One complimentary phrase or comment that you could give towards one’s performance, craft or skills is the phrase, “good job.”
Your situation could be that you aim to commend your employee on a job well done and you’re struggling with coming up with better, catchy phrases you could use to articulate that, well, with the help of these 20 alternative phrases to say “good job,” you have nothing to worry about anymore.
These phrases are good fits for different contexts, whether in a formal or informal setting. With the illustrations attached to each phrase, you’ll be able to understand how to put each phrase to good use.
List of Other Ways to Say Good Job
- Well done
- Impressive work
- You nailed it
- Great effort
- Fantastic job
- You’re on fire
- Excellent work
- That’s exactly what we needed
- You’re doing amazing
- Keep up the great work
- You really outdid yourself
- Outstanding performance
- You’ve really raised the bar
- I’m so proud of your progress
- You’re really mastering this
- You make it look easy
- You’re really hitting it out of the park
- That was brilliant
- You’re crushing it
- Remarkable work.
Well done
A simple, classic way to acknowledge a good performance is by using the popular phrase “well done.”
It could be used both in a formal and professional setting. Also, the phrase is straightforward and appropriate for acknowledging a task completed to a satisfactory standard.
Depending on whatever context you’re in, the examples below will help you evaluate how to make use of the phrase properly.
Illustrations:
- Well done Spencer, I am so proud of your big win at the tournament game tonight.
- I am so happy with your performance Miss Kate, well done.
Impressive work
The next phrase speaks more about the quality of the work and articulates admiration for the effort or outcome.
The tone of this phrase is complimentary, emphasizing a standout result. This would be a good phrase to use when you notice someone exceeds expectations or delivers exceptional results.
That person could be your friend, a colleague at work or your relative.
Illustrations:
- This is definitely an impressive work Jimmy, I must say, you shocked me big time.
- I am quite mind blown, this is an impressive work you did here.
You nailed it
Meaning: if you’re looking for a colloquial phrase that means it helps you send the message that the task was done with great precision.
The informal and enthusiastic tone to it makes it usable for casual settings. Maybe you ever find yourself in a situation where you have to let your loved one know they did a good job, you can put this phrase to good use.
Illustrations:
- That’s what I’m talking about dude, you nailed on.
- Your performance was fantastic, I am confident that you nailed the show.
Great effort
Make use of this phrase to acknowledge the hard work and dedication put into the project, regardless of the final result.
This is one phrase that when articulated makes you sound like a supportive and encouraging friend or partner, focusing on the process rather than just the outcome.
Perfect the act of motivating someone who worked hard or needs encouragement to continue by putting this phrase to smart use.
Illustrations:
- You put in such great effort into this project and it paid off. Your parents must be so lucky to have birth you.
- I love the level of great effort you put into this, I am so pleased with the outcome.
Fantastic job
A high-energy way to express praise, often reserved for exceptional performance, is to let someone know that their effort or level of passion has produced a fantastic job.
It’s necessary that you not only support your colleagues or whomever is involved physically, throwing in positive comments sometimes could go a long way as it means that you are also supporting them emotionally and psychologically.
Illustrations:
- How were you able to pull off such a fantastic job despite all the odds that stood against you?
- If this isn’t a fantastic job, I honestly don’t understand what it is.
You’re on fire
Another metaphorical way of saying someone is consistently performing at a high level or achieving multiple successes in a row is by using the phrase “you are on fire.”
This is used in a more enthusiastic, often playful, and energetic context like when you’re with your friends and family, it is also great for moments when someone is excelling in a constant manner or showing unstoppable momentum.
Illustrations:
- Wow! Girl! You are on fire! You’re the 8th time raw women’s champion, all hail the Queen.
- What can I do with you? You’re just on fire! I like this new you.
Excellent work
This phrase is commonly said in a corporate or academic setting, especially for accomplishments that meet or exceed high standards.
It can also be used in a formal and professional way to recognize high-quality output as it is respectful.
There’s no problem with switching things up, it’s time you upgrade your word vocabulary in a smarter and efficient way.
Illustrations:
- What an excellent work you submitted! With this, you’ll be accepted into Harvard.
- This is an example of excellent work, you made my efforts not go to waste.
That’s exactly what we needed
The peculiar aspect of this phrase is that it recognizes that the work not only met expectations but also fulfilled a specific need or requirement well.
Whether you’re in a corporate meeting with your colleagues or friends, this phrase is often used in collaborative settings to acknowledge contributions that align with team goals.
It goes further to appreciate and gives comments on the usefulness of the contribution.
Illustrations:
- That’s it right there, that’s exactly what we needed to push this company forward.
- Your suggestions are useful, it’s exactly what we need to get this project going.
You’re doing amazing
Moments like your children doing well at school or your spouse trying to build a life routine all needs words of encouragement like this.
When you’re encouraging and supportive, with a personal touch, then this phrase comes in handy for you. The phrase is also Ideal for situations where consistent effort and positive results are being recognized.
Illustrations:
- You’re doing so amazing at this point, don’t give up again, keep up the good work.
- Are you kidding me right now? You’re doing amazing, don’t doubt that.
Keep up the great work
Looking for a motivational phrase to help say when your friend or partner needs it? This motivational phrase encourages someone to continue performing well.
Add in a little gesture like a thumbs up emoji, if texting, or a hug if you’re physically with the person to show that you’re truly rooting for them as a way to sustain momentum.
Illustrations:
- Keep up the good work, I am so happy that you’re fighting for what you believe in.
- I am so sure that you’ll win at this rate. Keep up the good work.
You really outdid yourself
Let your friend or colleague know that they really did a good job by making them know through this phrase that they exceeded their usual level of performance or expectations.
The warmth and admiring quality, with a hint of surprise or awe that this phrase possesses makes it perfect for recognizing moments of extraordinary effort or creativity.
Illustrations:
- This time, you really did outdid yourself for this examination and it paid off.
- I can’t believe the results I’m seeing, you really outdid yourself this time Prince.
Outstanding performance
This is a phrase that can also be used in a formal and informal setting depending on the context you’re in. It acknowledges excellence, and the exceptional quality of the work or effort.
The best way this phrase can be used is in a professional or formal setting to recognize significant accomplishments.
Illustrations:
- Outstanding performance! Bravo, Mr James, I am so happy to call you the king of financial management.
- Could you catch me? Your outstanding performance makes me want to seize.
You’ve really raised the bar
When you want to commend a person for setting a new record, you can use this phrase to praise the individual for setting a new standard of excellence, surpassing what was previously considered good.
There’s a way you can let people know that you’re impressed with their work without sounding cliche, using this phrase helps you achieve that.
Illustrations:
- You’ve really raised the bar, I don’t think anyone will be able to beat this record.
- What a phenomenal job you did. You’ve really raised the bar.
I’m so proud of your progress
Be mindful and be willing to communicate the fact a person is growing and you are aware of their improvement.
When you let them know that you are proud of their progress, it helps them know that they are recognised and are supported in an unconditional way by you. It shows that you are willing to be a cheerleader.
Illustrations:
- I am so proud of progress, you went from an average student to a straight A student, well done.
- I have to admit, I’m so proud of your progress.
You’re really mastering this
A comment is not just important for people that you love and support, it can be so effective to produce even greater results in their lives if you’re willing to communicate it.
Try to recognize that someone is becoming highly skilled or proficient in a particular area by articulating this phrase as it encourages and empowers the individual.
Illustrations:
- You’re really mastering this craft and it’s really telling on your résumé, I’m quite impressed.
- You’re really mastering this work you’re doing, keep up the good work.
You make it look easy
Compliments someone on their skill. This phrase implies that their proficiency makes a challenging task appear effortless.
It is a good way of admiring and a light-hearted way of encouraging your partner or friend. The phrase is often used to praise someone’s expertise or natural talent in an informal setting.
Illustrations:
- How were you able to do that magnificent job? You make it look easy.
- You make that work look easy, I am so happy that you’re so smart.
You’re really hitting it out of the park
This phrase is derived from a sports metaphor (from baseball) meaning achieving extraordinary success or exceeding expectations.
A perfect fit for an informal, enthusiastic, and celebratory setting like when you’re with your friends and family. The most favorable time to use this phrase is when you’re in a casual or team environment to highlight someone’s major success.
Illustrations:
- You’re really hitting it out of the park man, this is all we’ve been waiting for.
- You’re really hitting it out of the park my dear friend, well done.
That was brilliant
In this phrase, there’s exceptional intelligence in achieving a task.
It is also effective in both professional and personal contexts to praise clever problem-solving.
Illustrations:
- That was brilliant! How did you come up with the concept?
- You are so amazing, that was brilliant! How were you able to figure it all out?
You’re crushing it
This phrase praises someone for dominating their task or project. It is catchy yet fit to communicate that someone did an excellent job.
If you ever find yourself in a more modern, casual setting, you can make use of this phrase to celebrate ongoing success.
Illustrations:
- You are crushing it in sports entertainment, you have no idea how many people placed a bet on your match.
- I love how you’ve been crushing it since the year started, I am so excited for the next big move.
Remarkable work
What this means is that the effort or project is extraordinary or stands out due to its high quality.
It is also suitable for professional settings where you want to recognize someone’s achievement.
Illustrations:
- There’s no better phrase to qualify this work you’ve done, it is a remarkable work.
- Your work is remarkable and I have to let you know that.
