to be sparing with compliments vs is sparing with compliments

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'To be sparing with compliments' is used when talking about the general behavior of someone, while 'is sparing with compliments' is used to describe someone's current behavior or habits.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 2175 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe someone who doesn't give compliments frequently.

"to be sparing with compliments"

This phrase is used to talk about someone's general behavior of not giving compliments often. It implies that the person is not generous with praise.

Examples:

She tends to be sparing with compliments, so when she praised his work, he knew it was truly exceptional.

Show examples from the web [+]

But of course, this request is also directed at ourselves to be sparing with European regulation.
In this respect, politicians from the part of Europe for which a happier fate was in store after the Second World War would do well to be sparing with their criticism of countries like the Czech Republic.
I would therefore ask you, ladies and gentlemen, to be sparing with your words and that we all try to save time, so that we can make this debate consistent and finish it before half past five.
Fortunately, we continue to be sparing users of these mechanisms.
He was always sparing with praise.
You will see, on reading it, that it is not exactly sparing with its criticisms.
Anyone who knows me will be aware that I am normally very sparing with praise and thanks.
I am very sparing with my words of thanks, which makes them all the more significant.
Therefore, our action, in this sense, is very important, and we shall not be sparing in our efforts here.
From this perspective, this is an extremely good report, for which we should not be sparing in our praise.
I come with compliments from the manager.
You're a little uneasy with compliments.
You're none too smart with compliments.
But people have been showering me... with compliments.
Some bore Larissa Dmitrievna with compliments, others with endearments.
Okay, Bash and Franklin coming with compliments?
To sum up: overall, we are being very sparing with the European tax payer's money in performing our role as part of the budgetary authority.
I should therefore like to have seen Parliament be more sparing with the welter of amendments, even though our rapporteur has made great efforts to boil matters down to something comprehensible.
You got a problem with compliments?
You got a problem with compliments?

Alternatives:

to be stingy with compliments
to be frugal with compliments
to be tight-fisted with compliments
to be economical with compliments
to be cautious with compliments

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe someone's current behavior of not giving compliments frequently.

"is sparing with compliments"

This phrase is used to describe someone's current behavior or habits of not giving compliments often. It indicates that the person is currently not generous with praise.

Examples:

She is sparing with compliments, so when she complimented his outfit, he knew it looked really good.

Show examples from the web [+]

He was always sparing with praise.
Perhaps the Goddess of Mercy is sparing him a far worse vision.
But of course, this request is also directed at ourselves to be sparing with European regulation.
You will see, on reading it, that it is not exactly sparing with its criticisms.
Anyone who knows me will be aware that I am normally very sparing with praise and thanks.
I am very sparing with my words of thanks, which makes them all the more significant.
I come with compliments from the manager.
You're a little uneasy with compliments.
You're none too smart with compliments.
But people have been showering me... with compliments.
Some bore Larissa Dmitrievna with compliments, others with endearments.
Okay, Bash and Franklin coming with compliments?
To sum up: overall, we are being very sparing with the European tax payer's money in performing our role as part of the budgetary authority.
In this respect, politicians from the part of Europe for which a happier fate was in store after the Second World War would do well to be sparing with their criticism of countries like the Czech Republic.
I should therefore like to have seen Parliament be more sparing with the welter of amendments, even though our rapporteur has made great efforts to boil matters down to something comprehensible.
I can assure you that the Commission will not fail to keep you regularly informed of the development of the procedure in the Council where it is sparing no effort to achieve a favourable result.
With regard to the highly overvalued euro exchange rate, it is true that it is sparing us the worst in the face of rising oil prices.
You got a problem with compliments?
You got a problem with compliments?
"With compliments of Virtual Slumber, welcome home."

Alternatives:

is stingy with compliments
is frugal with compliments
is tight-fisted with compliments
is economical with compliments
is cautious with compliments

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to be sparing with compliments vs is sparing with compliments