Big complement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Big complement" is not correct in standard English usage.
It may be a confusion with "big compliment," which refers to a generous or significant praise given to someone. Example: "She received a big compliment on her presentation, which boosted her confidence."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The other networks say CBS cannot sell its big complement of older viewers to advertisers as effectively as the younger group.

The New York Times

— The idea of building a year-round public market to tie the city's skilled chefs to the region's big complement of young farmers had already attained an air of inevitability by the time this Midwestern city held its first Restaurant Week three summers ago.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Last year, administration debate over the aid plan was mainly between officials who sought greater support for the Colombian military and those who argued strongly for a bigger complement of social and economic programs.

The New York Times

At the opening installment on Monday evening, the first half of the program was devoted to unalloyed jazz, with works by Daniel Jamieson and Jim McNeely, performed by Mr. Jamieson's Danjam Orchestra, a modern version of a big band, with a heavy complement of woodwinds and brasses, as well as electric guitar, piano, bass, drums and a vocalist who mostly doubled some of the instrumental lines.

The New York Times - Arts

ABC's biggest hit, "Dancing with the Stars" has a large complement of 50-plus viewers.

The New York Times

But although these two aims of keeping the lights on and cutting carbon at the same time make the effort seem twice as big, they complement each other.

Independent

As SanDeE*, a halter-top-wearing roller-skater whose big heart complemented the bowl of sugar that was her mind, Parker told us about the mellow side of the go-go early nineties and showed how non-thought and the pursuit of pleasure had become a life style.

The New Yorker

Andreessen, who helped build the first graphical Web browser and relishes big ideas, complemented the presenters.

Forbes

Johnson is midway through a $56 million contract, but he would be a convenient solution to one of the Jets' most glaring needs: a big receiver to complement Santana Moss.

The New York Times - Sports

While the Magic would have the money to add another star -- it met with Tracy McGrady yesterday, and the Toronto forward has said Orlando is his first choice -- the team would have trouble landing a top-flight big man to complement Hill's perimeter skills and make the team a legitimate championship contender.

The New York Times - Sports

MUBI's idea is that it can simply complement big on-demand giants ins tea dog competing with them, focusing on quality and simplicity as the engine to boost conversion rates and with no marketing dollars.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "large complement" or "extensive complement" when referring to a significant number or amount. For more abstract additions, "significant addition" or "substantial contribution" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "complement" as a direct adjective modifier of "big". "Complement" typically functions as a noun, meaning something that completes or enhances. Using a more descriptive adjective like "large", "significant", or "extensive" often results in clearer and more grammatically sound sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Big complement" is generally considered grammatically questionable. While "complement" can function as a noun, modifying it directly with "big" is atypical. It's more common to use adjectives like "large" or "extensive". Ludwig highlights that the phrase is not grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "Big complement" appears in some contexts, it's generally considered grammatically questionable. Ludwig AI marks the phrase as incorrect. Standard English prefers alternatives like "large complement", "extensive complement", "significant addition", or "substantial contribution". The frequency is rare, and its use is best avoided in formal writing. It's crucial to consider the intended meaning and choose a phrasing that is both grammatically sound and clear to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Extensive complement

Uses a direct alternative, but emphasizing the scale of the complement, remaining similar in structure but with slight differences in emphasis.

Significant addition

Focuses on the act of adding something substantial, differing from a quality.

Substantial contribution

Highlights the importance of the addition, rather than just its size.

Major enhancement

Emphasizes the improvement brought about by the addition, altering the initial meaning.

Large supplement

Uses a more formal term for something that completes or enhances, changing the tone.

Considerable adjunct

Presents a more formal and academic alternative, indicating something joined or added.

Great asset

Shifts the focus to the value of the addition, instead of its composition.

Valuable extension

Highlights the benefit and expansion provided, rather than the size of a "complement".

Sizeable augmentation

Stresses the act of increasing something, rather than its complementary nature.

Big boost

Conveys the idea of an increase or improvement, differing in formality and connotation.

FAQs

What is the difference between "big complement" and "big compliment"?

"Big complement" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "big compliment", referring to significant praise. "Complement" means something that completes or enhances something else.

What are some alternatives to using "big" with "complement"?

Instead of "big complement", consider using "large complement", "extensive complement", "significant addition", or "substantial contribution" depending on the specific context.

Is "big complement" ever correct in a sentence?

While rarely used and generally not considered standard English, "big complement" could be understood in contexts where "complement" refers to a collection or group and "big" emphasizes the size of that group, though it is still not recommended. The Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase isn't grammatically correct.

How can I use the word "complement" correctly in a sentence?

Use "complement" as a noun. For example: "The new software is a valuable complement to our existing tools." Or: "The wine was a perfect complement to the meal."