complementary to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complementary to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that enhances or completes another thing, often in a way that is harmonious or mutually beneficial. Example: "The new software is complementary to our existing systems, providing additional features that improve overall functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other platforms are complementary to television".

The New York Times

We see ourselves as complementary to them.

The Guardian - Sport

His skills would be complementary to mine.

The New York Times - Sports

Men Hair Clean, well groomed, complementary to skin tone.

The Guardian

But it is still essentially complementary to other funding.

The Guardian - Opinion

This methodology is complementary to experiments.

Electrochimica Acta

On the contrary, they're complementary to each other.

The Washington Post

Any autonomous European capability should be complementary to NATO.

The New York Times

However, my perspectives are different from and complementary to yours.

The New York Times

Position your innovation as complementary to influential players' offerings.

Harvard Business Review

The overhangs are complementary to each other.

Cryptosporidium From Molecules to Disease

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject and the object of the phrase are distinct entities; the strength of the phrase lies in showing how different parts form a more effective whole.

Common error

Do not confuse "complementary" with "complimentary". While "complementary to" means completing or enhancing, "complimentary to" means expressing praise or being provided free of charge. Writing "The wine was complimentary to the steak" suggests the wine was free, whereas "The wine was "complementary to" the steak" means the flavors paired well.

Linguistic Context

In linguistic terms, "complementary to" serves as an adjective phrase usually functioning as a subject complement or a post-modifier. According to Ludwig AI, it consistently links a subject to a quality of being 'completing' or 'harmonious' in relation to another entity introduced by the preposition 'to'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complementary to" is an essential tool for any writer looking to describe interconnectedness and synergy. Whether you are discussing how DNA bases pair up in a biological study or how two companies' products align in a merger, this phrase provides a sophisticated way to express that the whole is better than the parts. Data from Ludwig AI indicates that it is a high-frequency term in prestigious publications, reflecting its reliability in formal English. To use it effectively, remember to distinguish it from its homophone "complimentary" and use it to highlight functional or aesthetic harmony between two distinct subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supplementary to

Suggests adding something extra to complete or enhance, often implying the addition is secondary to the main part

adjunctive to

Used primarily in medical or technical contexts to describe a treatment or component joined to another

synergetic with

Emphasizes that the combination produces a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual parts

ancillary to

Indicates a subordinate or providing support to the primary activity or organization

in conjunction with

Focuses on the act of things happening or working together at the same time

harmonious with

Highlights the aesthetic or functional agreement and lack of conflict between two elements

supportive of

A broader term indicating that one thing provides help or encouragement to another

integral to

A stronger term suggesting that the component is necessary to make the whole complete

parallel to

Suggests that two things move in the same direction or correspond closely without necessarily interacting

correlated with

Strictly denotes a mutual relationship or connection where one thing affects or depends on another

FAQs

What is the difference between "complementary to" and "complimentary to"?

The phrase "complementary to" describes things that complete or enhance each other. In contrast, "complimentary to" is used when someone is giving a compliment or when a service is provided for free.

Can I use "complementary with" instead of "complementary to"?

While "complementary with" is occasionally seen, "complementary to" is the standard idiomatic expression in professional and academic writing. For a similar meaning using 'with', you might prefer "harmonious with" or "compatible with".

What are some formal synonyms for "complementary to"?

Depending on your specific context, you can use "supplementary to", "adjunctive to" or "ancillary to".

How do I use "complementary to" in a business sentence?

In business, it often describes products or skills. For example: "Our new software is "complementary to" our existing platforms" or "Her marketing background is "complementary to" his technical expertise".