Warm-Up

1. Introduce your students to the word “compliment” (a positive remark about someone or
something), and explain that it can be used as a noun and a verb. While you are looking at the
word itself, explain the difference between compliment and complement. (I always tell my
students that the one that means “extra” has an extra “e”.)
2. Ask your students to identify different things that they praise people for (clothing, hair, job
performance, talent, design, hard work). Can they remember the most recent compliment
they received?
3. Explain that giving a compliment is a form of small talk. It’s a great way to start a conversation.
Students can give compliments to people they know or don’t know. When we visit a friend or
family member, it’s nice to give a compliment as part of a greeting. My sister-in-law finds a way
to compliment me every time I see her. She’s so sweet!
4. Explain that we often use the verbs “give,” “accept,” and “take/can’t take” with the
word compliment.

Teach Useful Expressions for

Giving Compliments
Teach your students some common expressions for giving a compliment.

Appearance
 You look nice today.
 I love your new hairstyle.
 That color looks good on you. / You look good in blue.
 Your dining room looks beautiful.

Work
 You worked very hard on this.
 Nice work!
 Good job!
 This is excellent.

Talent
 You're a great artist.
 You're so good with kids.
 You have a lovely voice.
Food
 You make great cookies!
 You're such a good chef.
 This pasta is delicious.

Indirect
 Your son is a great actor.
 Your mom has the nicest garden.
 I loved your sister's book.

Teach How to Accept a Compliment

Your students will also need to practice accepting a compliment. The best way to respond is with a
simple thank you and a big smile!

 Thank you.
 Why, thank you! (with slight surprise)
 Thank you for saying that.
 I appreciate that.
 I needed to hear that. (after having a bad day or feeling inadequate)
 You’re so sweet.
 I’ll tell her you said that. / She’ll be happy to hear that. (accepting indirectly)

Explain that many people have difficulty accepting a compliment. They may respond in a humble way.
They may also fish for more compliments.

 Do you really think so?

 I don’t think so, but thanks for saying so.

Some people really can’t take a compliment. They almost always respond to a compliment in a self-
deprecating way.

Examples
Example #1

A: Your cookies are delicious.

B: They could use a little more sugar.
Example #2

A: Your presentation was great.

 B: Are you kidding? I was so nervous.
Example #3

A: I like your glasses.

B: These old things? I’ve had them forever.

4. Khen ngợi và chúc mừng (complimenting and congratulating)

Lời khen ngợi:
- You did a good job!/Goodjob! (Anh làm tốt lắm.)
- What you did was wonderful/ desirable/ amazing. (Những gì anh làm được thật tuyệt vời/
đáng ngưỡng mộ/ kinh ngạc.)
- You played the game so well. (Anh chơi trận đấu rat hay.)
- Congratulations! (Xin chúc mừng!)
- You look great/fantastic in your new suit. (Anh trông thật tuyệt trong bộ đồ mới.)
- Your dress is very lovely. (Chiếc áo đầm của chị thật đáng yêu.)
- You have a great hairstyle! (Kiểu tóc của bạn thật tuyệt!)
- I wish I had such a nice house. (Ước gì tôi có ngôi nhà xinh xắn như thế này.)
_ It is nice of you to say so.
LỜI đáp:
- Thank you. I’m glad you like it. (Cám ơn. Rất vui là anh thích nó.)
- You did so well, too. (Anh cũng làm rất tốt.)
- Your garden is fantastic, too. (Ngôi vườn của anh cũng tuyệt vậy.)
- Thank you. I like yours too. (Cám ơn. Tôi cũng thích...)

How To Respond To Compliments

1. Say thank you
2. Don’t downplay
Do not belittle or dismiss someone’s warm gestures. Avoid phrases such as “Oh, it’s no
big deal” or “Thank you, but it’s nothing.” For instance, when someone says, “Your dress
looks great on you.” You should not say, “Oh, this is an old dress.” Instead, try to say: “I’m
glad you like it. Thank you.” When you downplay compliments, you may feel humble, but
the person who praised you may feel rejected.

Responses To His/Her Compliments

1. Your SO: “Honey, those shoes look good on you!”

You: “Thanks, sweetheart! These are my new favorites.”

2. Your SO: “You look smart in that nice shirt/ You’ve got a wonderful jacket/ Those shoes
are so cute/ I love your new hairstyle/ You look handsome.”
 You: “Oh, thank you. I just got it yesterday/Thanks, dear. These shoes make me put my
best foot forward/The stylist is amazing. Thanks.”

3. Your SO: “You look dapper in that suit. It’s brilliant!” (bảnh bao, sang trọng)

You: “Thank you, my sister bought it for me.”

4. Your friend: “That cologne smells wonderful!” (perfume)

You: “Thanks, that’s kind of you.”

When Compliments Come From Your Boss

5. “Thank you for recognizing my efforts.”

6. “Thank you for trusting me with added responsibility. It means a lot.”

7. “Thank you for noticing my efforts. A lot of thought went into completing the project.”

8. “Thank you for your encouragement and support. It means a lot.”

9. Your notes in the client presentation were helpful.”

10. “Your guidance helped me in achieving this goal. I’m overwhelmed by your
compliment.”

11. “I am happy to receive your appreciation. Your kind words are encouraging and

motivating.”

12. “Your compliments have greatly elevated my spirits. Thank you for your encouraging
words.”

13. “I sincerely thank you for recognizing my efforts. Your compliments encourage me to
do better.”

14.If it’s teamwork, share the compliment with your colleagues and say: “I couldn’t have
completed the task without the efforts of my coworkers.”

15.“Thank you! I thank everyone who participated in it. Without your contribution, all this is
impossible. All of you are valuable to me.”

When Someone Compliments Your Kids

Our children are little versions of ourselves. When someone compliments your child by
saying, “Your child is incredibly gorgeous,” or “Your child is smart,” you respond with,
“Thank you!”

16. “Thank you for saying my son is polite. That is the best thing you can say to mom!”
17. “Thank you! She has been practicing a lot lately. He will be delighted to hear you
notice his hard work.”

Funny Responses To Compliments

For example, if your friend compliments your new hairstyle, you can say, “Thank you. The
only problem is that the dog next door suddenly became friendly.”

18. “Thank you! Yeah, I felt really good about this today,”

19. “This is the result of not taking a shower for several weeks.”

20. “I don’t know if this will fool anyone.”

21. “It isn’t easy to achieve such perfection.”

22. “You are wise beyond your years.”

23. “What took you so long to notice?”

24. “Is that your best?”

25. “Enough, it’s not funny anymore!”

26. “Yes, isn’t that great? My favorite designer works in this little store in … What else
do you like about me?”

27. “I can’t believe you said that!”

28. “Are you serious? Thank you, but that’s weird, and I want to say the same to you.”

29. “It’s refreshing to meet someone with a similar taste in …”

30. “You can’t keep your thoughts to yourself, can you?”

31. “My comb and mirror are my other two big fans.”

32. “It is my responsibility to spread beauty in the world. (Oh, then you must be Adonis
or Aphrodite.)”

33. “Well, it’s in the genes.”

34. “It isn’t easy to achieve such perfection.”

35. “Are you always so honest?”

36. “Yeah, I get that a lot.”

37. “Mind repeating that?”

38. “I think we are in a complimenting mood because I believe you are pretty incredible
too.”

39. “Thanks, if you can see me, I’m blushing!”

40. “I needed to hear that.”

41. “It truly made my day, and it hasn’t even really started yet.”

42. “Thanks for the compliment; strangely, my boyfriend/girlfriend said the same thing.”

43. “The genie finally granted me a wish.”

44. “The vote has been taken. The motion has been passed!”

45. “Gosh! Tell me something I don’t know.”

46. “My grandmother tells me: ‘Be more original.’”

47. “My aesthetic doctor said the same.”

48. “Well, a small botulinum toxin can indeed do wonders.”

49. “I second that.”

50. “Thank you, my hairdresser is fantastic and takes excellent care of my tresses.”

51. “Tell me a secret.”

52. “I have that effect on people.”

53. “Oh, this? It might be my eyelash extension.” (If someone compliments you on your
beautiful eyes)

54. “I have been fine from the beginning of the lockdown until now.”

55. “It looks like we have something in common.”

56. “Thanks! I have been practicing a lot lately.”

57. “If every compliment I got so far gave me a dollar, I would be Bill Gates or Warren
Buffett.”
58. “Thank you for observing me so carefully. Flattery will take you everywhere. “That’s
why I became friends with you. Just kidding.”

59. “Thanks, I am actually stupid; I study hard.” (When someone compliments your

academic achievement)

60. “Glib is better than smart. I never know what I’m talking about, but I’m excellent, am
I not?” (When someone compliments your eloquence)

61. “I have beaten anorexia.” (when someone praises your weight loss)

62. “I am five feet six inches, but my ego is about six feet six inches.” (if someone
compliments your height)

63. “I am not strong enough to play football, and not tall enough to play basketball, so I
go out to play chess.” (when someone compliments your intelligence)

64. “Thank you! My hairstylist convinced me. Where do you fix your hair?”

65. “Thank you, my stylish clothes overshadow my personality.”

66. “I am visiting a plastic surgeon to change every feature on my face. No one will
recognize me, but at least this way, I’d get a fresh start.”

67. “You’re about four levels above me in terms of intelligence.”

68. “Thank you, but if you want me to give you my phone number, you will need to do
better.” (If a stranger compliments the color of your eyes)

69. “Thank you. I can now focus on beautifying my kitchen!” (If someone compliments
your taste in furniture)

70. “I am grateful. I hope to do it at the big departmental meeting next month.” (If

someone compliments your public speaking skills)

71. “Thank you! I will apply what I have learned to new clients.” ( if someone
compliments your marketing activities)

72. “Thank you, and vote for me in the next election.”

Flirty Responses To Compliments

Flirting is about how you convey your message without directly saying things. Keep the
game interesting and friendly, and make it clear that you are being fun. Here are some
flirty one-liners that will come in handy.

73. “Could you grab some chicken nuggets on your way to my house?”
74. “It was on sale, so I have an extra $25. Can I buy you a drink?”

75. “Thank you very much. I chose this dress for you.”

76. “Thank you! I think you are handsome.”

77. “You know you miss me.”

78. “I bet you wish I were sharing these casseroles with you.”

79. “Stop distracting me. I’m busy. How about we move this conversation to IRL?”

80. “If I said ‘come over,’ what would you say?”

81. “You’re at the top of my wish list.”

82. “I have so much to do, but I keep getting distracted thinking about you.”

83. “Just worked out. Ready to hit the showers!”

84. “My dog misses you too.”

85. “Stop thinking about me so much!”

86. “I thought you would be glad to get rid of me.”

87. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

88. “Why? Did you throw something at me?”

89. “Would you mind emptying your pockets – I believe you’ve stolen my heart.”

90. “Don’t drive me crazy; I’m close enough to walk.”

91. “I am surviving on food, water, and your compliments.”

92. “Your mirror is lucky. Every time you look into the mirror, it gets the pleasure of
looking back at you.”

93. “You are giving me the most inappropriate ideas.”

94. “Take my number and queue up already.” (This is useful when  people  try to flirt
with you by praising you unnecessarily.)

95. “Do you want to meet up for a walk or join my workout sessions?” (This is a perfect
response for compliments on the loss of weight.)
96. “You can belly dance at any size.” (This is an ideal response for compliments
targeting your sexy figure)

97. “By the way, I am wearing the smile you gave me.”

98. “I am not good with girls. I don’t think I have the seduction gene.”

99. “I wish I could say that I am unique, but I am not. I am an ordinary person, and my
tastes are generally lousy — I like girls, beer, and cars, in no particular order.”

100. “It’s so weird, but I think I’m addicted to you — it seems to give me such a high.”

101. “I don’t know why, but being with you always makes me feel happy.”
EXERCISE
Question 1. “You have done a really good job.” “…………….”
A. Thanks. How nice of you to say so.
B. Thank you. You really deserve it.
C. Thanks. I’m proud of you.
D. Thank you. It’s going to be all right.
Question 2. “I really like you new motorbike.” “…………….”
A. Don’t mention it. B. Forget about it. C. Thank you. D. Never mind.
Question 3. “Your essay was just excellent. You deserve the highest grade.” “…………….”
A. That’s OK. Take it easy. B. I believe you can do it.
C. Thanks, sir. I’m glad you like it. . D. Thanks for your suggestion.
Question 4. “Your designs look so gorgeous.” “…………….”
A. Thanks. These are my favorite, too. B. Never mind. Thanks.
C. Very well done. D. It doesn’t matter.
Question 5. “What a nice watch you’re wearing.” “…………….”
A. I’m with you. I’ll buy another one for you.
B. Thanks. I bought it on my trip to Switzerland.
C. Sure. That’s the best watch on sale.
D. No harm done. You can take it.
Question 6. ““…………….”” “Thank you. We are proud of him.”
A. Your kid is naughty. B. Can we ask your child to take a photo?
C. Your child is just adorable! D. I can give your kid a lift to school.
Question 7. “How lovely your pets are!” “…………….”
A. Thank you. It’s nice of you to say so. B. Really? They are always very nice.
C. Can you say that again? D. I love them, too.
Question 8. “…………….” “Oh, thank you. I just got it yesterday.”
A. When have you got this beautiful dress?
B. How a beautiful dress you’re wearing!
C. You’ve just bought this beautiful dress, haven’t you?
D. That’s a beautiful dress you have on!
Question 9. “Wow! What a nice coat you are wearing!” “…………….”
A. Certainly. Do you like it, too? B. I like you to say that.
C. Yes, of course. It’s expensive. D. Thanks. My mother bought it for me.
Question 10. A: “You look nice in that red hat.” B: “…………….”
A. It’s nice of you to say so. B. Am I? Thanks.
C. Oh, poor me. D. I am interesting to hear that.
Question 11. Hung: “ …………….” Hoa: “Thanks. I’m glad you like it. My sister gave it to
me yesterday.”
A. What a fashionable dress you are wearing!
B. Oh! I like your fashionable dress.
C. I think you have a fashionable dress.
D. Your fashionable dress must be expensive.
Question 12. “You are looking very smart with your new hairstyle.” “……………., I have had
my hair done.”
A. Yes B. No C. Why not D. Thanks
Question 13. “What an attractive hair style you have got, Mary!” “…………….”
A. Thank you very much. I am afraid. B. Thank you for your compliment.
C. You are telling a lie. D. I don’t like your sayings.
Question 14. Teacher: “John, you’ve written a much better essay this time.”
John: “…………….”
A. Writing? Why? B. Thank you. It’s really encouraging.
C. You’re welcome. D. What did you say? I’m so shy.
Question 15. Cindy: “Your hairstyle is terrific, Mary!” - Mary: “…………….”
A. Yes, all right. B. Thanks, Cindy. I had it done yesterday,
C. Never mention it. D. Thanks, but i’m afraid.