complimentary gift

USAGE SUMMARY

"complimentary gift" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that has been given to you free of charge, often in appreciation or as a form of kindness. For example, "My boss gave me a complimentary gift as a thank you for all my hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

More immediate perks include a complimentary gift certificate for Mercedes merchandise and award points for gasoline purchases.

The New York Times

— Southern Hospitality BBQ, 645 Ninth Avenue (between 45th and 46th Streets), in Hell's Kitchen, will give all mothers a surprise complimentary gift with each meal.

The New York Times

Martin, Sally, and Tony went to Antey's department store with Swirsky to see the Christmas Grotto and get a complimentary gift.

The New Yorker

The donkey is about two inches long and gold-tone, and is wearing a top hat and a jewelled saddle blanket and a little tag saying "complimentary gift — not for resale".

The New Yorker

Alternatively, there is the use of an exclusive golf course and the complimentary gift of a shotgun (it's all been arranged in advance with customs so you can take it past airport security on the way home) or perfume-making sessions.

Independent

Presenters and performers at this year's Oscars can be expected to be handsomely rewarded for their trouble with a complimentary gift package thought to be worth up to $100,000 £65,7333).

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Please accept as complimentary gifts the enclosed theater tickets, Prada gift certificate and check for $200.

The New York Times

Others have taken back complimentary gifts to avoid any hint of impropriety that could mire them, or the legislators, in another lobbying scandal.

The New York Times

He added: "You could even pick up a new set of luggage bags as these are often given out as complimentary gifts during the fair".

BBC

I take a free gift bag and am surprised to find there's no complimentary deodorant can (note to Rexona: there's a virgin market here).

Vice

"Jeff once asked me if I had any beauty tips for him, so I sent him a complimentary Martha Stewart cosmetics gift bag and advised him to put it over his head".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complimentary gift", ensure the context clearly indicates that the gift is given freely and without any hidden costs or obligations. Avoid using it when the 'gift' requires a purchase or specific action, as this may be misleading.

Common error

A common mistake is using "complimentary" when you mean "complementary". "Complimentary" means free, while "complementary" means enhancing or completing something else. For example, say "a complimentary gift" (free gift), not "a complementary gift" unless it enhances something else.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complimentary gift" functions as a noun phrase where "complimentary" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "gift". As noted by Ludwig, it denotes something given freely.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

16%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complimentary gift" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes something given free of charge, often as a gesture of goodwill. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is typically used to refer to something that has been given to you free of charge, often in appreciation or as a form of kindness. While generally neutral in register, it's important to differentiate it from "complementary" to avoid confusion. Alternatives like "free gift" can be used interchangeably, and its usage spans across news, media, wiki and science contexts. Remember to use it when there are no hidden costs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free gift

This alternative is the most direct synonym, focusing solely on the aspect of being free of charge.

gift at no cost

This alternative explicitly emphasizes that the gift doesn't involve any expenses.

bonus gift

Suggests the gift is an extra item, received in addition to a purchase or service.

promotional gift

Implies the gift is part of a marketing campaign or promotion.

courtesy gift

This emphasizes the act of politeness and good will behind the offering.

gratis gift

This alternative uses a more formal term for free.

gift included

This alternative highlights the fact that it is provided along with something else.

gift on the house

This is an idiomatic expression indicating that the gift is provided by the establishment.

value-added gift

Suggests the gift increases the overall value of a purchase or experience.

incentive gift

Suggests that it has the goal of encouraging the receiver to complete a specific action.

FAQs

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

You can use "complimentary gift" to describe something given for free. For instance, "The hotel offered a complimentary gift basket to guests upon arrival".

What's the difference between "complimentary gift" and "free gift"?

While both phrases denote something given without charge, "complimentary gift" often implies a gesture of goodwill or appreciation, whereas "free gift" is a more general term.

What can I say instead of "complimentary gift"?

You can use alternatives like "free gift", "gift at no cost", or "bonus gift" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a complimentary gift with purchase"?

While commonly used, "a complimentary gift with purchase" can be seen as slightly redundant since "complimentary" already implies it's free. However, it emphasizes that the gift is contingent on making a purchase.