Different but complementary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Different but complementary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more elements that are distinct from each other yet enhance or complete one another. Example: "The two artists have different styles, but their works are different but complementary, creating a unique exhibition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The trades are different but complementary," she said.

The Guardian - Books

Just as in 2005, England now have bowlers with different but complementary skills.

The Guardian - Sport

This one-day course will introduce you to two sets of different but complementary skills.

The Guardian

These two essays present somewhat different, but complementary, perspectives on the present situation.

Columbia University

In the end, as Goldstein's book eloquently argues, science and philosophy fulfil two different but complementary roles.

The Guardian - Books

It reflected, in a different but complementary context, the postulates of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

The New York Times - Magazine

She and he may be like Laurel and Hardy — different but complementary".

The New York Times - Magazine

Flexibility depends on maintaining a creative tension among widely different but complementary skills and points of view.

Harvard Business Review

Rodin said the winners – "two remarkable citizen advocates" – reflected very different, but complementary, elements of Jacobs' work.

The Guardian

Here, we take a different, but complementary, approach in which the focus is on deformable interconnects with advanced designs.

Nature

Together, they are the most powerful duo in the gay-rights movement, and perhaps it is fortunate that they are pursuing different but complementary strategies.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "different but complementary" to showcase how seemingly opposing elements can combine to create a more effective or comprehensive whole.

Common error

Avoid using "different but complementary" when the elements are truly contradictory or undermine each other; ensure they genuinely enhance the overall outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different but complementary" serves as an adjectival modifier, describing the relationship between two or more distinct entities. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates that these entities, despite their differences, enhance or complete each other. This is supported by numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "different but complementary" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe distinct elements that enhance each other. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across diverse fields like science, news, and academia, emphasizing the synergistic relationship between different entities. To use this phrase effectively, ensure that the elements truly enhance one another, avoiding situations where differences lead to contradiction. Alternatives like "distinct yet harmonious" or "diverse but unified" can be used to convey similar meanings. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate the phrase's applicability in various contexts, reinforcing its value in nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Distinct yet harmonious

Emphasizes the harmonious relationship between distinct elements.

Diverse but unified

Highlights the unity achieved through diversity.

Varied but integrated

Focuses on the integration of varied components.

Contrasting but supportive

Stresses the supportive nature of contrasting elements.

Dissimilar yet cohesive

Underscores the cohesive quality despite dissimilarity.

Individual but collective

Highlights the collective nature of individual components.

Separate but connected

Emphasizes the connection between separate elements.

Unique yet aligned

Focuses on the alignment of unique aspects.

Divergent but convergent

Stresses the convergence of divergent paths.

Distinct but synergistic

Highlights the synergistic effect of distinct elements.

FAQs

How can I use "different but complementary" in a sentence?

Use "different but complementary" to describe elements that are distinct but enhance each other. For example, "The two artists have "different but complementary" styles, creating a unique exhibition."

What are some alternatives to "different but complementary"?

Alternatives include "distinct yet harmonious", "diverse but unified", or "varied but integrated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "different but complementary"?

While "different" implies not being the same, "complementary" specifies that the differences create a beneficial combination. The phrase emphasizes a positive interaction between distinct elements, so it is not necessarily redundant.

What's the difference between "different but complementary" and "similar and complementary"?

"Different but complementary" emphasizes the distinction between elements that work well together, whereas "similar and complementary" suggests elements that are alike and supportive. The key difference lies in whether you want to highlight the contrast or the likeness.