How to say it · Kind words

Giving a compliment

You like someone's work, cooking or new look and want to tell them. The right words depend on what you're praising, and too much can sound fake.

6 ways to say it

How strongLightGlowing

You did a great jobbest default That really suits youabout looks Nice workquick and casual You handled that really wellunder pressure This is deliciousfor the cook You look amazingbig night out

Way 1 · best default

You did a great job

Clear praise for something someone has done. Works for work, school or helping you.

How strongMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

You did a great job on the wedding photos.

Thanks for organising the party. You did a great job.

In a conversation

A: So, how was my speech? Be honest.
B: You did a great job. Everyone was laughing at the right moments.

Common mistake

Not: You did a ~~good work.~~

Say: You did a great job.

"Work" is uncountable, so no "a". Say "good work" or "a great job".

Practice saying this

Next: That really suits you

Way 2 · about looks

That really suits you

For clothes, hair or glasses. It praises the match with the person, not just the item.

How strongLight

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Is that a new haircut? That really suits you.

That colour really suits you, you should wear it more.

Common mistake

Not: ~~This~~ shirt ~~is very suitable for~~ you.

Say: That shirt really suits you.

"Suitable" sounds like a form or a rule. For looks, use the verb "suit".

Practice saying this

Next: Nice work

Way 3 · quick and casual

Nice work

A quick pat on the back for a task done well. Fine in a message or as you walk past.

How strongVery light

ToneCasual

Use itAt work

Examples

Nice work on the report, it reads really well.

You fixed the printer? Nice work!

Practice saying this

Next: You handled that really well

Way 4 · under pressure

You handled that really well

Praise for staying calm in a difficult moment, like an angry customer or a hard talk.

How strongMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

That customer was shouting. You handled that really well.

You handled that really well, I'd have lost my temper.

In a conversation

A: I can't believe he called me lazy in front of everyone.
B: I know, but you handled that really well. You stayed so calm.

Practice saying this

Next: This is delicious

Way 5 · for the cook

This is delicious

Say it while you're eating at someone's home. Cooks love hearing it during the meal.

How strongGlowing

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

Wow, this is delicious. What's in the sauce?

This is delicious, can I have the recipe?

In a conversation

A: It's my grandma's recipe. I wasn't sure it would work.
B: Well, this is delicious. Seriously, I'm having seconds.

Practice saying this

Next: You look amazing

Way 6 · big night out

You look amazing

Strong praise for how someone looks on a special day. Keep it for friends and family.

How strongVery glowing

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

You look amazing! Is that the dress you bought for the wedding?

Honestly, you look amazing in that suit.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

You did a great job That really suits you Nice work You handled that really well

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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