complete one another

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete one another" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to fill in or complement each other. Example: "In a healthy relationship, both partners should strive to complete one another rather than compete with each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I thought that Timberlake might finish with "Mirrors," a ballad about how we sometimes complete one another — one of his best and most dynamic songs, a tender devotional.

The New Yorker

As Henri Bergson states: "Though all of the photographs of a city taken from all points of view indefinitely complete one another, they will never equal in value that dimensional object: the city along whose streets one walks".

The Guardian

Devin, 17; Tischa, 14; and Tiffany, 13, laugh often and complete one another's sentences — though Tina, 11, occasionally interjects to remind them that, though the youngest, she is the boss.

The New York Times

Mahmoud Ashour, a senior Al Azhar cleric, insisted that "the new pope must not attack Islam," according to remarks quoted by Agence France-Presse, the French news agency, and said the two religions should "complete one another, rather than compete".

The New York Times

People interject and complete one another's thoughts.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Often completing one another's sentences and cracking themselves up, they explained how the good, the bad and the ugly of their upbringing helped them make their names in show business.

The New York Times

Completing one another's sentences, they reminisce about their beautiful wedding and their amazing wedding cake.

Huffington Post

A villager, a longtime acquaintance still in the glow of his own daughter's recent nuptials, rolled down his window to shout Mabruk! as I passed, just as I called out Mazal Tov! to him -- Arabic and Hebrew suddenly completing one another, enhancing one another.

Huffington Post

Perhaps all this reveals is that devolution has turned politics into a fiendish Rubik's cube, where you can't complete one face without disrupting another.

The Guardian - Opinion

No sooner than we complete one story, we will find another story.

Huffington Post

Participants will complete one module per week.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complete one another", ensure that the context clearly establishes the reciprocal relationship. The sentence should highlight how each subject benefits from the interaction with the other.

Common error

Avoid using "complete one another" when the relationship is not reciprocal or when one subject is merely acting upon another without receiving a corresponding benefit. The phrase implies a two-way exchange, so ensure the context aligns with this meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete one another" primarily functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a relationship where multiple subjects mutually enhance or fulfill each other. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show subjects often being people, ideas or actions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complete one another" signifies a reciprocal relationship of mutual enhancement and fulfillment. Although its frequency is relatively rare, with usage predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically sound. To enhance clarity and impact, use it to precisely describe how distinct elements contribute to overall cohesion or enhancement. For alternatives, consider phrases such as "complement each other" for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complement each other

Focuses on mutual enhancement by filling in what is lacking.

supplement one another

Implies adding to or enhancing what already exists.

mutually enhance each other

Highlights the reciprocal improvement resulting from the interaction.

mutually support each other

Emphasizes the aspect of providing assistance and encouragement reciprocally.

fill in for each other

Suggests substituting or covering for someone's absence or deficiency.

round out each other

Suggests improving as a whole by filling in missing parts.

enhance one another

Focuses on the act of improving or making something better.

perfect each other

Suggests bringing each other closer to an ideal state.

interact synergistically

Emphasizes the combined effect being greater than the sum of individual parts.

work in synergy

Focuses on collaborative and harmonious action to achieve a shared goal.

FAQs

How can I use "complete one another" in a sentence?

You can use "complete one another" to describe a reciprocal relationship where each party enhances the other. For example, "In a successful partnership, the skills of each member should complete one another."

What does it mean for two things to "complete one another"?

When two things "complete one another", it means they fill in each other's gaps or shortcomings, resulting in a more whole or perfect state. This emphasizes mutual enhancement and reciprocal benefit.

What are some alternatives to saying "complete one another"?

Some alternatives include "complement each other", "mutually enhance each other", or "supplement one another", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "complete one another"?

Yes, "complete one another" is grammatically correct when used to describe a reciprocal action where entities enhance or fulfill each other's needs or qualities.