compliments each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compliments each other" is not correct; the correct expression is "complement each other." You can use it when describing how two or more things enhance or complete one another.
Example: "The flavors of the spices and the main dish complement each other perfectly."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Everyone compliments each other really well, there's a lot of variety here.

BBC

The bulk morphology as investigated from the TEM study is completely in line with the surface morphology by AFM and compliments each other well.

Nanoscale Research Letters

"I think our style and delivery really compliments each other.

Vice

Everything compliments each other, because the style and the music are so new to the game".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We complimented each other nicely," said Taylor.

The Guardian - Sport

Though tense and wary, they complimented each other's work.

The New York Times

The friends complimented each other for looking like themselves.

The New York Times - Style

You didn't sit around complimenting each other," McCartney said.

The New Yorker

I think they all complimented each other really well.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We modelled different colours, complimenting each other's choices and coordinating our nails with our outfits.

The Guardian

According to Hu, tea and coffee are grown together in Puer and actually compliment each other.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "complement each other" instead of "compliments each other". The former refers to enhancing qualities, while the latter describes giving praise.

Common error

Avoid using "compliments" when you mean "complements". "Compliment" is a form of praise, whereas "complement" means to enhance or complete. Always double-check your spelling to ensure you're using the correct word in context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compliments each other" functions as a reciprocal expression, intending to convey mutual admiration or praise. However, it is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct term to indicate mutual enhancement is "complements each other."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "compliments each other" is used to express mutual admiration or enhancement, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "complements each other", where "complement" means to enhance or complete. Ludwig AI identifies this error, emphasizing the importance of using the correct term to ensure clarity and accuracy in writing. Although the incorrect phrase appears in diverse sources, including news and media, using the grammatically correct alternative is always preferable, especially in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Complements each other

This is the grammatically correct form of the phrase, focusing on how elements enhance one another.

Complete each other

Emphasizes a sense of wholeness or fulfillment achieved through mutual interaction.

Enhance each other

Focuses on the improvement or augmentation that each element brings to the other.

Supplement each other

Highlights how each element provides what the other lacks, filling gaps.

Go well together

A more informal way of saying that two things are compatible and pleasing in combination.

Harmonize with each other

Suggests a pleasing or aesthetically agreeable combination.

Are well-matched

Highlights compatibility and suitability between two elements.

Augment each other

Similar to enhance, but suggests a more significant increase or addition.

Reinforce each other

Focuses on how each element strengthens or supports the other.

Accord well with each other

Implies a natural and harmonious fit between the elements.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "compliments each other"?

The correct phrase is "complements each other". The word "complement" (with an 'e') means to enhance or complete something else, while "compliment" (with an 'i') means to express praise or admiration.

What does it mean when things "complement each other"?

When things "complement each other", it means they enhance or complete one another, often resulting in a better or more effective outcome when combined.

Can I use "compliments each other" in informal writing?

While "compliments each other" might be understood in informal contexts, it is grammatically incorrect. It is always best to use the correct term, "complements each other", regardless of the writing style.

What are some synonyms for "complements each other"?

Alternatives include "complete each other", "enhance each other", or "supplement each other". These phrases all convey the idea of mutual improvement or completion.