a fitting complement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fitting complement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that enhances or completes another thing in a suitable or appropriate way. Example: "The rich flavors of the sauce serve as a fitting complement to the grilled chicken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It provided a fitting complement to baseball, already a national pastime since the 1860s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Seeing their context is a fitting complement to the museum display.

The New York Times - Travel

"Lifeline," directed by Victor Erice, is a fitting complement to Mr. Bellocchio's summation of the price of family and faith.

The New York Times

Nearby, Meredith Rizzo, 12, perched a compliant chicken atop her baseball cap — a fitting complement to her "Little Miss Trouble" Trouble.

The New York Times

Surrounded by other Chase paintings and documents, it is a fitting complement to the more than 40 Chases the museum owns, especially if the loan eventually becomes a gift.

The New York Times

It is a fitting complement to the pastries and bakery delicacies of Porto's, just across the street — visitors often wander over with croissants in hand, sating appetites of stomach and mind.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Rather, the muted glow of a single flame, preferably screened by pure white paper, is the most fitting complement to a room defined by the natural tones and delicately rough surfaces of wood, straw and mud.

The New York Times - Travel

McDermott & McGough's painting of seal and initial rings and curvy drawings derived from embroidery and needlepoint samplers are oddly fitting complements, even if you sense two very different impetuses at work.

The New Yorker

Smith chose the timeless record player and MPC drum machine as his tools for making the beats behind his paintings, the tactile sound sources being fitting complements to the physicality of Soundwall.

Vice

Working with her stylist Ty Hunter, Beyoncé has cultivated looks that make bold statements and fitting complements to her explosive performances and headline-grabbing moves on international red carpets.

HuffPost

The song itself feels totally devoid of human touch, as if it were made by machines for machines, so this short is a fitting (and frightening) complement.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fitting complement" when you want to emphasize that something enhances or completes another thing in a way that is both appropriate and adds value.

Common error

Avoid using "a fitting complement" in very simple or informal contexts where a more direct word like "addition" or "match" would suffice. The phrase has a slightly formal tone and may sound out of place in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fitting complement" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or an appositive, describing something that enhances or completes another thing effectively. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fitting complement" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something that suitably enhances or completes another. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and effectively conveys the idea of a valuable and appropriate addition. Though its frequency is uncommon, it appears most often in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. When writing, remember that while versatile, "a fitting complement" can be replaced by alternatives like "ideal addition" or "perfect match" for simplicity. Be careful to avoid using it in overly casual contexts. The phrase is best reserved for scenarios where you wish to convey a sense of appropriateness and added value in a slightly formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ideal addition

Replaces 'fitting complement' with a simpler, more direct expression of suitability.

a suitable accompaniment

Focuses on the idea of something that goes well with something else, often used in the context of food or music.

a perfect match

Emphasizes the harmonious combination of two things.

an apt enhancement

Highlights the improving quality that the complement brings.

a worthy addition

Stresses the value and merit of the complement.

a complementary asset

Uses business-oriented language to describe something that adds value.

a seamless integration

Focuses on how well something blends or works together with something else.

a harmonious pairing

Suggests a pleasing or balanced combination.

a synergistic element

Emphasizes that the combination creates something greater than the sum of its parts.

an enriching component

Highlights the way the complement adds depth and value.

FAQs

What does "a fitting complement" mean?

The phrase "a fitting complement" refers to something that enhances or completes another thing in a suitable or appropriate manner. It implies that the addition is well-suited and adds value to the original item or situation.

How can I use "a fitting complement" in a sentence?

You can use "a fitting complement" to describe something that pairs well with something else. For example, "The wine was "a fitting complement" to the cheese board" or "His experience is "a fitting complement" to her skills".

What are some alternatives to "a fitting complement"?

Some alternatives to "a fitting complement" include "ideal addition", "suitable accompaniment", or "perfect match". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "fitting complement" formal or informal?

"Fitting complement" leans towards a more formal tone. While it's perfectly acceptable in various contexts, it might sound slightly elevated in very casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "good addition" or "perfect match" in informal conversations.