Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a complementary way of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"a complementary way of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe two things that are seen as a cohesive unit and mutually beneficial to each other. For example, "Meditation and yoga can be a complementary way of calming the mind and body."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Academia
News & Media
Alternative expressions(20)
a supplementary means of
an alternative approach to
a reinforcing strategy for
a contributing factor to
a synergistic approach to
a complementary series of
a different way of
a complementary property of
a complementary region of
a repulsive way of
a complementary form of
a complementary combination of
a sound way of
a good way of
a unique way of
a complementary view of
a complementary result of
a complementary treatment of
a dramatic way of
a complementary measure of
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
Finance is a language; it is also a complementary way of thinking about the hundreds of decisions today's hospitality manager has to make.
Academia
A complementary way of looking at the relational data is using the notion of clusterness in SNA.
Science
Importantly, JSJ is not presented as an alternative to Western medicine but as a complementary way of seeing wellness in the world and expanding the possibilities for action in its many forms – including research.
These figures serve as a complementary way of illustrating the results, in order to point out the cost dimension of traumatization in relation to other societal expenses.
Similar to literature, cinema is not supposed to have a single meaning, and can be considered a complementary way of thinking about the world [ 32, 33].
Science
A complementary way of justifying the Threshold View would be in terms of the right of parents to make decisions about their children.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
By using the results obtained through CT in a complementary way to those of the parametric models, we combine the strengths of the two methodologies.
Science
We discuss the advantages of the methods used and the benefits of using them in a complementary way for the design of new trawl gears.
Science
Alternatively, the use of segregating populations for expression QTL (eQTL) mapping and the correlative observation of the variation of transcript abundance with the variation of the phenotypic traits [ 60] can also provide a complementary way to resolve complexity of phenotypic QTLs.
Science
The intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions coordinates cellular functions within reproductive tissues and whole organs in a complementary way to other regulation of basic cellular functions [ 1].
In synergy with the aforementioned methods, stress relaxation data were used to assess the storage and loss moduli, as a complementary way to describe the influence of cytoskeletal components on cellular viscoelasticity.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "a complementary way of", ensure that the elements being described genuinely enhance each other, rather than simply being different or alternative options.
Common error
Avoid using "a complementary way of" when describing options that are mutually exclusive. The phrase implies that elements work together, not in place of each other.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a complementary way of" functions as a noun phrase modifier. It typically introduces or describes an action or approach that enhances, supplements, or completes another. The Ludwig AI confirms this usage is standard in English.
Frequent in
Science
60%
Academia
20%
News & Media
20%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a complementary way of" is a phrase used to describe an action or approach that enhances or completes something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use across various registers, though it's most commonly found in scientific and academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the elements truly enhance each other and aren't mutually exclusive. Alternative phrases include "a supplementary means of" and "a supporting method for".
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a supplementary means of
Replaces "complementary" with "supplementary", emphasizing an addition rather than a completion.
an alternative approach to
Focuses on a different method, potentially used in conjunction with the original.
a supporting method for
Highlights the supportive role, indicating assistance rather than full completion.
a reinforcing strategy for
Emphasizes strengthening or validating an existing approach.
a contributing factor to
Suggests the phrase is one of several elements that assist in accomplishing a task.
a synergistic approach to
Highlights the interaction and combined effect of different elements.
a collaborative means of
Focuses on joint effort, where elements are working together.
an enhancing technique for
Stresses improvement or augmentation of something else.
an integrated system for
Implies combination of different parts into a single operating unit.
an additional avenue for
Highlights that the phrase is an extra possibility to accomplish a task.
FAQs
How can I use "a complementary way of" in a sentence?
Use "a complementary way of" to describe something that enhances or completes another thing. For example, "Combining exercise with a healthy diet is "a complementary way of" improving overall health."
What phrases are similar to "a complementary way of"?
Similar phrases include "a supplementary means of", "a supporting method for", and "an alternative approach to", each with slightly different nuances.
Is it correct to use "a complementary way of" in a formal context?
Yes, "a complementary way of" is suitable for formal contexts, especially when discussing strategies, methods, or approaches in academic or professional settings.
What's the difference between "a complementary way of" and "an alternative way of"?
"A complementary way of" suggests that two methods work well together, enhancing each other. "An alternative way of" implies a different method that can be used instead of the original.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested