'praised that' is correct and usable in written English.
John praised that Amy's story was the most creative of the bunch.
Mr. Dombret praised that decision.
Condoleezza Rice, President Bush's national security adviser, praised that approach.
Not so long ago he worked for and praised that selfsame president.
After a visit to China in 1959, he praised that country's approach to Marxism.
The television pundits, who like a bit of soaring oratory, praised that portion.
Just about everyone praised that feature of the Bush-era law.
Ms. Merkel praised that strategy as a cornerstone of Germany's cherished social market economy in her regular weekend podcast.
Amazon executives have praised that strategy in news interviews, arguing it will help the Pentagon move faster.
Both Prime Minister Netanyahu and Egypt's ambassador to the United States, Sameh Shoukry, have praised that peace as the cornerstone of Middle East stability.
But others praised that same focus on multiplayer and the decision to avoid the intense, single-player arc that seemed to have been suggested by the early marketing.
Mr. Weinstein praised that movie, too, adding compliments to "Argo," "Life of Pi," "Beasts of the Southern Wild" and "Amour" for good measure.
