of approval

extolling someone

A high-register, literary term meaning to praise enthusiastically

lauding an individual

Very formal and typically found in journalistic or academic writing

FAQs

How do I use "complimenting someone" in a sentence?

You can use it as a subject or an object. For example: "complimenting someone is a great way to break the ice" or "She felt awkward complimenting someone she barely knew".

What is the difference between "complimenting someone" and "praising someone"?

While similar, "praising someone" often suggests a more significant level of approval or recognition for an achievement, whereas "complimenting someone" can be about smaller, everyday observations like clothes or hair.

Is it "complimenting someone on" or "complimenting someone for"?

Both are used, but "complimenting someone on" is more common for appearances or specific items (e.g., on their dress), while "complimenting someone for" is often used for actions or behaviors.

Can "complimenting someone" be used in a professional setting?

Yes, but keep it focused on professional skills. You might try "commending someone" for their performance or "paying a colleague a compliment" regarding their recent presentation.