different but complementary

USAGE SUMMARY

"different but complementary" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe two or more things that are different, but at the same time related in some way and have an interdependent relationship. For example, "The two dishes were different but complementary, each bringing out the flavor of the other."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just as in 2005, England now have bowlers with different but complementary skills.

The Guardian - Sport

This one-day course will introduce you to two sets of different but complementary skills.

The Guardian

In the end, as Goldstein's book eloquently argues, science and philosophy fulfil two different but complementary roles.

The Guardian - Books

It reflected, in a different but complementary context, the postulates of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

The New York Times - Magazine

She and he may be like Laurel and Hardy — different but complementary".

The New York Times - Magazine

Together, they are the most powerful duo in the gay-rights movement, and perhaps it is fortunate that they are pursuing different but complementary strategies.

The New Yorker

Just like a football coach assembles players with different but complementary skills, mathematicians increasingly assemble thinkers with different skills and knowledge bases to collaborate on problems.

The Guardian

There is a strong logic for a joint effort because the two sides are pursuing different but complementary strategies to decoding the genome.

The New York Times

What is certain is that both these very different, but complementary, books will in their own ways help anyone trying to understand policing today.

The Guardian - Books

The complaints dissipated after the films turned out to be fairly good a different but complementary achievement.

The Economist

Duy adopts a somewhat different but complementary approach: he asks just how bad the evil inflationary 1970s actually were.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "different but complementary" to describe elements that enhance each other despite their differences. For example, "The team members had different skill sets but their abilities were complementary, leading to a well-rounded project outcome."

Common error

Avoid using "different but complementary" simply to sound sophisticated. Ensure the elements you're describing truly have distinct characteristics that contribute positively to a unified whole. Otherwise, opt for a simpler descriptive phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different but complementary" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating that the noun has two distinct qualities which, despite their difference, work well together. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "different but complementary" is a versatile descriptor used to convey that distinct elements, despite their differences, enhance each other to create a more complete or effective whole. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It appears most frequently in science, news and media, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the elements described genuinely possess distinct characteristics that contribute positively together. Alternative phrases such as "distinct yet synergistic" or "diverse but harmonious" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Ludwig's examples showcase how "different but complementary" is used across a variety of domains, emphasizing its role in highlighting beneficial collaborations and integrated systems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct yet synergistic

Replaces "complementary" with "synergistic", emphasizing the enhanced combined effect.

diverse but harmonious

Substitutes "different" with "diverse" and "complementary" with "harmonious", suggesting a pleasing combination.

varied but interconnected

Emphasizes the connection between the different elements, suggesting a close relationship.

contrasting but reinforcing

Highlights the contrast while stressing the mutual support the elements provide.

disparate but convergent

Implies that the differing elements ultimately come together to a common point or goal.

unique yet reciprocal

Suggests that each element is special but that they also act in return or respond to each other.

individual but collaborative

Emphasizes the separate identities while stressing their joint work.

separate but integrated

Highlights the distinction and the fusion of the elements.

unlike but mutually beneficial

Focuses on the dissimilarities and the advantages both elements gain.

divergent but aligned

Implies that the elements differ in direction but are ultimately in agreement or support of one another.

FAQs

How can I use "different but complementary" in a sentence?

Use "different but complementary" to describe two or more things that are distinct but enhance each other. For example, "The two strategies were "different but complementary", leading to a comprehensive solution."

What are some alternatives to "different but complementary"?

Alternatives include phrases like "distinct yet synergistic", "diverse but harmonious", or "varied but interconnected", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "different but complementary"?

While "different" implies not being the same, "complementary" specifies a relationship of enhancement or completion. So, using them together isn't necessarily redundant if you want to emphasize that the differences are beneficial and work well together.

What's the difference between ""different but complementary"" and "similar and complementary"?

"Different but complementary" suggests that items contrast but work well together, while "similar and complementary" indicates that the items have overlapping characteristics and enhance each other. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize contrast or similarity.