a nice complement to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nice complement to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that enhances or completes another thing, often in a positive context. Example: "The red wine is a nice complement to the steak, enhancing its rich flavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's a nice complement to the Ford brands".

The New York Times

Still, it should be a nice complement to looking at the polls on an ad-hoc basis.

The New York Times

Patience is back in vogue at Wrigley Field, marketed as a nice complement to beer and sunshine.

The New York Times

I haven't really focused on social learning throughout my undergraduate years, but it's a nice complement to the other kind of education I've been focusing on.

Cornell University

La Cocina de Mamá: The Great Home Cooking of Spain, by Penelope Casas (Broadway Books, $29.95), is a nice complement to the author's earlier books on Spanish cooking.

The New York Times

Camby's cutting ability in the paint, finishing ability around the basket and soft touch from the baseline form a nice complement to Jackson's playmaking skills.

The New York Times - Sports

"One of the attractive aspects is that it's baseload, it's 24-hour power and that's a nice complement to solar and wind, which are intermittent sources.

The Guardian

This collection of essays, reproductions of original art, and mechanicals of comics pages and covers is a nice complement to the Kurtzman book.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

WHO -- John Sauter, 64, an advertising executive from Montreal WHAT -- 1-bedroom condominium WHERE -- Toronto A pied-à-terre is a very nice complement to certain lifestyles and business situations.

The New York Times

"Now, this seems to me a really nice complement to the McCann work, a positive infusion of freelance creative".

The New York Times

"Frankly, we thought Kenyon would be a very nice complement to Keith.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a nice complement to", ensure that the relationship between the two elements is clear and the added benefit is evident. Be specific about how the first element enhances the other.

Common error

Avoid using "a nice complement to" without explaining why it is a complement. Provide specific details about the beneficial interaction to strengthen your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nice complement to" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating how one element enhances or improves another. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showcasing diverse applications in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a nice complement to" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that enhances or completes another element. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, most commonly in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it can be adapted to suit both formal and informal settings. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to provide specific details about the nature of the complementary relationship. Related phrases include "a fitting addition to" and "a valuable addition to", offering similar meanings. Avoiding vague descriptions is crucial to effective use. Ludwig's analysis confirms its widespread applicability and grammatical soundness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fine complement for

Similar to the original, but with a slightly more formal tone.

a valuable addition to

Stresses the importance and benefit of the added component.

a fitting addition to

Implies suitability and enhancement, focusing on the positive contribution.

a welcome enhancement to

Emphasizes the positive reception and improvement brought about.

an excellent accompaniment to

Focuses on harmonious combination and enhancement.

an ideal supplement for

Indicates completeness and enhancement by filling gaps.

a harmonious addition to

Highlights the balanced and pleasing combination.

a great asset for

Highlights the value and usefulness of the added element.

a superb match for

Suggests an excellent pairing or compatibility.

a good pairing with

Focuses on the beneficial combination of two elements.

FAQs

How can I use "a nice complement to" in a sentence?

Use "a nice complement to" to describe something that enhances or improves another thing. For example, "The spicy sauce is a nice complement to the grilled chicken."

What can I say instead of "a nice complement to"?

You can use alternatives like "a fitting addition to", "a valuable addition to", or "an excellent accompaniment to" depending on the context.

Is "a nice complement to" formal or informal?

"A nice complement to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives exist if a higher level of formality is required.

What's the difference between "a nice complement to" and "a good substitute for"?

"A nice complement to" means something enhances or completes something else, while "a good substitute for" implies replacing something. They have opposite meanings.