an excellent complement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an excellent complement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that enhances or completes another thing, often in contexts like food, design, or relationships. Example: "The wine was an excellent complement to the rich flavors of the dish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The photography is an excellent complement to the text.

The New York Times - Food

The singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright explores similar themes, and his opening set was an excellent complement.

The New York Times - Arts

Its single authoritative point of view is an excellent complement to the sweep of "The Pearl".

The New York Times - Food

While the technique does not replace modern science or neonatology, it is an excellent complement, said Charpak.

The Guardian

This is also an excellent complement to a stack of buckwheat blini with caviar and sour cream.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Noire gallery of Turin, Italy, meanwhile, has mounted a quietly intriguing show of hometown hero Alighiero Boetti, an excellent complement to his current exhibition at Gladstone Gallery in Chelsea.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

This problem serves as an excellent pedagogic complement to undergraduate students of chemical engineering since it is solved by means of a solubility diagram.

Education for Chemical Engineers

In an excellent essay that complements Mr. Klett's photos, Mr. Fox writes that the Enola Gay hangar "stands for what some historians call the most important event of the 20th century, the first deployment of an atomic bomb, an event that continues to shape the history of the world".

The New York Times - Arts

A trifle mellower and less acerbic than traditional formulas, these bitters are made without alcohol, so a generous splash in a glass of sparkling water can give nondrinkers an excellent party drink or a complement to food.

The New York Times

This way the complement system is an excellent example where nanoscience may serve to unravel the molecular biology of the immune response.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

Mary Dunleavy was a fine complement to her and an excellent Musetta, with a bright, glittery, clear soprano.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how elements work together, use "an excellent complement" to highlight synergistic relationships, especially where one item enhances the qualities of another.

Common error

Avoid confusing "complement" (something that completes or enhances) with "compliment" (an expression of praise). For example, say "The sauce is an excellent complement to the dish", not "The sauce is an excellent compliment to the dish".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an excellent complement" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe something as being a particularly good addition or enhancement to something else. Ludwig examples highlight how this phrase is used to denote positive and beneficial relationships between different elements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science & Research

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an excellent complement" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that enhances or completes another element. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business communications. It is most frequently used to express approval of a synergistic relationship, where one element improves the qualities of another. Common synonyms include "a superb addition" or "a splendid enhancement". Remember to avoid confusing "complement" with "compliment". Using "an excellent complement" effectively emphasizes the beneficial impact of combining elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a superb addition

Substitutes "complement" with "addition" and "excellent" with "superb", emphasizing the enhancing aspect.

a fine accompaniment

Replaces "complement" with "accompaniment", focusing on the supportive role.

a splendid enhancement

Emphasizes the improvement provided, using "enhancement" instead of "complement" and "splendid" instead of "excellent".

a great asset

Highlights the value added, framing the complement as a beneficial resource.

a wonderful supplement

Focuses on the idea of completing or filling a need, using "supplement" in place of "complement".

a first-rate adjunct

Uses more formal terms, suggesting something added that is not essential but contributes to the whole.

a brilliant counterpart

Emphasizes the balanced or matching quality, implying an equal but different element.

a remarkable addition

Focuses on the idea of joining, resulting in enlargement and improvement of something.

a prime complement

Changes "excellent" with "prime", implying the best or most important complement.

an outstanding feature

Puts emphasis on a distinguished characteristic that provides prominence to something.

FAQs

How can I use "an excellent complement" in a sentence?

Use "an excellent complement" to describe something that enhances or completes another thing. For instance, "The wine was "an excellent complement" to the meal."

What phrases are similar to "an excellent complement"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a superb addition", "a fine accompaniment", or "a splendid enhancement", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "compliment" instead of "complement"?

No, "compliment" and "complement" have different meanings. "Compliment" is an expression of praise, while "complement" refers to something that completes or enhances. Using "compliment" in place of "complement" would be grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "an excellent complement" and "an excellent supplement"?

"Complement" refers to something that enhances or completes another thing to improve its qualities or effect. For example, "The right tie is "an excellent complement" to a suit." On the other hand, a supplement serves as an addition, not necessarily as a way of enhancing existing qualities.