complementing each other

USAGE SUMMARY

"complementing each other" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when two people or things are being used together in a way that they improve each other. For example, "The colors of the quilt are complementary, each one complementing the other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jarvis's rotating pieces are complementing each other.

The New York Times - Sports

In Milwaukee, Gary Payton and Sam Cassell have been complementing each other.

The New York Times - Sports

But in Edinburgh over the last month the two have been complementing each other very well.

The Guardian

They're very good at complementing each other, because they understand the situation.

The New York Times - Sports

"That dish is a perfect example of our two styles complementing each other," Ms. Forley said.

The New York Times - Food

These two techniques can be used independently or combined, complementing each other.

Renewable Energy

They are a revamped team, enjoying the first full season of Pau Gasol and Bynum's complementing each other.

The New York Times - Sports

(I like to think of those two as somehow complementing each other in the realm of daily urban life).

The New York Times - Tech

And without any prompting, Jennifer told me how well her two brothers were working together: "They're complementing each other perfectly.

The New York Times - Sports

Both are game-film wonks, and often sounded as if they were competing with — and not complementing — each other.

The New York Times - Sports

Jude, director of the Bordeaux Opera Ballet, dances with the graphic power of Rouault's brush strokes, movement and painting complementing each other.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complementing each other" when you want to emphasize a synergistic relationship where two or more elements enhance each other's qualities or effectiveness. It suggests a mutually beneficial interaction that leads to an improved outcome for all involved.

Common error

Avoid confusing "complementing each other" with "complimenting each other". "Complementing" means enhancing or completing, while "complimenting" means praising. Use the correct term to accurately convey your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complementing each other" functions as a verb phrase, typically part of a larger clause, to describe a reciprocal relationship where two or more entities enhance each other. Ludwig AI validates this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complementing each other" is a versatile and widely used phrase that describes a mutually beneficial relationship where different elements enhance each other. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and frequent occurrence across varied contexts, from formal science publications to news media, underscore its reliability and adaptability. When writing, remember to differentiate it from "complimenting", and leverage its power to illustrate synergy and mutual enhancement. With its neutral tone and clear communicative purpose, mastering the correct use of "complementing each other" allows for effective and precise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completing each other

Emphasizes filling gaps to form a whole rather than just enhancing.

supporting each other

Focuses on providing assistance and encouragement.

reinforcing each other

Highlights strengthening through mutual action.

enhancing each other

Stresses improvement and augmentation.

integrating each other

Implies combining separate elements into a unified system.

balancing each other

Suggests creating equilibrium through reciprocal actions.

supplementing each other

Focuses on providing what is lacking in the other.

aiding each other

Emphasizes helping in moments of difficulty.

harmonizing with each other

Highlights creating an agreeable combination.

collaborating with each other

Focuses on working together toward a common goal.

FAQs

How can I use "complementing each other" in a sentence?

You can use "complementing each other" to describe how different elements enhance one another, for example: "The different departments are "completing each other" and collaborating to achieve the company's objectives".

What are some alternatives to saying "complementing each other"?

Alternatives include "completing each other", "supporting each other", or "enhancing each other", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "complementing each other" and "complimenting each other"?

"Complementing each other" means enhancing or completing one another, while "complimenting each other" means praising one another. They have distinct meanings and should not be confused.

Is "complementing each other" formal or informal?

The phrase "complementing each other" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone and subject matter of the communication rather than the phrase itself.