Complimenting

◊ clothes and appearance

If you know someone quite well, or are talking to someone in an informal situation, you can compliment them on their clothes or appearance using an expression such as `That's a nice coat', `What a lovely dress', or `I like your jacket'.

That's a nice dress.

That's a smart jacket you're wearing.

What a pretty dress.

I like your haircut.

I love your shoes. Are they new?

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You can also say something like `You look nice' or `You're looking very smart today'. If you want to be more emphatic, you can use adjectives such as `great' or `terrific'.

You're looking very glamorous.

You look terrific.

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You can also compliment someone on their appearance by saying that what they are wearing suits them.

I love you in that dress, it really suits you.

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In Britain, men (especially older men) do not often comment on each other's appearance.

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◊ meals

You can compliment someone on a meal by saying something like `This is delicious' during the meal or `That was delicious' after the meal.

This is delicious, Ginny.

He took a bite of meat, chewed it, savoured it, and said, `Fantastic!'

Mm, that was lovely.

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◊ skills

You can compliment someone on doing something skilfully or well using an exclamation.

What a marvellous memory you've got!

Oh, that's true. Yes, what a good answer!

`Look — there's a boat.' —-`Oh yes — well spotted!'

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A teacher might praise a pupil who has given a correct answer by saying `Good'.

`What sort of soil do they prefer?' —-`Acid soil.' —-`Good.'

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◊ achievements

You can say `Congratulations' to someone to congratulate them on achieving something.

Well, congratulations, Ginny. You've done it.

Congratulations to all three winners.

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Note that you can also say `Congratulations' to someone when something nice has happened to them.

`I'm being discharged tomorrow.' —-`That is good news. Congratulations.'

`Congratulations,' the doctor said. `You have a son.'

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For other ways of expressing your reaction to good news, see the section on expressing pleasure in the entry at ↑ Reactions.

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There are several more formal ways of congratulating someone.

I must congratulate you on your new job.

Let me offer you my congratulations on your success.

Let me be the first to congratulate you on a wise decision, Mr Dorf.

May I congratulate you again on your excellent performance.

I'd like to congratulate you on your stand. You have courage and integrity.

Very good. I congratulate you. A beautiful piece of work.

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You can congratulate someone informally by saying `Well done'.

I then attached the syringe and injected 10 cc of the stuff. `Well done,' said the vet.

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◊ accepting compliments and congratulations

You can accept compliments with several different expressions.

Oh, thanks!

It's very nice of you to say so.

I'm glad you think so.

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If someone compliments you on something you are wearing, you can also say something like `It is nice, isn't it?'

`I do like your dress.' —-`Yes, it is nice, isn't it?'

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You can also respond by saying how old it is, or how or where you got it.

`That's a nice blouse.' —-`Have you not seen this before? I've had it for years.'

`That's a nice piece of jewellery.' —-`Yeah, my ex-husband bought it for me.'

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If someone compliments you on your skill, you can say something modest that implies that what you did was not very difficult or skilful.

Oh, there's nothing to it.

`Terrific job.' —-`Well, I don't know about that.'

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When someone congratulates you, you usually say `Thanks' or `Thank you'.

`I hear your voice is back as good as ever and you've got all your old fans back. Congratulations.' —-`Thanks.'

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