a complementary argument

USAGE SUMMARY

'a complementary argument' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two statements or ideas both make a point in the same direction. For example, "The data presented in the report provides strong support for the proposal, and a complementary argument was made in the presentation presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A complementary argument, provided by Card et al. (2016: 1), is that high-educated women, in a given occupation, 'are less likely to initiate wage bargaining with their employer and are (often) less effective negotiators than men'.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

Putnam formulated a complementary argument based on what he called "functional isomorphism".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Only a few contributors adopted the 'naturalisation as complementary' argument, sometimes as a compromise position.

Comparative Migration Studies

In its public request for information, the Fed, which in 2003 began allowing some banks to enter certain physical commodities markets after the banks argued the activities were "complementary" to the financial side of their business, appeared skeptical of the "complementary" argument now that banks have said they are exiting certain markets.

Huffington Post

But the participation rate has also fallen dramatically for men of prime working age, 25-54: There are many competing (or in some cases complementary) arguments for why the share of men in the labor force has been declining.

The New York Times

Building on and systematizing earlier ideas of Dennett (1996) and Haugeland (1995), Clark and Chalmers (1998) have offered two complementary arguments in favor of the extended mind thesis: the cognitive enhancement and the functional equivalence arguments.

SEP

The site being located in the area devastated in 1505 AD and the post-640 BP age of the earthquake are complementary arguments leading to associate that rupture to the June 1505 earthquake or one of its aftershocks.

Earth, Planets and Space

And the western argument for supporting Russian intervention in Ukraine essentially includes three complementary arguments.

Vice

Plantinga proposed two complementary arguments: Firstly, that the finite goods of morality in the world and human free will outweigh the finite evil which occurs in the world.

Wikipedia

An IPS score >10 represents an argument against a BSI onset in oncology-hematology patients and should be considered as a complementary tool for the early detection of a BSI.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Patients' and parents' desire for a more "holistic" approach to asthma supports the findings of previous research that asthma patients using a complementary therapy wish to be treated as "a whole person" [ 26] and adds weight to the argument that complementary therapies offer patients new ways of understanding their condition that go beyond "reductionist" explanations [ 30].

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a complementary argument" to introduce an idea that supports or enhances a previously stated point, making your overall case more convincing.

Common error

Avoid confusing "complementary", which means enhancing or completing, with "complimentary", which means expressing praise or admiration. Using the wrong word can change the meaning of your sentence significantly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complementary argument" serves as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or object, introducing an additional argument that enhances or supports a previous one. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complementary argument" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce an additional argument that supports or enhances a previous one. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in English. It is relatively rare but appears across various contexts, including science, news, and general discussions. When using this phrase, ensure you intend to add to, rather than simply repeat or replace, an existing point. Consider using alternatives like "a supplementary argument" or "a supporting argument" for slight nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an additional argument

Focuses on the addition of another argument without necessarily implying support.

a supplementary argument

Emphasizes that the argument adds to or completes something else.

a reinforcing argument

Highlights the strengthening effect of the argument on a previous one.

a supporting argument

Indicates that the argument provides backing or validation.

a corroborating argument

Stresses that the argument confirms or supports with evidence.

a parallel argument

Suggests that the argument runs alongside another, offering similar support.

a related argument

Implies a connection or relevance between the argument and a previous point.

an allied argument

Conveys a sense of partnership or agreement between the argument and another.

an attendant argument

Indicates that the argument naturally accompanies or follows from another.

a coinciding argument

Highlights that the argument occurs at the same time or aligns with another.

FAQs

How can I use "a complementary argument" in a sentence?

You can use "a complementary argument" to introduce an additional point that supports or reinforces a previous one. For instance, "The initial study showed promising results, and "a complementary argument" was made based on the new data collected."

What's the difference between "a complementary argument" and "a supplementary argument"?

"A complementary argument" enhances or completes a previous argument, while "a supplementary argument" simply adds more information. The former implies a stronger, more integral connection.

What are some alternatives to "a complementary argument"?

Alternatives include "an additional argument", "a supporting argument", or "a reinforcing argument", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of the argument's role.

Is it always necessary to introduce "a complementary argument"?

No, it's not always necessary. Use "a complementary argument" when you want to strengthen your case by showing how different pieces of evidence or reasoning support the same conclusion. If the additional point is unrelated, it's better to introduce it separately.