complements

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "complements" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two things that go well together to make a pleasing result, such as two friends that have similar interests and get along well. For example, you could say "Their personalities complement each other perfectly".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sainsbury's partnership with British Athletics reflects its wider commitment to inspiring healthy lifestyles for all, and complements grassroots campaigns such as Active Kids and the Sainsbury's School Games.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Privately, a BBC management source insists there is a "strong commitment" to the domestic News channel, speaking of a digital "world of 'and'", in which the News channel's output complements (and is reused by) the BBC's online services.

The Guardian

The disclosure bill complements a bipartisan bill entered in the Senate on 11 June, sponsored by eight senators, to compel release of the surveillance court's secret rulings.

The Guardian

"The 10 10 campaign complements the activities of government.

The Guardian

And the whole Bradford City success story complements that and is giving people a wonderful feeling".

The Guardian - Sport

The proliferation of mobile devices will further increase the importance of location: people will use their smartphones to look for local bargains and to show friends the latest products they have found online.Companies are increasingly treating the physical and virtual worlds as complements rather than alternatives.

The Economist

Viacom's young audience (for networks such as MTV and Nickelodeon) complements CBS's oldish one.

The Economist

Work by Rosalie Pacula of RAND, a think-tank in California, shows that young people tend to see the two as complements, not substitutes.Legalisation, argue Mr Reuter and his co-author, Robert MacCoun, would result in "a clear redistribution of harms".

The Economist

Fallada's exquisite and troubling book, published after far too long a wait, does not contradict that argument, but complements it.

The Economist

"New" trade theory complements this finding (just as traditional trade theory sat happily alongside traditional growth theory).

The Economist

The colour-saturated cinematography and pink Pacific dawns where the sky melts into the sea lend a surreal look that complements the over-arching question about the limits of our belief.Another specific reason why 3D works so well here is because the extra dimension, like this story, is about distance and the narrowing of it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complements", ensure that the subject it refers to genuinely enhances or completes the other, creating a more desirable or effective outcome. For instance, "A good wine complements a fine meal".

Common error

Avoid confusing "complements", which means enhances or completes, with "compliments", which are expressions of praise or admiration. Remember: "complements" completes, while "compliments" praises.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "complements" is as a transitive verb. It indicates that one thing enhances or completes another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, aligning with its dictionary definition. For example, "The wine complements the cheese."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complements" is a versatile verb used to express how one thing enhances or completes another. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various writing styles. While primarily found in News & Media and Scientific sources, remember to avoid confusing it with "compliments". Using "complements" correctly adds depth and precision to your writing, highlighting synergistic relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completes

Emphasizes making something whole or finished.

enhances

Focuses on the act of improving or intensifying the quality or value of something.

supplements

Implies adding something to complete or enhance.

augments

Suggests an increase in size, quantity, or degree.

harmonizes with

Highlights the creation of a pleasing combination or agreement.

integrates with

Highlights the blending of elements into a cohesive whole.

matches well with

Indicates a good fit or compatibility.

works well with

Focuses on the effective combination or interaction of elements.

rounds out

Implies that something is made complete or well-balanced.

pairs nicely with

Suggests an appealing combination, often in the context of food or design.

FAQs

How can I use "complements" in a sentence?

The verb "complements" indicates that one thing enhances or completes another. For example, "The new marketing strategy "complements" the existing sales efforts, leading to increased revenue."

What words can I use instead of "complements"?

You can use alternatives like "enhances", "augments", or "supplements" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning.

Which is correct, "complements" or "compliments"?

"Complements" (with an 'e') means to enhance or complete something. "Compliments" (with an 'i') are expressions of praise or admiration. Choose the word that fits the intended meaning in your sentence.

What's the difference between "complements" and "supplements"?

"Complements" suggests a mutual enhancement, where both elements benefit from the combination. "Supplements", on the other hand, implies that one element is added to make up for a deficiency in the other.