flattering comments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flattering comments" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to compliments or positive remarks about someone or something. Example: "The author received countless flattering comments about her latest book, praising her writing style and character development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

But, he cautioned that his flattering comments did not mean everything was perfect.

The New York Times - Sports

They can also post flattering comments about other supporters, a move cribbed from Friendster's "testimonials".

The New York Times - Magazine

Sounding every bit the bachelor that he is, he would sometimes flirt with guests and make flattering comments about women on the program.

The New York Times

The two have exchanged flattering comments in recent days, with Trump openly admiring his leadership's skills and ability to "command respect" from Russian citizens.

Independent

The rookie Joe Mauer, who grew up about five minutes from the Metrodome, has routinely elicited flattering comments about his athletic prowess.

The New York Times - Sports

In an interview two years ago, she told The Augusta Chronicle that she wished her husband could hear some of the flattering comments.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"That was probably the most flattering comment I've gotten in my career, to this point.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Pita was told that Mr. Watson had made a flattering comment about that work in a newspaper article.

The New York Times - Arts

Today, you can find it quoted on the blog spot of a University of Dayton undergraduate, along with the flattering comment: "This forum post is priceless.

The Guardian - Opinion

Spiegel recommends starting with the person's last name followed by a flattering comment and a casual introduction, such as "Mrs. Smith, I'm such an admirer of yours.

Forbes

External success -- a good practice, a flattering comment, public recognition -- feeds my ego, but only for that moment.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "flattering comments", ensure the context makes it clear who is making the comments and who or what they are about. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Be cautious about automatically accepting "flattering comments" at face value. Consider the source's motivations and whether the comments are genuinely meant or have an ulterior motive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flattering comments" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "flattering" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "comments". It describes the nature of the comments as being complimentary or favorable. Ludwig confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flattering comments" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that conveys positive feedback or praise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most often in news and media contexts, but is appropriate for general usage. While these comments are usually positive, it's important to consider the context to ascertain their sincerity. Alternatives include "complimentary remarks" or "praiseful remarks". When employing this phrase, ensure that the context is clear and the intentions behind the comments are considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complimentary remarks

Uses a synonym for 'flattering' and 'comments'.

praiseful remarks

Replaces 'flattering' with 'praiseful', emphasizing the positive assessment.

admiring words

Focuses on the feeling of admiration conveyed in the comments.

glowing reviews

Specifically implies positive reviews, which are a form of flattering comments.

positive feedback

A more general term for constructive and supportive comments.

kind words

Emphasizes the kindness and goodwill behind the comments.

favorable mentions

Highlights that the subject was spoken of positively.

appreciative feedback

Focuses on comments expressing gratitude and acknowledgement.

laudatory statements

A more formal alternative, using 'laudatory' to mean expressing praise.

encouraging words

Highlights the supportive and motivational aspect of the comments.

FAQs

How can I use "flattering comments" in a sentence?

You can use "flattering comments" to describe positive remarks made about someone or something. For example, "The performer received many flattering comments after the show".

What's a good alternative to "flattering comments"?

Alternatives include "complimentary remarks", "praiseful remarks", or "admiring words" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Are "flattering comments" always genuine?

While "flattering comments" are usually positive, they aren't always sincere. It's important to consider the context and the speaker's intentions to determine the genuineness of the comments.

What is the difference between "flattering comments" and constructive criticism?

"Flattering comments" are purely positive and praiseful, whereas constructive criticism aims to provide helpful feedback, which may include both positive and negative points for improvement.