complimentary breakfast

USAGE SUMMARY

"complimentary breakfast" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a breakfast that is provided for free, usually as part of a package or accommodation. Example: "We stayed at a fancy hotel and were pleasantly surprised by the complimentary breakfast buffet offered every morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Suicide bomber blows up complimentary breakfast buffet.

The New Yorker

Instead, the exchange offered to send LIFFE's traders a complimentary breakfast to fuel their labours.

The Economist

They have a restaurant and provide a complimentary breakfast to guests.

The New York Times - Travel

It's not quite Pixar's sprawling California HQ with its scooters and complimentary breakfast bars.

The Guardian - Film

Since we would be checking out very early, we requested the next day's complimentary breakfast upon arrival.

The New York Times - Travel

A full complimentary breakfast, including eggs with beans, salsa verde and other toppings, fuels guests for the stroll into town.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Fifty-five local hotels have devised festival-themed packages, including the Liaison Capitol Hill — which will throw in two $10 transit passes, a blossoming cherry branch to take home and picnic snacks — with rooms starting at $199 nightly for travel between March 22 and April 22. Others, at Washington.org/spring, will offer complimentary breakfasts, free drinks and discounts.

The New York Times

Fee-free perks including complimentary breakfasts can help family travelers save money in the long run, so always consider what's being offered before a room is booked.

Huffington Post

If you're planning to travel primarily for business, for example, you'll want to commit to a program that offers work-friendly amenities, such as free Internet and complimentary breakfasts.

Huffington Post

From the wooden boxes in which complimentary breakfasts appear to meditative walking paths, to tiny design details in your cottage, everything at Canoe Bay appears to have been obsessed over, and it has--this extends to nightly prix-fixe dinners, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients.

Huffington Post

The best tip was to join every hotel loyalty programme going, as even the most basic membership might be enough to earn "room upgrades, late checkout times, access to lounges with snacks and drinks, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast and even complimentary laundry service".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advertising amenities, specify the type of "complimentary breakfast" offered (e.g. buffet, continental, full) to set clear expectations for guests.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the quality or selection of a "complimentary breakfast". Be honest about what's included to avoid disappointing guests.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complimentary breakfast" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "complimentary" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "breakfast". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to describe a breakfast offered at no extra charge. It refers to something being provided for free, frequently in hotels or similar establishments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

9%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complimentary breakfast" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a breakfast provided without additional charge. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is widely accepted and frequently used, especially in the travel and hospitality industries. Analysis of the example sentences suggests that while "complimentary" may sound more formal, the phrase is generally considered neutral in tone and suitable for various contexts, including news and business communications. When writing, be accurate in describing the type of "complimentary breakfast" being offered. Alternative options includes "free breakfast" or "breakfast included", which can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free breakfast

This is the most direct synonym, replacing "complimentary" with "free" for simplicity.

no-cost breakfast

Emphasizes the lack of cost to the recipient, using a slightly more formal tone.

breakfast included

Highlights that breakfast is part of a package or deal, rather than a separate offering.

breakfast on the house

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate that the establishment is providing the breakfast free of charge.

breakfast provided at no charge

A more formal and explicit way of stating that breakfast is provided without any cost.

gratis breakfast

Utilizes a less common word, "gratis", for a slightly elevated and formal tone.

breakfast at no extra cost

Specifies that there are no additional charges for the breakfast, suggesting it might be part of a larger service.

complimentary morning meal

Replaces "breakfast" with a more descriptive term "morning meal" while retaining the "complimentary" aspect.

breakfast without charge

A straightforward alternative highlighting the absence of any fee.

provided breakfast

Focuses on the act of providing breakfast, implying it is offered freely but without explicitly stating it.

FAQs

How can I use "complimentary breakfast" in a sentence?

You can say, "The hotel offers a "complimentary breakfast" to all guests" or "We enjoyed the "complimentary breakfast" buffet during our stay".

What is another way to say "complimentary breakfast"?

Alternatives include "free breakfast", "breakfast included", or "breakfast on the house".

Is there a difference between "complimentary breakfast" and "free breakfast"?

While both mean the same thing, "complimentary breakfast" can sound more formal than "free breakfast". They are generally interchangeable.

What kind of food is typically included in a "complimentary breakfast"?

The offerings vary. It could be a continental breakfast with pastries and coffee, or a full buffet with hot items like eggs and bacon, but you should expect what type of "free breakfast" is included.