complement

USAGE SUMMARY

"complement" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to describe something that enhances or adds to something else, often by supplying what is lacking. For example: The desserts on the menu complement the main dishes perfectly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It said Multimap would complement Virtual Earth, Live Search, Windows Live services, MSN and its new $6.5bn £3.2bnn) acquisition aQuantive, the online marketing group.

The Guardian

Chester-le-Street showed that there's a psychological fragility about the side to complement the more obvious technical flaws that blighted the first two defeats in this series.

The Guardian - Sport

However, we should be looking at how HCAs complement nursing staff and add them to the mix.

The Guardian

As Sebes recalled, "He seemed to complement that partnership between Puskas and Kocsis perfectly, and beautiful passes began to flow between the three of them.

The Guardian

Traditionalists argue that just as rent is due to the landlord, "due to" should only be used when it is the complement of the verb "to be"; otherwise, use "owing to" or "because of": The train's late arrival was due to [caused by] leaves on the line; the train was late owing to [because of] leaves on the line.

The Guardian

The disclosure bill, a complement to one pushed in the Senate last week, is the latest in a series of legislative attempts to rein in the NSA's collection and analysis of Americans' phone records and, potentially, Internet usage.

The Guardian

While the city authorities are keen to keep Vancouver's back from against the wall, they also want to make sure that its anti-flooding adaptation projects suit Vancouver's geography and complement the social make up of the city.

The Guardian

Neville said that Özil will prove a good signing if Arsenal add some reinforcements up front to complement him.

The Guardian - Sport

We're here to complement Westfield, and the shopping centre in Canary Wharf.

The Guardian

"We don't replace paid staff, but we do work alongside them and complement their work.

The Guardian

The chateau at Saint-Maurice de Reméns, central to his idyllic recollections of childhood, will become the seat of an international foundation to complement another institute in Paris and a rash of renamed avenues, schools and public buildings.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complement" to describe how two things work together, ensure that each item contributes something distinct to the partnership. For instance, "The wine perfectly complements the cheese" suggests that the wine and cheese each bring unique flavors that enhance the other.

Common error

Avoid mistaking "complement" (to enhance or complete) with "compliment" (to praise). Remember, "complement" completes, while "compliment" commends.

Linguistic Context

The word "complement" functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it indicates the act of enhancing or completing something. As a noun, it refers to something that completes or enhances something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complement" is a versatile word that means to enhance or complete. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. As a verb, it describes the action of enhancing; as a noun, it refers to the element that enhances. Remember to distinguish "complement" from "compliment" to avoid confusion. Use "complement" when you want to describe how two things work together harmoniously to improve each other, as demonstrated in the many examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supplement

Changes the action from enhancing to adding something extra.

enhance

Focuses on improving the quality of something, rather than completing it.

augment

Implies increasing or enlarging something, often quantitatively.

complete

Emphasizes making something whole or finished, lacking the nuance of enhancement.

enrich

Highlights adding value or quality, often in a non-material sense.

round out

Suggests providing balance or completeness to a set or group.

flesh out

Indicates adding detail or substance to something that is underdeveloped.

go well with

Focuses on compatibility and harmonious pairing, especially in culinary contexts.

harmonize with

Emphasizes agreement or compatibility, often in a musical or aesthetic sense.

integrate with

Suggests combining elements into a unified whole.

FAQs

How can "complement" be used in a sentence?

The word "complement" can be used as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to enhance or complete something, such as "The red dress "complements" her fair skin." As a noun, it refers to something that completes or enhances something else, for example, "A good sauce is a perfect "complement" to grilled fish".

What are some alternatives to using the word "complement"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "supplement", "enhance", or "augment" instead of "complement". For example, "This course "supplements" your existing knowledge," or "The new lighting will "enhance" the room's ambiance".

What is the difference between "complement" and "supplement"?

"Complement" means to enhance or complete, suggesting a harmonious pairing that improves the whole. "Supplement", on the other hand, means to add something extra or additional, often to make up for a deficiency. For example, vitamins "supplement" your diet, while a good wine "complements" a meal.

Is it correct to say something "complements to" something else?

No, the correct usage is "complements" without the "to". For example, you would say, "The scarf "complements" her outfit", not "complements to".