an indispensable complement to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an indispensable complement to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to convey that something is necessary or essential to complete or enhance something else. Example: The new technology is an indispensable complement to our current methods, providing us with more efficient and accurate results.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

For the next 500 years the Glossa of Accursius remained an indispensable complement to the texts of Roman law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Radiography is an indispensable complement to clinical examination and plays a key role in diagnosing and monitoring the course of a condition in OA.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

The traditional knowledge held by indigenous people about the natural history of the region over centuries is, moreover, an indispensable complement to what modern science can contribute to understanding of the changes now occurring in the Arctic.

Huffington Post

Despite the low risk of overdose with these systems, an accidental increase in the inspired NO and NO2 concentrations must be detected, justifying the use of ventilator monitoring as an indispensable complement to the administration of NO.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Saving such places is the indispensable complement to preserving great architectural monuments, as our local landmarks law wisely determined in 1965: we need to prevent "the irreplaceable loss to the people of the city of the aesthetic, cultural and historic values represented" by our local landmarks.

The New York Times

For these reasons, other kinds of publications, such as dialect dictionaries or monographs based on extensive free conversation with speakers of local dialects, are indispensable complements to linguistic atlases.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Computational models are becoming an increasingly indispensable complement in order to make sense of the experimental data and to allow a quantitative understanding of how chromosomes fold, move and interact.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology

The photography is an excellent complement to the text.

The New York Times - Food

But reaching men is an important complement to that work.

Huffington Post

It is a nifty complement to lobster.

The New York Times

It's a good complement to the book.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an indispensable complement to", ensure that the item it complements is already valuable but incomplete without the addition. This emphasizes the necessity and significant enhancement provided by the complement.

Common error

Avoid using "an indispensable complement to" when the item being described is merely a helpful addition, not absolutely necessary. Overstating the complement's importance can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indispensable complement to" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize its crucial and supplementary role. Ludwig AI, as shown by the examples, confirms its use to highlight elements that are both necessary and enhance the subject at hand.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an indispensable complement to" is a phrase used to describe something that is both essential and enhances another element. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily found in scientific, news, and encyclopedia sources. While its usage isn't very frequent, its purpose is to emphasize the critical and supplementary role of a component, suggesting it's more than just helpful—it's fundamentally required. When using this phrase, ensure that the complemented item gains significant value and functionality from the addition. Also, avoid using the phrase when the element is only marginally beneficial to prevent overstating its significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential addition to

"Essential" highlights importance, while "addition" focuses on the act of supplementing.

a crucial supplement to

"Crucial" underscores the vital nature of the addition, and "supplement" suggests filling a gap.

a necessary adjunct to

Emphasizes necessity, similar to "indispensable", but "adjunct" suggests a less integral role.

a vital component of

"Vital" stresses the importance for functionality, and "component" indicates being a part of a larger whole.

an integral part of

"Integral" implies being fundamental and necessary for completeness.

a key element in

"Key" denotes high significance, and "element" refers to a basic part of something.

a fundamental aspect of

"Fundamental" highlights the foundational importance of the aspect.

a building block for

Metaphorically suggests contributing to the construction or development of something.

a prerequisite for

Indicates a prior condition that is necessary for something else to happen.

a cornerstone of

Suggests being the primary basis or foundation on which something depends.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an indispensable complement to" in a sentence?

Use "an indispensable complement to" to describe something that is essential for completing or enhancing another thing. For example, "Radiography is "an indispensable complement to" clinical examination in diagnosing osteoarthritis".

What are some alternative phrases I can use instead of "an indispensable complement to"?

You can use alternatives like "a necessary adjunct to", "an essential addition to", or "a crucial supplement to" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say something is both "indispensable" and a "complement"?

While both words indicate importance, "indispensable" stresses necessity, and "complement" highlights enhancement. The phrase emphasizes that something is not only necessary but also completes or improves the original item.

What is the difference between saying something is "indispensable to" versus "an indispensable complement to" something else?

"Indispensable to" means absolutely necessary for something to function or exist. "An indispensable complement to", on the other hand, implies that it enhances or completes something that already exists, making it better or more effective.