As a verb, complement means “to complete”: A bright scarf complements a dark suit. The verb compliment means “to pay a compliment to”: Everyone complimented him after the recital.

A subject complement is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb and identifies or describes the subject. (Note: A linking verb is a verb used to link a subject to a new identity or description. Common examples are to be, to become, to appear, to feel, to look, to smell, and to taste.)

A subject complement is one or more words which acts as an adjective or noun and modifies or refers to the subject of the sentence. It follows linking verbs, such as: is, are, was, become, seems, tasted, smells, and feels. For example: Whales are beautiful.

An adjective complement is a phrase that modifies an adjective. It follows the adjective in the sentence and offers more information about it. Adjective complement examples consist of noun clauses or prepositional phrases. They describe other adjectives.

A verb complement is a direct or indirect object of a verb. (See above.) Granny left Raoul all her money. (Both “money” [the direct object] and “Raoul” [the indirect object] are said to be the verb complements of this sentence.)

com·​pli·​ment | / ˈkäm-plə-ˌment / complimented; complimenting; compliments. Definition of compliment (Entry 2 of 2) transitive verb. 1 : to express esteem, respect, affection, or admiration to : to pay a compliment to complimented the pianist on his performance.

A verb is a word that expresses an action or a state of being. As you can see from that definition, there are two main categories of verbs: action verbs and state of being verbs (also known as linking verbs).

Sometimes short is sweet.

1. Thanks.
2. Thank you.
3. I am indebted to you.
4. Dinner was delicious.
5. I appreciate you.
6. You are an inspiration.
7. I am grateful.
8. You are a blessing.

Encouragement and praise phrases

• acclaim,
• applaud,
• commend,
• compliment,
• hail,
• renown,
• salute.

If you want to compliment their personality…

1. “I love how hilarious you are. My stomach actually hurts from laughing sometimes.”
2. “I love how ambitious you are.
3. “I love how intelligent you are.
4. “I love how optimistic you are.
5. “I love how passionate you are.
6. “I love how kind you are.
7. “I love how generous you are.

50 Words and Phrases to Encourage or Praise Your Child

1. You’re on the right track.
2. You’ve worked really hard.
3. I heard you say how you feel, that’s great.
4. Oh wow, that turned out really well.
5. That’s coming along nicely.
6. I’ve proud of the way you worked today.
7. Congratulations.
8. That’s the best you’ve ever done.

Try these 10 motivating phrases to praise your child’s efforts and achievements:

1. Instead of: “Good job!”
2. Instead of: “You did it!”
3. Instead of: “You look so handsome/pretty!”
4. Instead of: “That’s a great drawing!”
5. Instead of: “Way to go, buddy!”
6. Instead of: “Smart girl!”
7. Instead of: “That was nice of you!”

100 Ways to Praise Your Child

1. That’s Incredible!
2. How Extraordinary!
3. You’re Very Talented!
4. Outstanding Performance!
5. Far Out!
6. Great!
7. Very Brave!
8. Marvelous!

Some Compliments That You Can Use Instead!

1. You are such a great artist! [works every time!]
2. I really love your art!
3. Your art is so cool!
4. Great job!
5. You have put a lot of work into this piece and it has paid off!
6. Congratulations!
7. You are awesome!
8. This art could step on me and I’d thank them for it.

Kids love to be complimented—especially by their parents.

1. I love when you ______.
2. You’re talented.
3. You have great dreams.
4. You’re intelligent.
5. You’re interesting.
6. I’m so glad you’re mine.
7. You have great ideas.
8. You make me so proud.

Here are 300 words to get you started:

• determined.
• encouraging.
• assured.
• credible.
• loving.
• delightful.
• intellectual.
• articulate.

Fifty Ways to Praise Your Students

1. Good.
2. You’ve got it right.
3. That’s right.
4. Super.
5. That’s good.
6. You’re really working hard today.
7. You are very good at that.
8. That’s coming along nicely.