In the previous lesson, I shared some expressions that people use in anger.
Now I'd like to offer a lesson with a much more positive tone.
Let's talk about how you might give a compliment in English.
To start, let me give you a tip: always be sincere.
Don't try to be too flowery with your words. Keep your words simple and genuine.
That kind of compliment will be appreciated.
If you want to compliment someone's skill or performance, you can say:
I've never seen anyone dance like you. You're amazing!
You're a really good dancer. I wish I could dance like that.
Informally, you'll hear people say: You nailed it. You totally nailed it. You nailed that performance.
This means you gave the perfect performance. I also hear a lot of people say... especially younger people:
You killed it. And if it's still happening:
You're killing it.
For a general quality, you can say something like this. You really have a way with children.
You're so good at getting everyone to compromise.
It's common to compliment the cook when you're a guest.
You can do this at the table during the meal or as you're leaving to go home.
You can say: This fish is delicious. I think it's the best I've ever had.
This fish is delicious. It's the best I've had in a long time.
Dinner was absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you.
When someone looks particularly good, let them know. You can tell a man or a woman, "You look great."
You could say to a woman: You look so pretty today. That color really suits you.
That's such a beautiful dress. It looks so good on you.
For a job well done, you can offer these compliments: You did so well. You did really well.
You did a really good job. Nice job. Nice work.
I really enjoyed your presentation.
If it's appropriate to speak casually, then you can use some of the earlier compliments
I suggested, like: You nailed it. You're killing it.
Can you think of other compliments?
What's the best compliment you ever received?
Tell me in the comments.
For more practice, you can go back and listen to the compliments again and one by one.
Listen and repeat.
Try to follow my rhythm and intonation.
We'll end here. I'll see you again soon for another lesson.
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