Complementary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Complementary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that completes or goes well with something else, often in contexts like relationships, colors, or services. Example: "The complementary colors of blue and orange create a vibrant contrast in the painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Justin Stebbing, professor of cancer medicine at Imperial College, London, says that many people turn to herbal medicine and complementary therapies when they feel shortchanged by conventional medicine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Will you be switching from Netflix or do you consider Amazon Prime to be a complementary service?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Because a family needed both plant foods and meat, a masculine female hunter, in turn, usually married a feminine female, to provide these complementary gender roles for economic survival.

The Guardian - Music

It suggested that the programme makers were "under instructions from higher up" to make "a happy story about complementary medicine"; that the production could not distinguish evidence from anecdote; even that the series producer was promoting "US-style anti-science".

The Guardian - Opinion

We met at university and since day one we knew that our personalities were really complementary.

The Guardian

After promising to look into an NHS trial in England of the prince's favoured complementary medicines, the current hot contender for Labour leadership gushed, as per Debrett's advice: "I have the honour to remain, Sir, your Royal Highness's most humble and obedient servant".

The Guardian

"The Chinese and Greek economies are mutually complementary," Li wrote on Wednesday in the conservative daily Kathimerini.

The Guardian

He wanted ministers to reverse spending cuts that were being lined up in homeopathic medicine, urged them to conduct a trial of complementary medicine in England, and demanded a say over the allocation of taxpayers' money for community projects.

The Guardian

Edzard Ernst, emeritus professor of complementary medicine at Exeter University, says they should be judged in the same way as conventional ones: "If a therapy demonstrably generates more good than harm, it should be considered for routine use".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When that failed and the goalposts were perceived to have been moved again – with British Museum trustees saying exhibiting the marbles in London "allows different complementary stories to be told about them" – Greece resorted to diplomatic channels.

The Guardian - Arts

On Tuesday, three congressmen, Republican Justin Amash of Michigan and Democrats John Conyers of Michigan and Jared Polis of Colorado, introduced a complementary bill that would restrict the NSA's ability to collect phone data on any American unconnected to an ongoing investigation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Complementary", ensure the elements you're describing genuinely enhance each other. Avoid using it simply to mean 'additional' or 'extra'.

Common error

Many writers mistakenly use "complementary" when they mean "complimentary" (expressing praise). Remember that "complementary" means completing or enhancing, while "complimentary" means flattering or free.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "Complementary" primarily functions to describe something that enhances, completes, or goes well with something else. This function is validated by Ludwig AI and can be observed throughout the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "Complementary" is correctly and frequently used in English to describe elements that enhance or complete each other. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and high usability. While primarily found in news, formal business, and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for various applications. Remember to distinguish it from "complimentary" to avoid common errors. By ensuring the described elements genuinely enhance each other, you'll be using "Complementary" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Completing

Focuses on the act of finishing or making whole, while "Complementary" implies a harmonious combination.

Supplemental

Indicates something added to enhance or complete, similar to "Complementary" but emphasizes addition.

Adjunctive

Indicates something added to assist or supplement, akin to "Complementary" in providing extra value.

Enhancing

Implies improving or intensifying quality, a consequence of things being "Complementary".

Ancillary

Suggests a supporting or auxiliary role, differing from "Complementary" by highlighting dependence.

Matching

Indicates things that go well together, which is a core element of "Complementary"

Harmonizing

Emphasizes the creation of agreement or accord, a specific aspect of what "Complementary" can describe.

Balancing

Stresses the act of creating equilibrium, while "Complementary" implies a mutually beneficial relationship.

Corresponding

Suggests a matching or similar nature, differing from "Complementary" by highlighting alignment.

Supporting

Suggests providing assistance or reinforcement, an aspect of "Complementary" when one element aids another.

FAQs

How can I use "Complementary" in a sentence?

Use "Complementary" to describe things that enhance or complete each other. For example, "The wine and cheese were "complementary"" or "The two strategies were "complementary", leading to a successful outcome".

What's the difference between "Complementary" and "Complimentary"?

"Complementary" describes something that completes or enhances another thing, while "Complimentary" means expressing a compliment or given free of charge. For example, "The colors were "complementary"", versus "The hotel offered a "complimentary" breakfast".

What can I say instead of "Complementary"?

You can use alternatives like "supplemental", "completing", or "harmonizing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "Complementary to"?

Yes, it is correct to say "Complementary to". It indicates that something enhances or completes something else. For example, "This approach is "complementary to" our existing strategy".