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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
complements in
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "complements in" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to how something enhances or adds to another thing, but it lacks proper context or structure. Example: "The new software complements in improving our workflow efficiency." (This example is incorrect; it should be rephrased for clarity.)
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Academia
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
59 human-written examples
This Appalachian coal, like the Mesabi iron that it complements in U.S. industry, is extraordinary.
Encyclopedias
As chief executives, these "complements" in the end proved to be disappointments.
News & Media
Corn and Vidalia onions, the base ingredients in an appetizer soup, find their complements in crab and arugula.
News & Media
(2) Are user and system recommendations substitutes or complements in affecting product sales in e-commerce?
Science
In other words, greenhouse gases and local pollutants are typically substitutes and not complements in the production process.
Specifically, he believes that writing requires, in order of priority, talent, focus and endurance — all of which find their complements in the habit of running.
News & Media
Stepping back for a longer view, Mr. Paquette uses vibrant color complements in "Trees, Somes Sound," an impressionistic treatment of branches silhouetted against a glowing sky.
News & Media
Furthermore, the study reveals that these choices are interdependent, as they function as complements in generating cognitive conflict, which in turn drives the realisation of innovation ambidexterity outcomes.
We argue that the data is consistent with agents perceiving academic achievement in various subjects as substitutes, not complements, in education production.
Academia
We survey results concerning star complements in finite regular graphs, and note the connection with designs and strongly regular graphs in certain cases.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
1 human-written examples
In addition, it also offers on-line shopping through its website www.Kohls.com that is designed to provide a convenient, easy-to-navigate, on-line shopping environment that complements in-store focus.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When aiming for clarity, replace "complements in" with more direct alternatives such as "enhances" or "is complementary to" to make the relationship explicit.
Common error
Avoid using "complements in" when a simpler preposition like "to" or "within" provides better clarity; often, restructuring the sentence to use "complementary to" or a verb like "enhance" results in improved readability.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "complements in" functions as a prepositional phrase, often attempting to describe how different elements enhance or complete each other. However, as noted by Ludwig AI, this phrasing can be grammatically awkward and is often better replaced with more precise language.
Frequent in
Science
56%
News & Media
22%
Academia
13%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
2%
Wiki
2%
Formal & Business
3%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "complements in" is frequently used across various domains like science, news media, and academia to express how different elements enhance or work well together. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically questionable and often leads to awkward or unclear sentences. Alternatives such as "is complementary to", "enhances", or simply restructuring the sentence are generally recommended for improved clarity and precision. Despite its frequent appearance, particularly in technical and analytical contexts, writers should strive for more conventional and unambiguous phrasing to effectively convey the intended meaning. Using alternatives like "enhances within", "integrates with", or "works in tandem with" /s/works+in+tandem with can help improve readability and avoid potential misunderstandings.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
complements within
This alternative suggests a similar idea but with a more specific, bounded context.
are complementary in
Transforms the phrase into a predicate adjective construction, emphasizing the relationship between subjects.
complementary to
Uses "to" to establish a direct relationship, focusing on one item enhancing another.
enhances within
Replaces "complements" with a synonym, shifting the focus to the act of enhancing within a specific context.
harmonizes within
Highlights the synergistic relationship, suggesting that the elements work together to create a pleasing whole.
integrates with
Emphasizes the joining of elements into a unified system, rather than simply enhancing.
works in tandem with
Highlights the collaborative aspect, focusing on the coordinated action of the elements.
combines effectively with
Focuses on the success of combining different elements, indicating a practical or functional benefit.
correlates positively with
Implies a statistical association where an increase in one element is linked to an increase in another.
interacts favorably with
Indicates a positive outcome resulting from the interaction of different elements, focusing on the benefits of the interaction.
FAQs
What does "complements in" mean?
The phrase "complements in" is often used to suggest that two or more things enhance each other. However, it's generally better to use more precise language such as "is complementary to" or simply "enhances" to avoid ambiguity.
How can I improve sentences that use "complements in"?
Try replacing "complements in" with phrases like "is "complementary to"", "enhances", or restructuring the sentence to use a stronger verb that clearly shows the relationship between the elements.
Is "complements in" grammatically correct?
While "complements in" appears in various sources, it's not considered standard English. It's often more precise and grammatically sound to use alternatives like "is "complementary to"" or to rephrase the sentence for clarity.
Which is better, "complements in" or "complementary to"?
"Complementary to" is generally better because it's grammatically correct and clearly indicates that one thing enhances or completes another. "Complements in" can be vague and is often better replaced with a stronger verb or prepositional phrase.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested