complementary pair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complementary pair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where two elements enhance or complete each other, such as in science, design, or relationships. Example: "In color theory, red and green are often considered a complementary pair, creating a vibrant contrast when used together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They're a complementary pair.

The Guardian

They make a complementary pair.

Independent

Fortunately, these two colleagues and friends make a complementary pair.

The New York Times

The two men were an odd but complementary pair, and they shared big political goals.

The New York Times

In the succeeding 65 years they have become a famously complementary pair.

The New York Times - Books

At AOL, Mr. Colburn and Mr. Gilburne made an oddly complementary pair, several people who worked with them said.

The New York Times

They were a complementary pair, with Mr. Mbeki the polished intellectual and Mr. Zuma the charismatic firebrand.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

This suggests that species with different shade tolerances can form complementary pair-wise mixtures, but this changed significantly (P < 0.05) over the following 10 months.

Forest Ecology and Management

Ternary complementary pairs are pairs of (0, ±1 -sequences with zero autocorrelation (thus, Golay pairs are ternary complementary pairs with no 0's).

Journal of Combinatorial Theory, Series A

In the new version, complementary pairs of rhomboids are replaced by stacks of 10-sided arrays of atoms.

The New York Times - Science

These nitrogen-containing bases occur in complementary pairs as determined by their ability to form hydrogen bonds between them.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships or systems, use "complementary pair" to emphasize how two elements enhance each other, creating a more complete or effective whole.

Common error

Avoid confusing "complementary", which means enhancing or completing, with "complimentary", which means expressing praise or given free of charge. Remember, a "complementary pair" fills a need, while a "complimentary" remark offers praise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complementary pair" functions as a noun phrase, where "complementary" is an adjective modifying the noun "pair". It describes two elements that enhance or complete each other. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in diverse contexts such as science, relationships, and design.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complementary pair" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe two elements that enhance or complete each other. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is used across various fields including science, news, and encyclopedias. While "complementary" should not be confused with "complimentary", understanding its appropriate usage can add precision to your writing. When aiming to emphasize a beneficial or synergistic relationship, "complementary pair" serves as a useful and effective term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complementary duo

Replaces "pair" with "duo", emphasizing the twosome aspect.

harmonious combination

Highlights the pleasing or effective blend of the two elements.

balanced pairing

Highlights the equilibrium and harmony achieved through the combination.

matching set

Suggests items designed to go together, implying coordination.

reciprocal combination

Emphasizes the mutual benefit and interaction within the combination.

well-suited partnership

Focuses on compatibility and collaboration between two entities.

coordinated couple

Highlights arrangement and association.

corresponding dyad

A more formal term for a pair that corresponds or complements each other.

integrated unit

Suggests a cohesive whole formed by combining two elements.

symbiotic relationship

Emphasizes a mutually beneficial dependence between the two parts.

FAQs

How can I use "complementary pair" in a sentence?

You can use "complementary pair" to describe two things that enhance each other, such as "The scientist described the two methods as a "complementary pair" for solving the problem".

What is a synonym for "complementary pair"?

Alternatives to "complementary pair" include "matching set", "harmonious combination", or "well-suited partnership", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "complementary pair" in formal writing?

Yes, "complementary pair" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, technical, or business contexts where precise language is important. As shown by the many examples Ludwig provides.

What's the difference between "complementary" and "complimentary"?

"Complementary" means enhancing or completing something, while "complimentary" means expressing a compliment or given free of charge. Therefore, a ""complementary pair"" works together, whereas something that is "complimentary" offers praise.