complete each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a relationship where two people enhance or fulfill each other's qualities or needs. Example: "In a strong partnership, both individuals can complete each other, bringing out the best in one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Dare I say, they complete each other.

The New York Times

As a couple, they did not complete each other.

The New York Times

But each knows how darn good the other is professionally, and that they somehow complete each other on a stage.

The New York Times

They still are, and I think they were great role models for me because they complete each other.

Independent

This could be the story of any disintegrating band, except that in this group, the Jameses complete each other, as someone said in "Jerry Maguire".

The New York Times

He gets a powerful and creepy performance from Mr. Sutherland, as well as from Barbara Bain as Michael's wife and Alex's mother; she and Michael are cunning helpmates who complete each other in the worst way.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The authors write, "Not only may couples come to complete each others' sentences, they may actually come to complete each others' selves".

Huffington Post

"We completed each other".

The New York Times

"We were completing each other," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We completed each other's sentences on the first date," Mr. Ehrlich said.

The New York Times

In Baghdad, they often completed each other's sentences, and bantered to ease the tension.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complete each other" to describe a synergistic relationship where individuals or elements enhance or fulfill each other's qualities, creating a balanced and effective whole. This emphasizes mutual benefit and interdependence.

Common error

Avoid using "complete each other" to suggest that individuals are incomplete or dependent on one another. The phrase should convey mutual enhancement, not the filling of a void due to personal inadequacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete each other" primarily functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual relationship where two or more entities enhance or fulfill each other's qualities or needs. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

15%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complete each other" is a reciprocal verb phrase used to describe a mutual relationship where two or more entities enhance or fulfill each other's qualities or needs. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage, noting its presence in various contexts ranging from news media to scientific literature. While it is most frequently found in News & Media, it also appears in Science and Wiki sources. The analysis suggests that its communicative purpose is to express synergy and interdependence, while its register is generally neutral. When using the phrase, it is important to convey mutual enhancement rather than dependence. Consider alternatives such as "complement each other" or "mutually enhance each other" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complement each other

Focuses on the idea of enhancing each other by filling in what's lacking, similar to completing.

mutually enhance each other

Highlights the reciprocal and beneficial aspect of the relationship or interaction.

fulfill each other

Emphasizes the satisfaction of needs or desires in the relationship.

make each other whole

Suggests a sense of completeness and unity achieved through the relationship.

support each other

Focuses on providing assistance and encouragement.

bring out the best in each other

Highlights the positive influence and growth fostered in the relationship.

are a good match

Suggests compatibility and suitability for a relationship or partnership.

work well together

Focuses on efficiency and harmony in collaborative efforts.

click together

Implies an immediate and natural compatibility.

go hand in hand

Indicates a natural association or connection between two things.

FAQs

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

You can use "complete each other" to describe how two people's skills, personalities, or qualities complement one another. For example, "Their strengths and weaknesses balanced perfectly; they truly complete each other."

What can I say instead of "complete each other"?

You can use alternatives like "complement each other", "fulfill each other", or "mutually enhance each other" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say that two things "complete each other"?

Yes, it is correct to say that two things "complete each other" if they work together to form a whole or to enhance each other's qualities. For instance, "Forums and wikis could have complementary functions and should be organized to complete each other for scaffolding students' self-regulated strategies and learning."

What's the difference between "complement each other" and "complete each other"?

"Complement each other" emphasizes enhancement by filling gaps, while "complete each other" suggests forming a unified whole. "Complement each other" indicates adding something that is missing, while complete each other indicates bringing all necessary elements together.