it only complements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it only complements" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something adds to or enhances another thing without overshadowing it. Example: "The new design is beautiful, but it only complements the existing architecture rather than detracting from it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It only complements an ongoing effort.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The local architects Pierre Jorge Gonzalez and Judith Haase outfitted the whitewashed interior with the same kind of low topographical landscape they invented for AM2 and AM3, but this time it not only complements the minimalist tendencies of their client but exaggerates the disparity between the massive light-filled rooms and the small handful of racks scattered at their perimeters.

The New York Times

It not only complements our core users' growing appetite for premium licensed ACG content, but also solidifies our leading position in China's ACG industry," said Carly Lee, chief operating officer of Bilibili, in a statement.

TechCrunch

Advanced IT systems can only complement an effective and functional MDT 20 and cannot compensate for inherent weaknesses in team composition, organisation or operation.

BMJ Open

In such a setting, you want a place to stay that not only complements but enhances the surroundings.

The Guardian - Travel

The company also updated the iPhone app, which not only complements Buffer's web application, but can also stand independently, never requiring use of the web at all.

TechCrunch

These results indicated that heterologous expression of OsNCED4 in 129B08/nced3 not only complements the severe wilting phenotype of the mutant but also increases its drought tolerance to a level higher than that of Col-0.

Botanical Studies

The PrEP strategy not only complements other existing prevention methods, but also has some unique advantages.

HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care

In this view, morals and religion are matters of practice, not of theory; they do not rival science but only complement it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lewis (1982) favors the same sort of account, but Lewis applies it only to whether-complements. Karttunen, a proponent of the second option, takes wh-complements to denote sets of true propositions, so that 'what John reads' denotes (Karttunen 1977, 20) "a set which contains, for each thing that John reads, the proposition that he reads it".

SEP

On Water pan excavation 92% households were aware that it was by mechanical means and only complemented by 4% manual excavation.

Environmental Systems Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it only complements" to clearly indicate that something enhances or adds to another thing without overshadowing or replacing it. This emphasizes the supportive role of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "it only complements" when the subject significantly alters or transforms the original thing. Reserve it for situations where the effect is genuinely supplementary rather than transformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it only complements" typically acts as a verb phrase within a sentence, functioning to describe how one thing enhances, supplements, or adds to another without replacing it. Ludwig confirms the phrase's acceptability, although examples are relatively rare.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it only complements" is a grammatically correct way to describe something that enhances or supports something else, without replacing it. While Ludwig's analysis shows the phrase is acceptable, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media and science contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the subject genuinely supplements the main thing, rather than dominating it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it merely enhances

Focuses on enhancement as the sole action, minimizing any sense of competition.

it simply adds to

Highlights addition in a straightforward way, emphasizing a supportive role.

it just supplements

Stresses the role of filling in what's lacking, making something more complete.

it solely augments

Emphasizes an increase or growth in something, being the only function.

it purely enriches

Highlights the value added, focusing on a contribution that makes something better.

it exclusively bolsters

Points to the strengthening or support provided, but as the one action only.

it only improves

Suggests a positive change as the unique result.

it barely touches

Highlights a light addition, almost immaterial.

it marginally supports

Suggests a slight or minor support.

it incidentally assists

Indicates an assistance that's not the primary aim.

FAQs

What does "it only complements" mean?

The phrase "it only complements" means that something enhances or adds to something else without being a main component or replacing it. It has a supporting role.

What can I say instead of "it only complements"?

You can use alternatives like "it merely enhances", "it simply adds to", or "it just supplements" depending on the context.

Is "it only complements" formal or informal?

The phrase "it only complements" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, maintaining a neutral tone.

How do I use "it only complements" in a sentence?

Use "it only complements" to describe something that enhances or supports another thing, like, "The new design is beautiful, but "it only complements" the existing architecture rather than detracting from it."