Everyone loves getting a compliment – but do you know how to give compliments and respond to compliments naturally in English?
In this lesson, you’ll learn 50 useful English phrases for compliments on someone’s appearance, work, cooking, home, and character… plus, natural responses to compliments so you can receive them gracefully.
I’ll also teach you 4 common sentence structures we use for compliments in English – so that you can create as many phrases as you want!
By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to give a nice compliment and make someone’s day (= make the person feel very good, as a very positive point in their day).
Compliments on clothes / appearance
- You look nice.
- You look amazing!
This phrase is usually used for very special occasions, like when someone is dressed in especially elegant clothing for a formal banquet. - What a lovely necklace!
- I like your shirt – where did you get it?
- I love your shoes. Are they new?
- That color looks great on you. (or: You look great in blue)
- I like your new haircut.
- I love your outfit.
Compliments on cooking
- The lasagna is delicious.
- This soup is very tasty.
tasty = delicious - You’re a fantastic cook.
- Did you make this from scratch?
“From scratch” means from basic/original ingredients, not using pre-prepared foods - You’ve got to give me the recipe for this dish!
- This is some of the best chicken I’ve ever had.
- I can’t get enough of these potatoes.
- The cherry pie is out of this world.
“Out of this world” means VERY good, incredible, wonderful - That was wonderful. My compliments to the chef!
You can say this at the end of the meal. In this case, the “chef” is not referring to a professional, but instead to the person who cooked the food
Compliments on someone’s home
- What a nice apartment!
- You have a beautiful home.
- Where did you get that lovely table?
- I love the decor. Did you do it yourself?
The word “decor” refers to the interior decoration of the house or apartment.
Phrases for complimenting babies / children
- He’s/she’s adorable!
- He/she has the sweetest smile.
- What a cutie!
- Your children are so polite and well-behaved.
- Your son/daughter is really friendly/thoughtful/talented/etc.
- They’re wonderful kids – you must be very proud.
Compliments about work / performance
- You did an excellent job on this project.
- Your presentation was clear and professional.
- You always come up with great ideas.
- I really admire your work ethic.
- You’re a natural at this.
- The way you explained that was very helpful.
- You handled that situation so well.
- I can always count on you to get things done.
- That was a creative solution – you’re very resourceful.
Compliments on personality/character
- You’re always so generous.
- I admire how patient you are.
- You have such a positive attitude.
- You’re a great listener.
- You always know how to cheer people up.
- You have a great sense of humor.
- You’re really thoughtful and considerate.
- You’re such a good friend.
- I love how confident you are.
Sentence Structures for Giving Compliments
Many compliments can be created by following one of these formulas:
1. Your + Noun Phrase + is/looks + (really) + Adjective
- Your dress is really elegant.
- Your hair looks great!
2. I + (really) + like/love + Noun Phrase
- I really like your earrings.
- I love this vegetable soup!
3. This/That + is + (really) + Adjective + Noun Phrase
- This is a really nice painting.
- That’s an awesome car.
4. What a/an + Adjective + Noun Phrase
- What a lovely apartment!
- What a cute puppy!
English Phrases for Responding to Compliments
How can we respond to compliments?
The easiest way is simply to say “Thanks” or “Thank you!” but here are some additional phrases you can use to sound even more like a native English speaker. We can say:
- Thanks, that’s so kind of you.
- Thanks, I’m glad you like it!
(especially in response to appearance/cooking/decor) - Aw, thanks – you made my day!
- Thanks, I appreciate that.
(for a more meaningful compliment on your personality)
A few good responses to compliments at work are:
- Thank you, I worked hard on that.
- Thanks, I’m glad you found it useful.
- That’s very encouraging – thank you.
So you now have 50 English phrases for compliments and responses! Try practicing them this week: compliment a friend or a coworker.
If you’d like to learn lots more natural-sounding English phrases for everyday life, join my Everyday English Speaking Courses!
You’ll know exactly what to say when traveling, shopping, socializing, even when disagreeing or arguing with someone in English.
Learn more:
