How to Compliment Someone in English

January 24 is National Compliment Day in the US. Are you ready to shower your friends and family with compliments? What if you are living in an English-speaking country and are still learning English? How do you extend your compliments in the local language? We've put together an easy starter guide that will help you pick up some popular complimentary phrases quickly. Take a look and try a few of these out on your friends!

Basic formula of giving an English compliment

Here are a couple easy to follow formulas for putting together a compliment.

1. Your + Noun  + is/looks + Adjective

• Your dog is so cute! 
• Your backpack is really nice.

2. This/That + is + Adjective + Noun

• That is a beautiful necklace.
• This is such a cool car.

3. I + like/love + Noun Phrase

• I really love your homemade chocolate cake.
• I like the presentation you gave.

It’s time to get planning!

Get ready for your life-changing trip with Kaplan. 

Get a quote today!

Different types of English compliments

There are many things you can compliment someone on, whether it is something they own, their physical appearance, or a talent they might have. Here are a few of the different types of compliments:

1. Compliments on physical appearance

•  love your hair color.
• You have the nicest eyes.

2. Compliments on a performance

• You did a great job in the talent show.
• You gave the best presentation today.

3. Compliments on personal qualities

• You are such an amazing cook!
• I love how organized you are.

4. Compliments on possessions

• That is such a pretty sweater
• Those sunglasses really suit you.

Hopefully you feel a bit more confident now that you’ve examined some of the basic terms and phrases. Now go out and show your friends and family some love with your new English compliments! Any questions about the compliments we mentioned in this blog? Ask us in the comment section.