flattering messages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flattering messages" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to messages that compliment or praise someone, often to make them feel good about themselves. Example: "She received a number of flattering messages after her performance, boosting her confidence significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

BBC political correspondent Iain Watson said there was no evidence that any MP, apart from Mr Newmark, had acted inappropriately in response to the flattering messages sent to them from the fictional Ms Wittams.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The correspondence becomes a kind of upward spiral -- a "feedback loop of flattering, desirable messages that get intensified through the channel," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

While many administrators ignored the student paper, Dean Kagan was a scrupulous reader, dashing off e-mail messages — sometimes flattering, sometimes scornful — about the tiniest of stories involving the law school.

The New York Times

The ease with which we can be flattered into opening messages and entering into dialogue with people we don't know is staggering; it's known as "social engineering" and has been rampant online since the first major web virus spread around the globe behind the email subject title "I LOVE YOU".

Independent

Women were flattered by the messages from the "attractive middle-aged man", one of which said: "I knew our friendship would grow from the first day we spoke but neither one of us could imagine the love exploding, no thundering into our hearts".

BBC

The message might be flattering to CNet's Caroline McCarthy, but it's a fair guess that this is a test message and that in future it might read something like "Tip: Orkut, not just big in Brazil" or something similar.

TechCrunch

I immediately knew who she was (songwriter for Earth Wind & Fire, Pet Shop Boys, The Pointer Sisters, and many others) and was extremely thrilled and flattered by her message.

Huffington Post

This message caught on (it's flattering to writers and other dissidents), and it became the basis of nearly every depiction of small-town and suburban America since.

The New York Times

(In an e-mail message, Mr. McNally called the suggestion "hugely flattering" but said he would "rather stay away from commenting" on the idea).

The New York Times - Food

It's flattering they read my article, and in hindsight, I could've communicated my message better.

Huffington Post

"It's always flattering when a phrase you've written becomes common parlance," he wrote in an e-mail message last week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "flattering messages", consider the context. If you want to emphasize sincerity, ensure the source of the messages is credible and trustworthy.

Common error

Be cautious when describing messages as "flattering". Overuse can imply insincerity or manipulation. Ensure the messages genuinely aim to compliment rather than deceive or exploit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flattering messages" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "flattering" modifies the noun "messages". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to describe messages designed to please or compliment the recipient.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "flattering messages" effectively describes communications intended to compliment or please. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While frequently used in news and media contexts, it's essential to consider sincerity when deploying or interpreting such messages. Alternatives like "complimentary messages" and "praise-filled messages" provide nuanced options for expressing positive feedback. Use the phrase mindfully, ensuring your intent is genuine to avoid any misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complimentary messages

Replaces "flattering" with a more straightforward synonym, focusing on the positive and appreciative nature of the messages.

praise-filled messages

Emphasizes the abundance of praise contained within the messages, highlighting the positive feedback.

admiring messages

Focuses on the admiration conveyed by the messages, suggesting a deeper level of appreciation.

appealing messages

Highlights the attractiveness or pleasantness of the messages, suggesting they are delightful to receive.

gratifying messages

Emphasizes the satisfaction and pleasure derived from receiving the messages.

ingratiating messages

Suggests that the messages are intended to gain favor or approval, implying a possible ulterior motive.

pleasant messages

Focuses on the agreeable and enjoyable nature of the messages, highlighting their positive tone.

compliments in writing

Shifts the focus to the act of complimenting rather than the messages themselves, emphasizing the written format.

praiseful notes

Uses "notes" as a more concise alternative to "messages" and emphasizes the praise being conveyed.

laudatory communications

Uses more formal language to convey the idea of messages expressing praise and approval.

FAQs

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

You can use "flattering messages" to describe communications that are complimentary or praiseful. For example, "She received several "flattering messages" after her presentation".

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

Alternatives include "complimentary messages", "praise-filled messages", or "admiring messages", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "flattering messages"?

It's appropriate when the messages genuinely aim to compliment or express admiration. However, be mindful of potential negative connotations if the praise seems insincere or manipulative.

What's the difference between "flattering messages" and "sincere messages"?

"Flattering messages" specifically imply praise or compliments intended to please the recipient, while "sincere messages" focus on honesty and genuineness, regardless of whether they contain praise.