a complementary element

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complementary element" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used in linguistics or grammar to refer to a part of a sentence that adds information or meaning to another part of the sentence. Example: In the sentence, "The book was written by the renowned scientist, who also happens to be a talented artist," the clause "who also happens to be a talented artist" is a complementary element that adds information about the author's talents. It is not necessary for the basic meaning of the sentence, but it adds to the reader's understanding of the author's abilities.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Furthermore, they are not considered as a regulatory treatment step but as a complementary element to WWTP.

Chemical Engineering Journal

In the meantime the kingdom's unruly nomadic neighbours to the north and the northeast, at the cost of the lives of several Parthian sovereigns, weakened the kingdom and sometimes added a complementary element to the often numerous intrigues of the pretenders to supreme power during the course of the almost half a millennium of the existence of the Parthian kingdom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Recently, interesting studies on new applications of water management in VGS have emerged, being two of the most promising ones the use of VGS as biofilters for wastewater treatment as well as a complementary element for aquaponics production in small spaces.

Nature Based Strategies for Urban and Building Sustainability

Use them as a complementary element of your strategy, serving as an occasional alternative-style post.

Forbes

Thus, our method is not an alternative to the current state-of-the-art, but rather a complementary element of the same framework.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Thus, the proposed method should not be seen as an alternative to the any of the previously proposed methods but rather as a complementary element of the same framework.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We show that guided wave metamaterials can be homogenized using the same retrieval techniques used for volumetric metamaterials, leading to a description in which a given complementary element is conceptually replaced by a block of material within the waveguide whose effective permittivity and permeability result in equivalent scattering characteristics.

Photonics and Nanostructures - Fundamentals and Applications

The inclusion of data on bird activity (time spent in flight vs. on the water) provided an important complementary element in the interpretation of the spatial data provided by the GPS loggers, and proved invaluable for identifying genuine bird-vessel interactions.

Plosone

In this respect, the Animal Health Commission for the Near East, which was recommended by 25th Near East Regional Conference ranks high among Region priorities as an essential consolidating and complementary element for combating animal diseases.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

What this implies is that the farm households could be adopting technologies as a package, say improved maize variety with complementary element as inorganic fertilizer and pesticides (Kabila et al. [2000]).

Agricultural and Food Economics

A dual ECD was also prepared by collocating a poly 3-methylthiophene) (poly 3-methylthiopheneomP3MTenthin electrochromic element.

Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complementary element", ensure it clearly enhances or completes the main subject. Avoid vagueness by specifying how it contributes to the overall outcome.

Common error

Avoid portraying "a complementary element" as essential if it only provides a minor enhancement. Accurately represent its role to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complementary element" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies something that enhances, completes, or supports another thing. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it describes additional but non-essential components.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complementary element" functions as a noun phrase used to describe something that enhances or completes another thing. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in academic and professional writing but may be less frequent in everyday conversation. The phrase's usage spans across various fields, including science, news, and encyclopedias, reflecting its versatility in formal and analytical contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the complementary aspect is evident and contributes meaningfully to the subject at hand. Alternatives include "supplementary component" or "integral addition", each carrying slight nuances in meaning. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "a complementary element" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a supplementary component

This phrase implies adding something extra to enhance completeness, similar to the original phrase.

an integral addition

Highlights the necessity and integration of the added element to the whole.

a contributing factor

Focuses on the element's role in contributing to a larger outcome or effect.

a supporting feature

Emphasizes the element's role in providing support or reinforcement.

an enhancing aspect

Highlights the element's role in improving or making something better.

a completing ingredient

Implies that the element is essential for finishing or perfecting something.

an adjunct part

Indicates the element is added but not necessarily essential.

a reinforcing attribute

Stresses the element's function in strengthening or confirming something else.

a harmonizing detail

Suggests the element creates a sense of balance or agreement with the existing structure.

a rounding-out piece

Implies the element perfects something by completing the remaining parts.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a complementary element" in a sentence?

Use "a complementary element" to highlight how one thing enhances or completes another. For example, "Improved software is "a complementary element" to efficient workflow."

What are some alternatives to using "a complementary element"?

You can use alternatives like "supplementary component", "integral addition", or "contributing factor" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "a complementary element" and "a supplementary element"?

"A complementary element" suggests enhancement and completion, while "a supplementary element" implies an addition that isn't necessarily essential but adds value.

Can "a complementary element" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a complementary element" is suitable for formal writing. Ensure that its use is precise and contributes meaningfully to the overall argument or description.