are complementary to

USAGE SUMMARY

"are complementary to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that two people or things go together well or have different qualities that complete each other. For example, "His sense of humor and her wit are complementary to each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No. Are there people whose activities are complementary to the businesses we are buying?

The Guardian - Business

Other platforms are complementary to television".

The New York Times

Some find that their skills are complementary to new technologies.

The Economist

Structural reforms are complementary to an adequately stimulative monetary policy.

The Economist

General principles are complementary to treaty law and custom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Recycling and waste-to-energy are complementary to achieve lower landfill rates".

The Guardian

But our jobs are complementary to each other rather than competitive.

The Guardian

Cities/regions whose economies are complementary to London and can be part of a one plus one = three scenario.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unlike most venture capitalists, Mr. Carter tends to invest in platforms that are complementary to entertainers.

The New York Times

The upper teeth differ from the lower and are complementary to them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These are complementary to each other.

Annals of Intensive Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are complementary to" when you want to emphasize that two or more elements enhance each other or work well together, creating a more effective or complete result. This suggests a beneficial relationship, not just mere compatibility.

Common error

Avoid using "are complementary to" when the relationship is simply one of coexistence or similarity. "Complementary" implies a deeper interaction where each element fulfills a need or enhances the other in a meaningful way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are complementary to" functions as a relational phrase, indicating that two or more entities enhance or complete each other. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies a beneficial relationship where elements work well together.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are complementary to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, signifying a beneficial relationship where multiple elements enhance each other. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's effective for describing scenarios where combining elements leads to superior results. The phrase is most commonly used in science, news and media, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, remember that "complementary" implies more than just similarity; it suggests a meaningful interaction where each element fulfills a need or enhances the other. For alternatives, consider options like "harmonize with" or "work in synergy with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work in synergy with

Implies a cooperative effect where the total outcome is greater than the sum of individual contributions.

augment each other

Stresses the enhancing effect each element has on the other.

mutually reinforce

Suggests that the elements strengthen each other's impact or validity.

dovetail with

Emphasizes how well two things fit together, like puzzle pieces.

mesh well with

Emphasizes the smooth integration and interaction between components.

coordinate with

Focuses on the organized and synchronized interaction between components.

are symbiotic with

Indicates a mutually beneficial relationship, often in a biological or metaphorical sense.

harmonize with

Focuses on the aesthetic or functional agreement between elements.

are attuned to

Highlights the fine adjustment and responsiveness between elements.

go hand in hand with

Highlights the close association and interdependence of two things.

FAQs

How can I use "are complementary to" in a sentence?

Use "are complementary to" to describe how two or more things enhance each other or work well together. For instance, "The skills of the team members "are complementary to" each other, leading to project success."

What are some alternatives to "are complementary to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "harmonize with", "mesh well with", or "work in synergy with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "are complimentary to" instead of "are complementary to"?

No, "complimentary" means expressing praise or admiration, while "complementary" means enhancing or completing something else. The correct phrase is ""are complementary to"".

What's the difference between "are similar to" and "are complementary to"?

"Are similar to" indicates a resemblance or likeness, whereas ""are complementary to"" implies that two things enhance or complete each other. Similarity focuses on shared characteristics, while complementarity emphasizes mutual benefit.