complimentary meals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complimentary meals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to meals that are provided free of charge, often in the context of hospitality or customer service. Example: "Guests at the hotel will enjoy complimentary meals during their stay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

If you book an interior cabin, stay away from the casino, and stick with the complimentary meals, a cruise can be a very inexpensive vacation.

The New Yorker

On long-haul flights, perks such as extra legroom and complimentary meals command higher ticket prices, and in turn boost yields.

The Economist

The airline offers perks for passengers like complimentary meals and nonalcoholic drinks on flights to Europe and what it has described as a "generous" checked and carry-on bag policy.

The New York Times

A spokesperson for BA said: "We offer customers the choice of up to 14 flights a day between London and New York (including flights to Newark on our Dreamliner), which include all taxes, fees and charges, complimentary meals, drinks and snacks, a generous free luggage allowance and free seat selection 24 hours prior to departure.

The Guardian - Money

The family-friendly Atlantis resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas lures fall vacationers with its Ultimate Paradise Package, which includes several complimentary meals as well as unlimited access to a water park, aquariums and a nightclub.

Forbes

Complimentary meals or light snacks are served to passengers in the first class cabin.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I repaired for a while to the immaculate club car, where I ate my complimentary meal -- a pasta dish.

The New York Times - Travel

Offer includes a three course complimentary meal and matchday programme for each guest and a visit to the box by a Spurs Legend.

Independent

At 25, Dustin Brown was playing in the main draw of a grand-slam event for the first time – a far cry from his days spent on the lower levels of the tour where he often had to live in a camper van and was reduced to snatching the odd complimentary meal at tournaments.

The Guardian - Sport

Which is precisely why the department store was forced to offer Robinson and pal a complimentary meal as an apology.

Vice

Shortly after the incident, a manager from Vegandale Brewery invited Rabito and her father back to a complimentary meal at one of Vegandale's other restaurants.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complimentary meals" in promotional material, clearly state any conditions or limitations, such as specific times, locations, or eligibility requirements.

Common error

Avoid confusing "complimentary meals" with "complementary meals". "Complimentary" means free of charge, while "complementary" means enhancing or completing something else. For example, a "complementary wine" might pair well with a meal, but it's not necessarily free.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complimentary meals" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "complimentary" modifies the noun "meals". It describes the type of meals being offered, emphasizing that they are provided at no cost. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complimentary meals" is a grammatically correct and understandable term used to describe meals offered free of charge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using "complimentary meals", it's important to ensure clarity regarding any conditions or limitations. Avoiding confusion with "complementary meals" is crucial for accurate communication. Alternatives like "free meals" or "meals included" can be used for variety or in more informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free meals

Replaces "complimentary" with the more direct synonym "free", emphasizing the lack of cost.

meals included

Focuses on the inclusion of meals within a package or service, implying no additional charge.

meals at no charge

Explicitly states that the meals are provided without any cost to the recipient.

free of charge meals

Similar to "meals at no charge", but uses a slightly different phrasing.

included meals

A shortened version of "meals included", emphasizing the inclusion aspect.

provided meals

Highlights that meals are supplied as part of a service or offering.

gratis meals

Uses the word "gratis", which is a more formal synonym for "free".

on the house meals

An idiomatic expression indicating that the meals are paid for by the establishment.

courtesy meals

Highlights the aspect of politeness and goodwill in providing the meals.

comped meals

Uses the shortened slang term "comped", indicating that the meals are provided as a compensation or perk.

FAQs

What does "complimentary meals" mean?

"Complimentary meals" refers to meals that are provided free of charge, often as part of a service, promotion, or amenity. They are offered without any additional cost to the recipient.

What can I say instead of "complimentary meals"?

You can use alternatives like "free meals", "meals included", or "meals at no charge" depending on the context.

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

No, it is not correct. "Complementary" (with an 'e') means enhancing or completing something else, while "complimentary" (with an 'i') means free of charge. The correct term for free meals is "complimentary meals".

In what situations are "complimentary meals" typically offered?

"Complimentary meals" are often offered in hotels, on long-haul flights, at resorts, or as part of special promotions. They are a common perk to enhance customer experience.