designed to complement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "designed to complement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that has been created or intended to enhance or improve another item or concept. Example: "The new software features are designed to complement the existing system, making it more efficient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Designers' interpretations for spring 2002 include demure pumps, summery thongs and hippie sandals, all designed to complement the season's gathered skirts and reed-slim pants.

The New York Times

It will be designed to complement BBC2.

The Guardian

Newer details were designed to complement original ones.

The New York Times

New additions this year include butters, marinades and sauces, designed to complement the meat it stocks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Tourism here is designed to complement the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The Guardian - Travel

The typeforms, which are designed to complement one another, are each inked with a different colour.

Britannica

The inside and the outside were designed to complement each other.

The New York Times

Several extensions are designed to complement the proposed algorithms.

Computer Communications

The interdisciplinary honors programs are designed to complement study in a department major.

Stanford University

The concentrations and tracks are designed to complement and enhance the departmental curriculum.

Yale University

It’s designed to complement the SLAM seminar series by providing highly interactive, participatory experiences.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "designed to complement", ensure that the relationship between the design and what it complements is clear to the reader. Specify exactly how the design enhances or supports the other element.

Common error

Avoid using "designed to complement" without explaining the specific benefits or interactions. For example, instead of saying "The accessory is designed to complement the outfit", explain how: "The scarf is designed to complement the blue dress by introducing a contrasting warm tone."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "designed to complement" functions as a purpose connector, indicating the intended relationship between two elements. It specifies that one element was created to enhance or improve the other. Ludwig's examples show its use across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

32%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "designed to complement" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the intentional enhancement or support provided by one element to another. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, reflecting its broad applicability. To ensure clear communication, always articulate the specific nature of the complementary relationship. Avoiding vague language and clarifying the intended benefits is essential for effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designed to supplement

Synonymous, simply replaces "complement" with "supplement".

intended to enhance

Focuses on the intention behind the design, emphasizing improvement.

meant to supplement

Highlights the supplementary role of the design.

structured to enhance

Highlights the structured nature of the design to enhance something.

created to augment

Emphasizes the increase or amplification provided by the design.

built to reinforce

Emphasizes strengthening through design.

developed to enrich

Highlights the enriching quality that the design brings.

formulated to support

Emphasizes the supportive role of design.

fashioned to complete

Focuses on achieving a sense of wholeness or finality.

made to work in conjunction with

This suggests a cooperative function.

FAQs

How can I use "designed to complement" in a sentence?

Use "designed to complement" to describe something created to enhance or work well with something else. For example, "The software is designed to complement existing systems, making it more efficient."

What are some alternatives to "designed to complement"?

Alternatives include "intended to enhance", "meant to supplement", or "created to augment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "designed to compliment" instead of "designed to complement"?

No, "compliment" (with an i) means to express praise, while "complement" (with an e) means to enhance or complete something. Therefore, "designed to complement" is the correct usage in this context.

What is the difference between "designed to complement" and "intended to replace"?

"Designed to complement" means the item is meant to work with something else and enhance it, while "intended to replace" means the item is meant to take the place of something else entirely. They have opposite meanings.