How to Compliment Someone in English (Without Sounding Creepy)

Doug: What do you think of the new guy in the marketing department?

Tova: You mean Mark? He’s creepy!

Doug: Creepy in what way?

Tova: Yesterday after the meeting, he came up to me and introduced himself. He seemed okay at first, but then he said, “Do you wear short skirts to work every day? I sure hope so—you’ve got great legs!”

Doug: Maybe Mark thought he was being nice and giving you a compliment.

Tova: How would you feel if some guy you just met said something about your legs? And at the office, no less?

Doug: Yeah, I understand how that would make someone feel uncomfortable. Should I have a word with Mark about this?

Tova: Oh, I already let him know in no uncertain terms that his behavior was unacceptable—according to company policy, of course.

Doug: I’m sure you did! I’ll do a follow-up, though, and make sure he has actually read the company policy.

Tova: Thanks, Doug. I appreciate it.

Compliments can be a powerful tool in the workplace and in the academic realm. When used appropriately, compliments can help establish rapport, show appreciation, and strengthen professional relationships. But if you’re learning English—or even if you’re a native speaker entering a new environment—you might be asking yourself, “How do I give a compliment that sounds natural? I don’t want to sound awkward, and I definitely don’t want people to think I’m creepy!”

In this article, we’ll explore how to compliment someone in English in a way that sounds appropriate, professional, and confident.

But before we begin, please note that the following guidelines are general. You may encounter cultural differences, depending on where in the English-speaking world you are working or going to school. Also, it’s always a good idea to check the policy at your company or university and ask someone to clarify anything you don’t understand.

Okay, now let’s go over some general guidelines…

1. Focus your compliment on the other person’s work, skills, time, and effort

The most professional compliments are about what someone does, not about how they look. In the office or at school, it’s safer (and more useful) to recognize the other person’s effort, ability, or results.

• “That was a really clear presentation. I liked the way you explained the data.”
• “I appreciate your organizational skills. It makes group work so much easier.”
• “Thank you for offering to help me with the onboarding process. I’m a little confused about some of the systems and I could use a little help from someone who has been working here a while.”

These kinds of compliments show you’re paying attention and that you value the other person’s contributions.

2. Keep it simple and sincere

You don’t need big or formal words—plain English will work fine. The best compliments are short, honest, and specific.

• “Thanks for your help. You really saved me a lot of time.”
• “I can tell you put a lot of effort into this campaign.”
• “You explain things in a way that’s easy for me to remember.”

Avoid overly emotional or poetic phrases, especially about someone’s appearance. Compliments like these are a definite no-no:

• “You are incredibly beautiful.”
• “You have the most amazing smile in the world.”
• “Wow! I just love it when you wear green because it brings out the color of your eyes.”

Sure, people talk this way in movies, but in real life—and especially in professional settings—these types of compliments can feel too personal or even inappropriate. In some cases, they are also against the company or school policy and can land you in hot water.

3. Choose the right time and place

Context matters. A great compliment can still feel awkward if it comes at the wrong time, or in the wrong place.

Here are some examples of the right time to deliver a compliment:

• At the end of a meeting: “You made a strong argument about why we should go ahead with this online ad campaign.”
• After a class or seminar: “Your question brought up a good point about the readings.”

Avoid complimenting someone when they’re busy, stressed, or in a rush. Save it for another time! If you need to wait a few hours, or even a whole day, you can try something like this:

• “I didn’t have a chance to talk to you yesterday, but I just wanted to let you know that I’m impressed with the research you sent me. It’s really going to make a difference when we give our presentation!”

 

4. Don’t expect the other person to reciprocate

Compliments should feel like a gift; they’re not a trade. If someone simply says “thank you,” that’s enough. Avoid pushing for more reaction or approval. Also, don’t use compliments as a means of getting someone else to do a favor for you.

Here are some examples of what not to say:

• “You did great today. Do you think my speech was good, too?”
• “I complimented you about your job performance yesterday and you didn’t say anything…”
• “I was really impressed with your work on the ABC campaign! By the way, do you think you could help me write my final report?”

These types of comments can make people feel uncomfortable and they make you seem focused on yourself, not on the person who is receiving the compliment.

Useful phrases for business and school

If you’re unsure about what to say, here are some safe, professional compliments that will work in many different situations:

• “You handled that well. Nice job!”
• “Thanks for bringing that up. That was a helpful point.”
• “You’re always well-prepared.”
• “Your writing is really clear and easy to follow.”
• “You’re great at leading discussions.”
• “I’ve learned a lot from working with you.”
• “It’s always great to have you on our team!”

These phrases show your appreciation, build positive relationships, and help you come across as respectful and thoughtful.

What not to say

Since it can be helpful to know what not to say/do, here are some types of phrases (and behaviors) to avoid:

• Anything of a sexual nature. Even if you sense a mutual attraction with the other person, save that for outside of the workplace (provided that aren’t any company restrictions against it).
• Any compliment that suggests the other person is cute or childlike (e.g, calling them “sweetie” or “honey”).
• Compliments that suggest you don’t really know or care about the other person (e.g., calling them by the wrong name or title). It sounds sloppy and insincere.
• Anything of a sensitive nature in terms of race, religion, gender, or nationality (e.g., “You speak English well for a Chinese immigrant.”) Check your company or school policy for more specific guidelines on this front.

Compliments can make connections stronger, but in professional and academic environments, they should be respectful, specific, and focused on someone’s work or attitude.

If you’re ever unsure, ask yourself: Would this be appropriate to say in front of a group? If yes, it’s probably a safe choice. You can also click the blue button below and ask one of our TextRanch editors if your compliment is appropriate for the workplace or an academic environment.

Have you ever received a compliment in English that made a big difference, or where you walked away from it feeling a little strange or creeped out? Share your story in the comments below!