distinct but complementary

USAGE SUMMARY

"distinct but complementary" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to describe two things that are different but work together to achieve a certain goal or outcome. For example: "The drama and comedy club produces distinct but complementary performances throughout the year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

These outcomes suggest that the subregions within the medial temporal lobe subserve distinct, but complementary, learning mechanisms.

Harvard University

Experimental data for pressure fluctuation time series in a fluidized bed are analyzed by several distinct, but complementary methods.

Chemical Engineering Science

Three distinct, but complementary methods that are suitable for non-stationary series are used to analyze the cross correlations.

Chemical Engineering Science

The information commissioner's office was set up to draw distinct but complementary areas of government information policy into a single space.

The Guardian

Paddy Power and Betfair say their merger will bring together two distinct but complementary brands that have both used eye-catching advertising to lure punters.

The Guardian - Business

Research, however, indicates that self-report and performance-based assessment of ADL offer distinct but complementary information about ability.

PAIN

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Thornton has hypothesized that a system that he calls social working memory is distinct from but complementary to working memory, which is what people use to hold nonsocial information in mind, such as when alphabetizing a group of words.

Princeton University

The rest of the photograph is pure color — two soft, almost atmospheric hues, distinct from but complementary with the colors of the sharply drawn nut.

Los Angeles Times

This approach is therefore distinct from, but complementary to, established methods that concentrate on evaluation of specific surveillance systems [ 3].

BMC Public Health

6 Evolutionary science addresses medicine in a manner distinct from but complementary to other basic sciences, and provides hypotheses to explain many aspects of human biology and anatomy.

British Medical Journal

Contemporary CBA can be thought of as involving two distinct, but potentially complementary approaches to hypothesis testing.

Clinician's Handbook of Child Behavioral Assessment

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distinct but complementary", ensure that the distinct elements genuinely enhance each other, creating a combined effect greater than the sum of their individual contributions.

Common error

Avoid using "distinct but complementary" when the elements are merely different without providing a clear, synergistic benefit. Ensure there's genuine added value from their combination.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinct but complementary" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe elements that are differentiated yet work synergistically. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is often used to highlight how differences can lead to a more effective or complete outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

19%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "distinct but complementary" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that highlights the beneficial relationship between different entities. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability. Predominantly found in scientific, academic, and news contexts, it emphasizes how differences can create synergy. When using this phrase, ensure that the elements genuinely enhance each other for a combined, positive effect. Alternatives like "different but complementary" or "separate but complementary" offer similar nuances. Avoid overstating the complementarity if there is no clear, synergistic benefit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discrete but complementary

Emphasizes separateness more strongly than "distinct".

different but complementary

A more general term for dissimilarity.

separate but complementary

Highlights the independent nature of the elements.

diverse but complementary

Implies a wider range of differences.

individual yet synergistic

Replaces 'distinct' with 'individual' and 'complementary' with 'synergistic' which has more of a business/collaborative focus.

unique but harmonizing

Emphasizes the individuality and harmonious interaction.

specialized but collaborative

Focuses on specialized roles and collaboration between elements.

contrasting yet unified

Highlights the contrast and ultimate unity.

independent but interdependent

Highlights autonomy with reciprocal dependence.

differentiated but aligned

Focuses on the differentiation of features and their common purpose.

FAQs

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

Use "distinct but complementary" to describe two or more elements that are different from each other, but together create a synergy. For example, "The two business departments have "distinct but complementary" roles within the company".

What are some alternatives to "distinct but complementary"?

You can use alternatives such as "different but complementary", "separate but complementary", or "diverse but complementary" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "distinct but complementary"?

No, it's not necessarily redundant. "Distinct" emphasizes the differences, while "complementary" highlights how those differences work together positively. The phrase underscores that the elements are not just different, but that their differences create a beneficial relationship.

What is the difference between "distinct but complementary" and "distinct but overlapping"?

"Distinct but complementary" implies that the elements work well together despite their differences. On the other hand, "distinct but overlapping" suggests there are clear differences, but also some shared aspects or functions.