Six people are trying to be nice. Mostly. Unfortunately, a compliment can go wrong even when the grammar is perfect.

For each comment, read the speaker’s intention. Decide whether the words deliver that meaning, might cause offence or are already fine. If you change a sentence, explain what changed.

1. Intention: praise a colleague’s presentation. “Your presentation was actually good!”
2. Intention: praise a friend’s new jacket. “You look cheap in that jacket.”
3. Intention: appreciate somebody’s kindness. “That was really thoughtful of you.”
4. Intention: praise a colleague who works quickly. “You finished that surprisingly fast.”
5. Intention: welcome a friend you haven’t seen for years. “It’s so good to see you again!”
6. Intention: appreciate a host’s cooking. “This tastes much better than I expected.”

Extra challenge: Give a sincere compliment that avoids comparing the person with your expectations or with somebody else. Then turn it into a playful backhanded compliment, and explain why it becomes risky.