complimentary lunch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complimentary lunch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lunch that is provided free of charge, often as part of an event or service. Example: "Attendees at the conference will enjoy a complimentary lunch during the networking session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Complimentary lunch and refreshments included.

The Guardian

Breakfast and coffee would be complimentary; lunch, dinner, and alcohol would not.

The New Yorker

But visitors can enjoy their own chess games, a complimentary lunch and mealtime violin music.

The New York Times

But visiting families can enjoy their own chess games, a complimentary lunch and mealtime violin music by Christina Sunnerstam.

The New York Times

For Ansel Elkins, who did a writer's residency at the Standard East Village, breakfast and coffee were complimentary; lunch, dinner, and alcohol were not.

The New Yorker

Prize to be claimed by 30 November 2011 Third prize includes complimentary lunch (including bottle of wine), bed and breakfast for two people for one night.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

They learned about parties, picnics, free coffee and doughnuts, occasional complimentary lunches, and cash awards that are incentives for employees.

The New York Times

There are no meals available for purchase on the airline, and there certainly aren't complimentary lunches coming down the aisles.

Forbes

On an interior wall, there is a word cloud: "We love TRAVEL; Act like an OWNER; We're better TOGETHER". Employees are free to bring their dogs to work and to eat their complimentary gourmet lunch in the outdoor amphitheatre.

The Guardian

All meals are included, and wine, beer and soft drinks are complimentary with lunch and dinner onboard.

Duke University

While packing your desk, getting reference letters and having your complimentary goodbye lunch with work friends, you're then faced with the question that will determine how you market yourself for your next job: How can I get paid for what I've been doing for free?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When promoting an event or service, use "complimentary lunch" to clearly communicate that the lunch is provided at no additional cost. It adds a touch of formality and enticement.

Common error

Avoid misspelling "complimentary" as "complementary". "Complimentary" means free, while "complementary" means something that enhances or completes something else. Always double-check the spelling to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complimentary lunch" functions as a noun phrase, where "complimentary" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "lunch". Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complimentary lunch" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a free lunch, often offered as part of an event or service. According to Ludwig AI, it is widely used and understood. While alternatives like "free lunch" exist, "complimentary lunch" adds a slightly more formal and enticing tone. It's crucial to avoid confusing "complimentary" with "complementary", which has a different meaning. This phrase is prevalent in news media, academic, and formal business contexts, signaling its broad applicability and recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free lunch

Replaces "complimentary" with the more common synonym "free".

no cost lunch

Uses "no cost" to emphasize the absence of charge for the meal.

free of charge lunch

States explicitly that there is no charge for the lunch.

lunch included at no charge

Specifies that lunch is included and that there's no charge.

provided lunch

Highlights that lunch is being provided, implying it is free.

lunch on the house

An idiomatic expression indicating the lunch is free, offered by the establishment.

gratis lunch

Uses the less common word "gratis", which means free.

sponsored lunch

Suggests a sponsor is paying for the lunch, making it free for attendees.

gifted lunch

Implies lunch is a gift, thus free.

complementary lunch

Replaces the spelling with "complementary" (though often confused, this refers to something that enhances or completes, but in some contexts could still imply it's offered without separate charge).

FAQs

What does "complimentary lunch" mean?

A "complimentary lunch" means a lunch that is provided free of charge. It's often offered as part of a package, event, or promotion.

What's a good alternative to "complimentary lunch"?

Alternatives to "complimentary lunch" include /s/free+lunch, /s/lunch+included, or /s/lunch+on+the+house, depending on the context.

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

You can say, "Attendees at the workshop will receive a complimentary lunch" or "The hotel offers a complimentary lunch to its guests."

Is it correct to say "complementary lunch" instead of "complimentary lunch"?

No, "complementary" and "complimentary" have different meanings. Use "complimentary" (with an 'i') to mean free. "Complementary" (with an 'e') means enhancing or completing something else.