complimentary water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complimentary water" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in hospitality contexts to refer to water provided free of charge to guests, often in hotels or restaurants. Example: "Upon arrival at the hotel, guests are greeted with complimentary water in their rooms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

There is complimentary water (poured from a sterling pitcher), or bottled water ($4).

The New York Times

The sizeable fridge comes stocked with complimentary water and essentials (bread, coffee, muffins) to get you started.

Independent

Wondering why more places don't do as they do and offer complimentary water, filtered and carbonated on the premises.

Independent

Let us set aside the pernicious creep of the phrase "complimentary water," the drink menus dispensed like Moses' tablets, and the denial of a perimeter booth in the empty room because they were "reserved for hotel guests".

The New Yorker

What you get with Cabin is a sleep pod, bedding, free Wi-Fi, complimentary water, nighttime tea, coffee, earplugs and a melatonin supplement.

TechCrunch

Most guests spend their time on the beach, which has a bar as well as plenty of complimentary water sports, from windsurfing to kayaking.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

At times, those waves are strong and we find ourselves balancing atop their mighty crests, recklessly printing single-sided documents and suckling from the bountiful teat of one complimentary water-cooler jug after the next.

The New Yorker

Complimentary purified water was provided on-site and will be served in biodegradable cups to eliminate plastic water bottles.

Huffington Post

Pour one out for smug workdays fuelled by free internet, siphoned electricity and complimentary cucumber water – the jig may be up for the nation's Wi-Fi rustlers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the rooms: complimentary bottled water, Kettle Chips and chocolate-chip cookies on arrival, free Wi-Fi and local calls, flat-screen televisions, iPod stations, Bose sound system, coffee machines, fluffy bathrobes and slippers.

Independent

Uber will provide vows if you don't bring them, which I imagine go something like "I take you to be my husband, through standard fares and surge, with or without complimentary bottled water, and promise to give you 5-star service until death do us part".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complimentary water" in contexts where you want to emphasize the provision of water as a value-added service, especially in hospitality and travel settings. For example, "Guests at the hotel enjoy complimentary water and coffee in the lobby."

Common error

Avoid using "complementary water" when you mean "complimentary water". "Complementary" means 'enhancing or completing something else,' while "complimentary" means 'free of charge'. Using the wrong word can change the meaning entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complimentary water" functions as a noun phrase, where "complimentary" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "water". Ludwig AI indicates it's a standard expression, common in service contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complimentary water" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe water provided free of charge, especially in hospitality or service-oriented settings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It's crucial to differentiate it from "complementary water", which has a different meaning. The phrase is mostly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science domains. Consider alternative phrases such as "free water" or "courtesy water" depending on the desired nuance. Using the phrase correctly enhances clarity and professionalism in relevant contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free water

Replaces "complimentary" with the more direct "free", indicating no cost.

courtesy water

Highlights that water is offered as a gesture of goodwill or politeness.

gratis water

Uses "gratis", a synonym for "free", providing a slightly more formal tone.

free of charge water

Elaborates that water is supplied free of any charge.

no-charge water

Emphasizes that there is no charge for the water provided.

on-the-house water

Indicates that the water is provided by the establishment at no cost to the customer.

water at no cost

Specifies that water can be consumed without incurring any expense.

comped water

A more informal term, often used in the context of services or items being offered without charge.

provided water

A simpler way to express that water is available without explicitly mentioning the cost.

included water

Suggests that the water is part of a package or service already paid for.

FAQs

What does "complimentary water" mean?

"Complimentary water" refers to water that is provided free of charge, often in places like hotels, restaurants, or events as a courtesy to guests or attendees.

When is it appropriate to use the term "complimentary water"?

It is appropriate to use "complimentary water" when you want to indicate that water is being offered at no cost. It's common in the hospitality industry or when describing amenities.

What can I say instead of "complimentary water"?

You can use alternatives like "free water", "gratis water", or "courtesy water" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "complementary water" and "complimentary water"?

Yes, there is a significant difference. "Complementary water" would suggest water that enhances or completes something else, which doesn't make sense in most contexts. The correct term for free water is "complimentary water".