be complemented by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be complemented by" is correct and often used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is given extra or extra attention, or something that adds the final touch to a situation or a product. For example: The design of the new restaurant was complemented by understated lighting fixtures.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sea-bound classes will be complemented by onshore activities.

The Economist

Power moves should be complemented by some decent mat wrestling.

Independent

Should it be complemented by other incentives to attract first-time visitors?

The New York Times - Arts

This should be complemented by staff training in all aspects of domestic abuse.

The Guardian - Opinion

Earlier this summer, DECC announced that the scheme would be complemented by new financial incentives.

The Guardian

"Coordinated action on interest rates should be complemented by action on fiscal policy," Mr. Brown said.

The New York Times

But action by the brands needs to be complemented by action by governments.

The Guardian

This should be complemented by a tiny piece of plastic-coated skin and bone from Australia.

The Guardian

Just as in physical health, expert care can be complemented by individual action.

The Guardian

The impressive physics look to be complemented by a dash of humour.

The Guardian - Tech

For journalists, open access to science needs to be complemented by open access to scientists.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be complemented by" when you want to indicate that one thing enhances or completes another, creating a more comprehensive or effective whole. Ensure that the items being combined logically support each other.

Common error

Avoid confusing "complemented" with "complimented". "Complemented" means enhanced or completed, while "complimented" means praised. Using the wrong word can significantly alter your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be complemented by" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being enhanced or completed by something else. As Ludwig AI states, it describes something receiving extra attention or adding a final touch. The examples showcase its use in various contexts, from business to science.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be complemented by" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe how one thing enhances or completes another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and effectiveness in various written contexts. As demonstrated by the examples, its function extends from describing strategic business actions to discussing scientific findings. Usage is especially common in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, suggesting a slightly more formal tone. Remember to use "be complemented by" when you want to emphasize the enhancing or completing relationship between two items, ensuring you aren't confusing it with "complimented", and that the combined elements logically support each other.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be augmented by

Emphasizes an increase in size or quantity, suggesting something is made larger or more substantial.

be supplemented by

Highlights the idea of adding something to make up for a deficiency or to enhance completeness.

be enhanced by

Focuses on improving the quality or desirability of something.

be reinforced by

Suggests strengthening something by adding support.

be enriched by

Emphasizes making something fuller or more meaningful, often through the addition of valuable elements.

be fortified by

Implies strengthening something against attack or difficulty.

be bolstered by

Similar to reinforced, but suggests providing support to prevent collapse or failure.

be supported by

Indicates that something is upheld or sustained by something else.

be sustained by

Focuses on the idea of something being maintained or prolonged by an additional element.

be underpinned by

Suggests that something is founded on a solid base or foundation.

FAQs

How can I use "be complemented by" in a sentence?

The phrase "be complemented by" indicates that one thing enhances or completes another. For example, "The detailed report will "be complemented by" a visual presentation".

What are some alternatives to "be complemented by"?

You can use alternatives like "be augmented by", "be supplemented by", or "be enhanced by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "complemented by" or "supplemented by"?

"Complemented by" suggests a harmonious addition that enhances the original item, while "supplemented by" implies filling a gap or deficiency. Choose the phrase that best reflects the relationship between the items you're describing.

What's the difference between "complemented by" and "accompanied by"?

"Complemented by" means enhanced or completed, implying a beneficial addition. "Accompanied by" simply means that two things occur together, without necessarily implying enhancement. For example, dinner might be accompanied by wine, but a good dinner is complemented by fine wine.