Giving and Responding to Compliments

Giving and Responding to Compliments

Giving and Responding to Compliments

Hello English learners! Do you like giving compliments? Or do you sometimes feel embarrassed when someone compliments you? Compliments are small but powerful — they can make someone’s day, help you build friendships, and show good manners. Giving and Responding to Compliments

In this lesson, we’ll look at useful expressions for giving and responding to compliments in English. These are perfect for B2–C1 (FCE and CAE) learners who want to sound polite, natural, and confident in conversations.

How to give compliments

Giving compliments is a simple yet powerful way to make others feel good — and to strengthen your relationships, whether in your personal life, at work, or even in an English-speaking classroom. When you give a compliment, you are not only being kind but also practising the subtle art of positive communication.

When giving compliments in English, try to:

• Be specific – say what you like, not just that you like it.
• Sound genuine – don’t exaggerate; people can feel the difference.
• Use friendly tone and body language – a smile can go a long way!
• Consider the context: in formal settings, use polite, modest wording; in informal ones, you can be more relaxed.

Here are some of the most common areas where compliments naturally appear, with examples and notes on when to use them.

Giving and Responding to Compliments

Complimenting appearance

Complimenting someone’s looks can brighten their day, but it is best to keep such compliments friendly and respectful.

Useful expressions:

• You look lovely today!
• I love your new haircut.
• That colour really suits you.
• You’ve got a great sense of style.
• You look so fresh and cheerful!

Compliments on clothes, hairstyles, or colors are natural and proper in most social interactions. However, try to avoid very personal remarks, especially in the professional setting.

• You look lovely today, Sarah! Is that a new dress?
• That colour looks great on you — it brings out your eyes.

Complimenting work or performance

These compliments are ideal for the workplace, school, or any situation where someone has completed a task, project, or performance.

Useful expressions:

• You did an excellent job!
• That was a brilliant presentation.
• I’m impressed by your work.
• Your report was comprehensive and well-written.
• You handled that situation perfectly.

When complimenting work, try to mention a specific skill or achievement. It makes the compliment sound more sincere.

• That was a brilliant presentation — your visuals were clear and engaging.
• I’m impressed by your work on this project; you’ve clearly done your research.

Giving and Responding to Compliments

Complimenting personality or character

Compliments about personality show that you value someone not only for what they do but also for who they are. These are perfect for friends, colleagues, and students alike.

Useful expressions:

• You’re always so thoughtful.
• You have such a positive attitude.
• You’re really easy to talk to.
• I admire how patient you are.
• You’ve got a great sense of humour!

When you praise someone’s character, it often strengthens your relationship because people feel truly seen and appreciated.

• You’re always so thoughtful — you remember everyone’s birthdays!
• You’ve got such a positive attitude, even on stressful days. It’s inspiring!

Complimenting achievements

When someone succeeds or reaches a goal, a heartfelt compliment shows genuine support and happiness for them.

Useful expressions:

• Congratulations on your promotion!
• That’s an outstanding achievement.
• You must be proud of yourself.
• Well done — you really deserve it.
• I knew you could do it!

These compliments are perfect for both formal and informal occasions — from work promotions to passing exams. Pair them with a warm tone and, if appropriate, a handshake or friendly gesture.

• Congratulations on your promotion! You’ve worked so hard for it.
• That’s a great achievement — all your effort has paid off.

Giving and Responding to Compliments

How to respond to compliments politely

Many English learners feel unsure about how to react when someone gives them a compliment. In some cultures, it is common to downplay or deny praise — for example, by saying “Oh, no, it’s not that good” or “I didn’t do much.”

However, in British English, responding this way can sometimes sound as if you’re rejecting the other person’s kindness. Instead, the most natural and polite way to respond is to accept the compliment graciously and show appreciation.

Think of it like receiving a small gift — you wouldn’t refuse it, would you? You’d smile, say thank you, and perhaps return the kindness.

Basic principles for responding to compliments

Here are some fundamental but necessary rules to keep in mind:

• Take it graciously: A smile and a sincere “Thank you” are just as good in most instances.
• Don’t dispute: Don’t reply with “No, it isn’t” or “I don’t think so” — it’s awkward.
• Return warmth: Whenever you can, you can repay the compliment or return the credit.
• Reply casually to casual compliments and formally to formal compliments.

Common and natural responses

Here are some polite and natural ways to respond to compliments in English, along with when to use them.

Giving and Responding to Compliments

Example dialogues

A: That was such a great presentation — very clear and confident!

B: Thank you! I’m glad you think so. I was a bit nervous before starting.

A: I love your new hairstyle; it really suits you.

B: Thanks, that’s kind of you to say. I wasn’t sure about it at first!

A: You did an amazing job organising the event!

B: You’re too kind! It was a real team effort.

Extra tips

Tone matters: Say it warmly, not mechanically. A flat “thanks” can sound cold; a friendly tone makes all the difference.

Smile: Non-verbal communication reinforces sincerity.

Return the kindness (if genuine):

• Thank you! I like your outfit too — very stylish.
• That’s sweet of you. I really admire your attention to detail as well.

In professional contexts: Keep it polite but brief.

• Thank you, I appreciate that.
• That’s nice of you to notice.

Giving and Responding to Compliments

Common mistakes to avoid

❌ Saying “No, it’s not true” — sounds like you’re arguing.

❌ Ignoring the compliment completely may seem rude.

❌ Overreacting — “Oh my God, really?! Are you serious?!” can feel unnatural.

❌ Overusing “Nice” or “Cool” — too casual in professional or formal settings.

If you really want to learn English but don’t know how to do it and where to start, don’t hesitate to contact us. Book an online English lesson with one of our certified and experienced English teachers and take a test and consultation! Tap the banner to learn more!