complementary things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complementary things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe items or concepts that enhance or complete each other when combined. Example: "The complementary things in this design create a harmonious balance that is visually appealing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We're really doing complementary things".

The New Yorker

Ari Weinzweig: founding partner of Zingerman's Community of Businesses in Ann Arbor, Mich.: "Since no one knows exactly what will work, trying a lot of complementary things makes sense.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Thus, in pure cinema, dialogue is a complementary thing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"These companies are certainly complementary, doing things you can do.

The New York Times

Steinberg believes there's a big business to be built here, but if it doesn't work out, he notes that "I think we've built really good technology that could be complementary to things that are out there".

TechCrunch

Some bankers say they want to keep their equities-trading businesses because they are intertwined with and complementary to other things they do, such as offering advice on mergers or helping firms raise debt and sell shares.

The Economist

While both sensors are used to achieve the same thing, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors typically use a rolling shutter (i.e., light is captured in a sweep across the sensor) whereas charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors use global shutters (i.e., light is captured simultaneously across the sensor).

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

"To me, the two things are complementary.

The New York Times

"These things are complementary, not contradictory".

The New York Times

And what is interesting is that those two things are complementary.

TechCrunch

Inverted Earth is an imaginary planet, on which things have complementary colors to the colors of their counterparts on Earth.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complementary things", ensure the context clearly explains how the items enhance or complete each other. For example, "The complementary things in this design create a harmonious balance that is visually appealing".

Common error

Avoid using "complementary things" when the items are merely similar or related. "Complementary" implies a specific enhancing relationship, not just a general association.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complementary things" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "complementary" modifies the noun "things". It typically identifies elements that enhance or complete each other. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and accepted.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

26%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complementary things" is a grammatically correct and accepted way to describe items or concepts that enhance each other. According to Ludwig, it’s most frequently found in News & Media and Science. While the phrase itself is straightforward, it's important to ensure the context clearly explains the enhancing relationship between the items being described. Common alternatives include "harmonious elements" or "synergistic factors". By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "complementary things" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

synergistic factors

Implies that the combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

mutually supportive aspects

Emphasizes the reciprocal benefit that each element provides to the others.

reciprocal elements

Highlights the idea that each element affects or depends on the others.

cooperative elements

Emphasizes the collaborative aspect of the elements working together towards a common goal.

harmonious elements

Focuses on the aesthetic aspect of things working well together, suggesting a pleasing combination.

supplementary items

Indicates that one item completes or enhances the other.

integrated components

Highlights that the elements are designed to work as a unit, contributing to a larger system.

coordinating aspects

Indicates that the elements are organized to work together effectively.

corresponding features

Suggests a match or alignment between the elements that makes them work well together.

interlocking parts

Focuses on the mechanical or structural way in which the elements fit together.

FAQs

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

You can use "complementary things" to describe elements that enhance each other. For example: "The two strategies are "complementary things", working together to achieve the best results."

What are some alternatives to "complementary things"?

Alternatives include "harmonious elements", "integrated components", or "synergistic factors", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

In what context is it most appropriate to use "complementary things"?

It is most appropriate when describing how different elements work together to improve or complete each other, rather than simply coexisting or being similar.

What's the difference between ""complementary things"" and "supplementary things"?

"Complementary" implies a mutual enhancement, while "supplementary" suggests one thing adds to or completes another, but not necessarily in a reciprocal way.