give compliments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give compliments" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to encourage someone to express admiration or praise for another person. For example, you could say "Remember to give compliments to your employees; it will help build morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

It's a way to give compliments, too".

The New York Times - Travel

"We were never to praise each other or to give compliments about what we read in the newspaper.

The New York Times

She reacted with dignity and passion, dismantling Justin Webb's pathetic "we want to be able to give compliments" argument.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The banter over Sledgehammer's new name actually meant something, because we now know that not only does Snafu not give compliments lightly, but that he was trying to buck up a still fragile member of his team.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I'm very proud of what my team showed and I give compliments to my players because they proved they are working very hard and know what we want".

BBC

3. Give compliments.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"All women like to be given compliments," he said.

Vice

Avoid giving compliments to people who have lost weight.

Huffington Post

The intervention targeted three skills: giving compliments, taking turns, and making a positive postgame comment.

Current Psychiatry Reports

The endocrinologist's recommendations included changes in insulin dosage, suggestions on testing frequency, and giving compliments.

Diabetes Care

Giving compliments encourages positive romantic exchanges with her.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you "give compliments", be specific and genuine. A general compliment like "You're great!" isn't nearly as impactful as "Your presentation was very well-organized, and your insights were valuable."

Common error

Don't "give compliments" solely to manipulate someone or achieve a personal gain. Insincere praise is easily detected and can damage your credibility and relationships.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give compliments" functions as a verb phrase, where "give" acts as the verb and "compliments" as the direct object. According to Ludwig, it is a valid expression in the English language. It describes the action of offering or expressing praise or admiration to someone.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give compliments" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for offering praise or admiration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness in various contexts. Its versatility is showcased across different sources, from news articles and wikis to scientific papers, highlighting its importance in building relationships and encouraging positive behavior. When you "give compliments", remember to be genuine, specific, and mindful of the context. While it's a valuable skill, insincere praise can backfire, so always strive for authenticity. In essence, "give compliments" wisely and sincerely to make a positive impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compliment someone

Simplifies the phrase by making "compliment" a verb.

express admiration

This highlights the feeling of respect and appreciation being conveyed.

offer praise

This focuses on the act of expressing positive feedback or approval.

voice appreciation

Emphasizes the verbal expression of gratitude and recognition.

sing someone's praises

This is an idiomatic expression for praising someone enthusiastically and publicly.

express approval

Highlights the act of showing that you agree with and support something.

pay tribute

This suggests a more formal and significant expression of admiration.

bestow praise

Focuses on formally conferring or presenting praise.

extend accolades

Similar to shower with accolades but sounds more professional and courteous.

shower with accolades

This implies giving numerous and enthusiastic compliments.

FAQs

How can I use "give compliments" in a sentence?

You can use "give compliments" to encourage positive interactions, such as: "It's important to "give compliments" to your team members to boost their morale" or "I try to "give compliments" whenever I notice someone doing a great job".

What are some alternatives to "give compliments"?

Alternatives to "give compliments" include "offer praise", "express admiration", and "pay tribute", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to "give compliments" or "pay compliments"?

Both "give compliments" and "pay compliments" are acceptable, though "give compliments" is more common. "Pay compliments" can sometimes imply a more formal or deliberate act of praising someone.

How often should I "give compliments"?

The frequency of when you "give compliments" should depend on the situation and your genuine observations. It's best to "give compliments" when you sincerely appreciate something, rather than doing it too frequently or insincerely.