flattering remarks

USAGE SUMMARY

"flattering remarks" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to words of praise or admiration that are directed towards someone. For example, "The boss's daughter was showered with flattering remarks at the graduation ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

After a few flattering remarks about the beauty of said dog, they asked what breed it was.

The New York Times

Petraeus, who was also a US commander in Afghanistan and Iraq, has made flattering remarks about Trump since the election.

The Guardian

The incident, captured on camera last week, was sparked after the drinker apparently made some less than flattering remarks about his girlfriend Mia Goth's mother.

Independent

And the story-teller makes it plain that Anna does not dislike the flattering remarks and kisses that come her way from the chauffeur.

The New York Times

Hodgson took Harry Redknapp's less than flattering remarks about England's playing style on the chin - but he could produce the manner in which they beat Montenegro and Poland as a forceful response to those of us who were critical after what actually proved to be a crucial goalless draw in Kiev.

BBC

While various Foo Fighters came and left the stage, Grohl remained as a constant, introducing each Sound City Player with flattering remarks, alternating between guitar, bass and drums and generally exhorting near-ecstatic performances by all of them.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

As they did so they gave fresh substance to the flattering remark of International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge that the Games had come to a place which in so many ways was the founder and organiser of modern sport.

Independent

Minutes later, Mr. Lehane produced two documents: a flattering remark Mr. Kerry made about General Clark, and a not-so-flattering synopsis of a 1996 Boston Globe article that said Mr. Kerry had stayed rent-free at the home of a lobbyist.

The New York Times

Blind's origins trace back to Naver, the South Korean Internet giant, which long ran a widely used employee forum but pulled the plug when employees began making less-than-flattering remarks about management.

TechCrunch

Jen appeared to have a hilarious kickback for every commenter, including those with less-than-flattering remarks (there's one in every comment thread, right?).

HuffPost

After she gave up show business a few years back, she found that such remarks were flattering but useless.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flattering remarks" to describe instances where the speaker intends to please or impress the recipient through praise, but be mindful of the context to avoid suggesting insincerity.

Common error

Avoid using "flattering remarks" when the intention is to convey genuine appreciation or constructive feedback. Instead, use terms like "genuine compliments" or "sincere praise" to emphasize authenticity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flattering remarks" is to act as a noun phrase, where "flattering" serves as an adjective modifying the noun "remarks". It describes the type or quality of the remarks being made. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is used correctly in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flattering remarks" is a grammatically correct and acceptable phrase used to describe compliments or praise, often with an underlying intention to please or impress. Ludwig AI validates this. While typically neutral in register, the term can sometimes imply insincerity. Its usage is most frequent in news and media contexts. When aiming for genuine appreciation, consider alternatives like "sincere compliments". This guide provides insights into the phrase's usage, related alternatives, and potential pitfalls to ensure effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complimentary comments

Replaces "remarks" with "comments", a synonym with a slightly more casual tone.

praising words

Substitutes "flattering" with "praising" and "remarks" with "words", emphasizing the positive nature of the speech.

admiring compliments

Replaces "remarks" with "compliments" and "flattering" with "admiring," focusing on the positive emotions behind the words.

glowing reviews

Implies a more formal assessment, typically written, where the feedback is highly positive.

positive feedback

A more general term, suitable for professional contexts, indicating constructive and affirmative responses.

kind words

Highlights the benevolent and gentle nature of the remarks.

approving statements

Suggests formal endorsement or agreement expressed verbally.

laudatory speech

Indicates a formal and highly complimentary oration.

adulatory praise

Implies excessive flattery and admiration, potentially to an insincere degree.

favorable mentions

Refers to instances where someone or something is spoken of positively, often in passing.

FAQs

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

You can use "flattering remarks" to describe compliments or praise given to someone, often with the intention to please or gain favor. For example, "The politician's speech was full of "flattering remarks" about the city's achievements".

What are some alternatives to "flattering remarks"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "complimentary comments", "praising words", or "admiring compliments".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "flattering remarks"?

It's appropriate when describing comments that are intended to please or impress someone through praise. However, be cautious as it can sometimes imply insincerity. If the praise is genuine, consider using terms like "sincere compliments" instead.

What is the connotation of "flattering remarks"?

The term "flattering remarks" can sometimes carry a connotation of insincerity or manipulation, suggesting that the speaker is trying to gain favor or achieve a specific outcome through praise. It's crucial to consider the context and the speaker's intent when interpreting the phrase.