act as a complement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "act as a complement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that enhances or completes another element in a particular context. Example: "In this recipe, the spices act as a complement to the main ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

In this way, it would act as a complement to a "standard of habitability" law already on the books in New York.

The New York Times

Probably, the contaminated metal, originally present in the pyrite coal, might act as a complement of the extraneous catalyst.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The numbers also show online video content can act as a complement rather than a replacement for traditional television.

TechCrunch

Going forward, the company thinks that its take on file sharing can act as a complement to the Big Storage Kahunas in the space.

TechCrunch

In many ways the BlackPad is said to be a BlackBerry Palm Foleo in that it will act as a complement to BlackBerry devices.

TechCrunch

The machine learning like the kind she and her team used could act as a complement to demographics surveys that already exist.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Since 2004 the Shenzhen Birdwatching Society has fought to keep developers away from the Futien reserve that acts as a complement to Mai Po.

The Economist

These findings support the notion that the transfer of technology and knowledge from other parts of the MNE acts as a substitute for the purchase of external R&D while internal R&D acts as a complement to the technology and knowledge transferred from other parts of the MNE.

Research Policy

This second edition acts as a complement to the first edition by describing and updating the standard models that are most utilized for specific disease areas.

Springer

The ECD Kit acts as a complement to UNICEF's School in a Box and recreation kits.

Unicef

It acts as a complement inhibitor, binding specifically to complement protein C5 with high affinity, thereby inhibiting cleavage to C5a, a prothrombotic and proinflammatory molecule and C5b, preventing the generation of the terminal complement complex C5b-9.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "act as a complement", ensure the relationship between the two elements being described is clear and that the supplementary nature is evident. For instance, "The new software acts as a complement to the existing system, streamlining data processing."

Common error

Avoid using "act as a complement" when the intention is to describe a substitute or replacement. Complements enhance; they do not replace. Be certain that the thing is supplementing the other and is not there as a substitute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "act as a complement" functions as a verb phrase that describes the role or function of something in relation to another element, indicating that it enhances or completes the other element. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "act as a complement" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe how one thing enhances or completes another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, from news and media to science and formal business writing. While relatively uncommon, the phrase's meaning is clear and alternatives like "serve as an adjunct" or "function as a supplement" can be used to add variety to your writing. Remember to use it when the relationship is supplementary, not substitutional, to avoid miscommunication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serve as an adjunct

Replaces 'act' with 'serve' and uses 'adjunct' to emphasize a supporting role.

function as a supplement

Substitutes 'act' with 'function' and 'complement' with 'supplement', highlighting an additional contribution.

work in conjunction with

Replaces the core phrase with an expression that emphasizes working together.

enhance the function of

Focuses on the improvement aspect rather than direct supplementation.

augment the capabilities of

Highlights increasing the power or effectiveness of something.

bolster the strength of

Emphasizes providing support to increase resilience or power.

round out

Informal way to indicate completing or perfecting something.

add to

Simplest alternative, indicating a general contribution.

support

Highlights the supportive nature of the action.

assist

Focuses on providing help or aid.

FAQs

How can I use "act as a complement" in a sentence?

Use "act as a complement" to describe something that enhances or completes another thing. For example, "The detailed illustrations "act as a complement" to the written instructions, improving comprehension."

What can I say instead of "act as a complement"?

You can use alternatives like "serve as an adjunct", "function as a supplement", or "work in conjunction with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "acts as a complement"?

Yes, "acts as a complement" is grammatically correct. The choice between "act" and "acts" depends on the subject of the sentence. Use "acts" with singular subjects (e.g., "The software acts as a complement") and "act" with plural subjects (e.g., "The features act as a complement").

What's the difference between "act as a complement" and "act as a substitute"?

"Act as a complement" means to enhance or complete something else, while "act as a substitute" means to replace it. A complement adds to the original, while a substitute takes its place.