complementing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "complementing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe two things that enhance or complete each other. For example: "The two colors of paint complement each other perfectly in this room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Barclays spokesperson said: "Increasing use of technology is changing the way in which customers choose to do their banking and creates opportunities for Barclays to offer services in new ways, complementing the branch network".

The Guardian - Business

"These and other fast-action strategies may reduce the risk of abrupt climate change in the next few decades by complementing cuts in CO2 emissions," the scientists wrote.

The Guardian

It can already enhance human endeavour by complementing what people can do.

The Economist

The deal triples Aon's human-resources business, complementing its risk-management and insurance services.Nakheel, a property developer owned by Dubai World, met creditors as part of its attempts to renegotiate $10.5 billion in bank debt.

The Economist

That means complementing Mrs Merkel's competitiveness agenda with a financial framework for Europe's peripheral economies, a strategy for pulling along a weakened France and a vision for rebalancing the German economy.For the moment, there is not much sign in Berlin of any bold thinking along these lines.

The Economist

Under his watch the city has cleaned up and built up, with a shiny new jewel, Millennium Park, complementing older architectural treasures.

The Economist

One could argue that it depends on whether Mr Gallagher and his fellow writers are crowding out more nuanced works or complementing them.

The Economist

Google's vision of the future involves complementing the real world seen through its specs with a visual feed from its search engine and other services.

The Economist

Now two books about them have appeared simultaneously, complementing one another.

The Economist

Museum managers could focus solely on complementing collections by new acquisitions and on hiring the most expert curators.

The Economist

They pay Great Coastal's GCX logistics subsidiary to handle their order fulfilment, its bricks complementing their own clicks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complementing", ensure that the items being complemented are distinct but related. Avoid using it when describing identical or completely unrelated elements. For instance, "The scarf is complementing her dress" implies that the scarf and dress are different items of clothing working together aesthetically.

Common error

A common mistake is using "complementing" when the items are actually competing or substituting each other. "Complementing" suggests enhancement, not replacement. Ensure that the items are working together rather than against each other.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "complementing" is that of a present participle or gerund, often used as part of a continuous verb tense or as a verbal adjective. Ludwig AI shows its usage in describing how one thing enhances or completes another. For example, 'Increasing use of technology is changing the way in which customers choose to do their banking and creates opportunities for Barclays to offer services in new ways, complementing the branch network'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Independent

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complementing" functions as a present participle or gerund, used to describe how one element enhances or completes another. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. This phrase is frequently found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While "complementing" indicates enhancement, it's crucial to use it when items truly work together and not when they are competing or substituting each other. Alternatives like "supplementing", "enhancing", and "augmenting" can be considered based on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supplementing

Indicates adding something extra to enhance or complete.

enhancing

Focuses on the improvement or augmentation aspect.

augmenting

Implies increasing the size or quantity of something.

reinforcing

Highlights the strengthening or supporting effect.

bolstering

Suggests strengthening or supporting something, often in a proactive way.

supporting

Emphasizes providing assistance or backing.

harmonizing with

Highlights the element of agreement or aesthetic balance.

integrating with

Focuses on the act of combining or uniting with something else.

matching

Emphasizes the aspect of similarity or suitability.

coordinating with

Suggests working together in an organized way for a common goal.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "complementing" in a sentence?

Use "complementing" to describe how two or more things enhance or complete each other. For instance, "The new software is "complementing" the existing system by providing additional functionality."

What are some alternatives to using "complementing" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "supplementing", "enhancing", or "augmenting" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "complementing" and "supplementing"?

"Complementing" suggests enhancing or completing something else, while "supplementing" implies adding something extra. While both can be used to show enhancement, "complementing" focuses on how the items work together, while "supplementing" emphasizes the addition of something extra. For example, if you use the sentence "The new information is "supplementing" our understanding about this topic", you are adding something extra to your understanding.

How do I avoid misusing "complementing" in my writing?

Ensure that the items you are describing with "complementing" are actually working together in harmony. If the items are competing or replacing each other, consider using a different term like "substituting" or "competing" instead.