praising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "praising" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing admiration or approval for someone or something. Example: "The teacher was praising the students for their hard work and dedication throughout the semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was Pulis who oversaw safety last term, his No1 praising the "organisation" instilled in a squad who made history by surviving a Premier League campaign for the first time since the elite were revamped.

The Guardian - Sport

Worshippers reported foul aromas and "a peculiar taste" during services, praising the Lord with a handkerchief pressed to their nostrils.

The Guardian

Paul also gave a hint of the liberatarian politics likely to feature in his run for presidential office in 2016, attacking government telephone surveillance and praising Cucinelli for his defence of free speech, privacy and gun rights.

The Guardian

And, according to one of the guests, David Cameron laid it on thick by praising Desmond to the heavens as "the creator of large businesses and provider of thousands of jobs".

The Guardian

Quite what Bolt did or didn't say during a snatched conversation with a reporter may remain a matter of dispute, but if the Jamaican had thought the games "a bit shit" at one point, by the time he bowed out on Saturday night he was praising the "crazy energy" Glasgow had to offer, with the Scottish weather the only lingering disappointment.

The Guardian - Sport

Williamson has repeatedly stirred up controversy with comments denying the Holocaust, praising the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, as a peacemaker, warning that Muslims are taking over Europe, and claiming that women are dominating corporations and the military because they are not fulfilling their natural role "making babies".

The Guardian

At Spotify's press event this week, Ek made a point of praising some of his company's hires from the world of radio, too, which was no coincidence.

The Guardian - Tech

The nondescript building has been identified as the headquarters of Russia's "troll army", where hundreds of paid bloggers work round the clock to flood Russian internet forums, social networks and the comments sections of western publications with remarks praising the president, Vladimir Putin, and raging at the depravity and injustice of the west.

The Guardian

She starts by praising three of the remarkable women who have been making waves on climate change and other issues: Tamsin Omond, Ariane Sherine and Leila Deen.

The Guardian

Plus they had plenty of ammunition to attack Ukip: the Tory-Ukip defector Douglas Carswell in 2012 wrote a book advocating the wholesale privatisation of the NHS, and Nuttall posted a letter on his website praising the coalition for bringing "a whiff of privatisation" to the health service.

The Guardian

In the latest instalment, Jean-Marie was suspended from the party for making disparaging remarks about the Holocaust and praising the Vichy regime.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "praising" someone, be specific about what you're admiring to make your commendation more meaningful and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "praising" too frequently in formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "commending" or "lauding" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "praising" is as a present participle, often used to form continuous verb tenses or function as an adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage in expressing approval or admiration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "praising" is a grammatically correct and widely used present participle that conveys admiration or approval. As verified by Ludwig, its frequent appearance in news and media contexts indicates its versatility in general communication. While it's generally acceptable, more formal synonyms like "commending" or "lauding" may be preferred in academic or business contexts to maintain a professional tone. The provided writing guidance and FAQs offer practical insights for effective and nuanced usage. Overall, "praising" is a valuable term for expressing positive evaluations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commending

Emphasizes a formal and often public expression of approval.

applauding

Highlights enthusiastic approval, often involving physical gestures like clapping.

extolling

Indicates high praise and admiration, often in a formal or literary context.

lauding

Suggests praising someone or something, often in a public speech or writing.

complimenting

Focuses on expressing admiration for specific qualities or attributes.

venerating

Implies deep respect and admiration, often reserved for revered figures or objects.

idolizing

Denotes excessive admiration, often to the point of worship.

honoring

Signifies showing respect and esteem, often through formal recognition or awards.

celebrating

Involves expressing joy and approval, often in a festive manner.

approving of

Indicates agreement with or support for something.

FAQs

How can I use "praising" in a sentence?

You can use "praising" to describe the act of expressing approval or admiration. For example, "The coach was "praising" the team's effort after the game."

What are some alternatives to the word "praising"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "commending", "applauding", or "extolling".

Is it always appropriate to use "praising" in formal writing?

While "praising" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal synonyms like "lauding" or "commending" in academic or professional contexts to maintain a more elevated tone.

What is the difference between "praising" and "flattering"?

"Praising" involves genuine admiration or approval, while "flattering" often implies insincere or excessive praise, sometimes with the intention of gaining favor.