a complementary note

USAGE SUMMARY

"a complementary note" is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It generally denotes a kind gesture or remark meant to be complimentary. For example, "She left a complementary note on her friend's desk to thank her for her hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's intended to serve as a complementary note to Davan's review of the year's great journalism.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The fish cakes are typically deep-fried, but I cook them more like pancakes, with only a little oil, usually coconut oil, which adds a sweet complementary note.

The New York Times - Food

A complementary bill was drafted in the House by Reps.

Huffington Post

This complementary note contributes to the discussion by making three main points.

Polymer

However, these data are difficult to be transposed into the more recent actual international classification of headache disorders (ICHD) [21] which was completed by the complementary note of the Headache Classification Committee [22].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Boland tells me "We think [Atlas is] complementary," noting that Facebook is fundamentally an ecosystem company and wants third-party adtech companies to continue investing in building tools and services for its platform.

TechCrunch

Rather, it's enhanced with complementary notes of orange peel, milk chocolate, and almonds, along with a light oakiness on the finish.

HuffPost

First, like blending perfumes with complementary notes, blending secretions may increase the amount of information conveyed by a single dab of scent, said Christine Drea, a professor of evolutionary anthropology at Duke who led the study.

Duke University

From a complementary perspective, one would note that alternative regions contain a greater concentration of potential control elements that could regulate translation.

BMC Genomics

Of note, a complementary analysis was run with the sum of correct answers to all numeracy tests as the dependent variable.

Clinical interventions in aging

We note that a complementary approach to change the lipid II content of outgrowing spores by using the lipid II biosynthesis inhibitors bacitracin and fosfomycin was not possible because B. anthracis is highly resistant to these compounds.

ACS Chemical Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a complementary note" when you want to express that something adds to or enhances another element, either as an addition or as a gesture of kindness or support.

Common error

Avoid confusing "complementary" with "complimentary". "Complementary" means enhancing or completing something else, while "complimentary" means expressing praise or admiration. Double-check your spelling to ensure the correct meaning is conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complementary note" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It describes a note that serves to complete or enhance something else. As Ludwig AI highlights, this enhancement can be in the form of additional information, a supportive gesture, or a harmonizing element.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complementary note" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe something that adds to, enhances, or completes another element. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often found in news and scientific contexts and carries a neutral to formal tone. It's important to differentiate 'complementary' from 'complimentary' to avoid confusion. When writing, ensure you're using it to indicate an addition or enhancement, not to express praise or admiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an additional comment

Focuses on adding information.

a supportive message

Emphasizes the encouraging aspect.

a kind remark

Highlights the pleasantness of the note.

a matching observation

Suggests agreement or alignment.

a supplementary item

Highlights its role as an addition.

an accompanying detail

Focuses on the extra element it provides.

a concurring opinion

Emphasizes agreement or shared viewpoint.

a favorable mention

Highlights the positive aspect of the note.

a harmonizing element

Suggests it blends well with something else.

a balancing statement

Indicates it provides equilibrium or contrast.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complementary note" to describe an additional remark that enhances or supports something else, such as: "The chef added a complementary note of citrus to the dish" or "She left a complementary note praising his work".

What is the difference between "a complementary note" and "a complimentary note"?

"A complementary note" means a note that adds to or enhances something, while "a complimentary note" means a note expressing praise or admiration. They have different meanings despite the similar spelling.

What can I say instead of "a complementary note"?

Alternatives include "an additional comment", "a supportive message", or "a kind remark", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a complementary note"?

It's appropriate when you're describing something that adds to or enhances another element. It is also appropriate when leaving "a supportive message" of encouragement or approval. Ensure you are not intending to convey praise, in which case "a complimentary note" would be more accurate.