are mutually complementary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are mutually complementary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more elements that enhance or complete each other in a way that they work well together. Example: "The two theories are mutually complementary, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"These efforts are mutually complementary".

The New York Times

"The Chinese and Greek economies are mutually complementary," Li wrote on Wednesday in the conservative daily Kathimerini.

The Guardian

On Monday, Mr. Kim's office issued a statement saying, "Inter-Korean and North Korea-U.S. relations are mutually complementary, and an improvement in one has the effect of boosting the other".

The New York Times

The operators and are mutually complementary projection operators on the same space, that is, and.

Boundary Value Problems

These two methods are mutually complementary. 1) Real-time monitoring and alarming.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

which are mutually complementary projection operators on the same space:, and.

Boundary Value Problems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

In connection with the Australian material, Lévi-Strauss argued that matrilineal clan totemism which was passed on through the "flesh" or "blood"—and patrilineal clan totemism which was based on dreaming were in no way heterogeneous but were to be thought of as being mutually complementary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Let M and Φ be mutually complementary modulus functions.

Mathematical Sciences

Multicanonical molecular-dynamics (McMD) simulation and Metadynamics (MetaD) are useful for obtaining the free-energies, and can be mutually complementary.

Chemical Physics Letters

The organizational expertise is appropriately aligned to be mutually complementary and can therefore produce the best possible business results.

Huffington Post

A comprehensive analysis of the three mappers revealed that the mapping results of the mappers were mutually complementary under diverse read conditions.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are mutually complementary", ensure that the relationship between the elements you are describing is genuinely reciprocal and that each element benefits from the other. Avoid using it when the relationship is one-sided or only weakly connected.

Common error

A common mistake is using "are mutually complementary" to describe a relationship where one element primarily benefits or supports the other, without a true reciprocal exchange. Ensure that both elements enhance each other in a balanced way; otherwise, consider using terms like "supportive" or "contributory".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are mutually complementary" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the relationship between two or more subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase signifies that the subjects enhance or complete each other, creating a beneficial interaction. The phrase often appears to highlight the synergistic nature of combined elements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are mutually complementary" describes a relationship where two or more elements enhance each other, leading to a more effective outcome. According to Ludwig, this expression is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and formal communications. Alternatives such as "enhance each other" and "work in synergy" offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure that the relationship is genuinely reciprocal. With its clear and precise meaning, "are mutually complementary" is valuable for expressing positive and synergistic relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutually reinforce each other

Highlights that something makes each other stronger or more powerful.

enhance each other

Directly conveys the idea of mutual improvement or augmentation.

work in synergy

Focuses on the combined effect being greater than the sum of individual parts; emphasizes synergistic action.

create a synergistic effect

Similar to 'work in synergy', but emphasizes the creation of the effect.

harmonize well together

Highlights the pleasant and balanced interaction between elements.

combine effectively

Focuses on the successful and efficient merging of different aspects.

amplify one another

Conveys a sense of mutual enhancement and magnification.

integrate seamlessly

Emphasizes the smooth and effortless combination of different components.

go hand in hand

Suggests a close and natural association between two things.

form a cohesive unit

Highlights the resulting unity and interconnectedness.

FAQs

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

Use "are mutually complementary" to describe two or more things that enhance or complete each other. For example, "The skills of the team members are mutually complementary, leading to greater success."

What does it mean when two things "are mutually complementary"?

When two things "are mutually complementary", it means that they enhance each other, filling gaps or strengthening aspects that the other might lack. They work well together to produce a better outcome than either could achieve alone.

What are some alternatives to saying "are mutually complementary"?

You can use alternatives like "enhance each other", "work in synergy", or "mutually reinforce each other" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "are mutually complementary" and "are mutually exclusive"?

"Are mutually complementary" means two things enhance each other, while "are mutually exclusive" means they cannot occur or be true at the same time. They are opposite in meaning.