How to Pay Someone a Compliment in English

How to Pay Someone a Compliment in English One of the nicest things you can do in any language is to compliment someone. You might want to compliment someone on what they did, how they look or what they have. Here are forms and phrases to compliment others in English. The examples below are arranged  into complimenting ability, complimenting looks, and complimenting possessions in both formal and informal situations. Complimenting Ability Use these phrases to compliment someone on an ability they have. If youd like to learn something from the person about his/her ability, start with a compliment. The person will probably help you learn more and be happy to talk about how to do it. Formal If you dont mind my saying, you are a(n) excellent/outstanding/superb (noun phrase)I must say you really know how to (verb)You are a fine (noun phrase)What a(n) excellent/outstanding/superb (noun phrase) you are!I admire your ability to (verb) Mr. Smith, if you dont mind my saying, you are an excellent public speaker.I must say you really know how to paint.I admire your ability to think on your feet. Informal Youre great at (verb ing)You can really (verb)  Wow, I wish I could (verb) as well as you!Youre an amazing/awesome/incredible (noun phrase) Wow! Youre great at skiing!You can really cook. This is amazing food!Youre an awesome student. Complimenting Looks Use these phrases to compliment someone on how they look. This section is divided into two categories: for women and for men. Its important to use the right language for the situation. If you pay someone a compliment on their looks in the wrong way, its possible that your compliment will not be accepted. Formal Notice how we ask permission to pay compliments on good looks in formal English. This is to ensure that no one gets the wrong idea about your intention. May I be so bold as to compliment your (dress/hair/outfit/etc.)?You are looking beautiful/handsome today.May I pay you a compliment? You really look beautiful/handsome/elegant/etc. today.I hope you dont mind, but you are looking beautiful/handsome today. Ms. Anders, may I be so bold as to compliment you on your dress?I hope you dont mind, but I just had to say how wonderful you look today.May I pay you a compliment, Mary? You really look fantastic today. Informal You look great today!Excuse me, are you a model?I really love your (dress/hair/outfit/etc.).What a beautiful (dress/shirt/blouse/haircut/etc.)! Wow, you look great today! Did you do something different?Sherry, what a beautiful dress!I really love your haircut. It makes you look like a movie star. ComplimentingPossessions Use these phrases to compliment someone on something they have. People are often proud of their possessions, especially major objects such as a house, a car, or even a stereo system. Complimenting someone on a nice possession is a good way to make small talk.   Formal I couldnt help but notice your (noun phrase)  What a lovely (noun) you have!You have such a wonderful / lovely / beautiful home / house / apartment / living room / etc.I have to admit Im jealous of your (noun phrase) Tom, I couldnt help but notice your Mercedes. Its a beauty!I have to admit Im jealous of your lovely garden.You have such a cozy home.   Informal Nice (noun phrase)I like your (noun phrase)Thats nice / pretty / beautiful.Cudos on the (noun phrase) dude. Nice car! Is it yours?Cudos on the computer dude. Where did you get it?Do you like my sweater? - Thats nice! Example 1: Ability Gary: Hi Tim. Great round today.Tim: Thanks, Gary. Gary: You can really hit the golf ball.Tim: Youre much too kind. Gary: No really. I wish I could drive as well as you.Tim: Well, take a few lessons. Itll happen. Gary: Ive thought about it. Do you really think it helps?Tim: I used to have a horrible drive. Try a lesson, its worth the price. Example 2: Looks Ms. Smith: Good morning Ms. Anders. How are you today?Mr. Anders: Fine, thank you. And you? Ms. Smith: Im very well. Thank you for asking.Mr. Anders: Ms. Smith, I hope you dont mind, but you are looking very well today. Ms. Smith: Thank you, Mr. Smith. Thats kind of you to say so.Mr. Anders: Yes, well, have a good day Ms. Smith. Ms. Smith: Will I see you at the meeting at 3?Mr. Anders: Yes, Ill be there.   Example 3: Possessions Anna: Thanks for inviting us over for dinner this weekend.Margaret: My pleasure, come right in. Anna: What a lovely home you have! I love the furniture.Margaret: Thank you. We like to call it home. Its cozy. Anna: You have such exquisite taste in decor.Margaret: Now you are exaggerating! Anna: No, really,  its so beautiful.Margaret: Thank you. Youre very kind.

Select vs. Selected

Select vs. Selected Select vs. Selected Select vs. Selected By Maeve Maddox The English verb select and the adjectives, select and selected, derive from a Latin verb meaning, â€Å"to choose, select, set apart.† Both adjectives mean, â€Å"chosen from a larger number of other things.† However, a useful distinction exists between selected and select. selected This adjective indicates that something has been chosen or picked out from a larger number; the reason for the selection is usually made clear by the context. For example, researchers may track the distribution of workers engaged in â€Å"certain selected occupations.† The occupations have been selected according to criteria set by the researchers for their study. An accountant wants to know if she can restrict her reports â€Å"only to certain selected users.† The accountant has specific criteria for her selection of people who will have access to the reports. select This adjective indicates that whatever was chosen out of a larger number was chosen on account of excellence or superiority. For example, â€Å"Hermes Paris caters to a select clientele.† Because Hermes products are expensive, select indicates that the people who shop there are superior to other people because they have the money to pay for luxury items. â€Å"The agency did its hiring from a select group of college graduates.† Here the use of select implies that the graduates were chosen from among other graduates by reason of superior intellect and ability. Both select and selected are popular with advertisers, but select is frequently confused with selected. Here are some examples from the Web: â€Å"Hyundai offers discount on selected car models† Appropriate use; some models are discounted, but not all. â€Å"Remington Shaver Charging Cord for Select Models† Inappropriate use; the sense is that the cord will work with some models, but not with all. â€Å"LifeProof New Case for Select Apple iPad Models† Inappropriate use; the sense is that the case will fit some models, but not all. Save select to mean something that is perceived to be above the ordinary in quality, cost, recognition, social status, or the like. The following examples use select in this sense: NFL offensive rookie pick in select company Special terms allow students to attend select schools in nearby states for a fraction of out-of-state tuition. Bryan Sutton keeps select company with the very best musicians in bluegrass, those musicians who may have peers but no superiors. The most select club in Hollywood: The Hitchcock Blondes A third [executive] obtained permission from a select group of local influencers to list their names on his nonprofit’s letterhead.   An NQDP plan must be restricted to a select group of management or highly compensated employees. Dr. Jackson was among a select group of presidents and chancellors invited to participate. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:"Because Of" and "Due To" How to spell "in lieu of"Uses of the Past Participle