separate but complementary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "separate but complementary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two entities that are distinct from each other but work well together or enhance each other’s qualities. Example: "The two departments in the company operate separately but complementary, each bringing unique strengths to the overall mission."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"VR at home is a separate but complementary experience to live events.

The Guardian

However, both Komorowski and Kobieracki suggested that Poland might be able to accept a "creatively packaged" plan that included separate but complementary components ("chapters") for Poland and the Baltic States.

The Guardian

(Rosenberg) Jay Critchley: 'Deep Bones' / Chad Person: 'A Hero Never Fails' (through Sept. 10) Two Cassandras in separate but complementary shows decry our addictions to oil, drugs and competition.

The New York Times - Arts

(Cotter) Last Chance Jay Critchley: 'Deep Bones' / Chad Person: 'A Hero Never Fails' (closes on Saturday) Two Cassandras in separate but complementary shows decry our addictions to oil, drugs and competition.

The New York Times - Arts

Our empirical strategy follows two separate but complementary approaches.

Journal of Economic Structures

"Infrastructure and content are separate but complementary lines of business.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Thus, it would be possible to have separated but complementary pcb-statecharts that could be delivered to different teams of system engineers.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

In particular, the study gathered key informants' perspectives on instrument-based ACP decision aids–support mechanisms that are separate from but complementary to conversations with clinicians.

BMC Palliative Care

Moreover, we show that the two components of absorptive capacity unfold not only separate but also complementary effects on innovation, implying that the whole of absorptive capacity is greater than its parts.

Research Policy

And in separate yet complementary ways, the investor Warren Buffett and New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer struck back.

The New York Times

Shot in 16 millimeter, divided into two separate if complementary sections and wonderfully scored, it is composed of abstracted, often blurred images that verge on the very edge of the recognizable if not graspable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "separate but complementary", ensure the separation and the complementary nature are both clearly evident in the context. Avoid using it for entities that are merely different without contributing to a greater whole.

Common error

Don't assume that being "separate but complementary" is always desirable. Sometimes integration is more effective. Ensure that maintaining separation offers a distinct advantage in your specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "separate but complementary" functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun by describing two distinct yet related qualities. Ludwig provides examples in diverse contexts, highlighting its descriptive capability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "separate but complementary" is grammatically correct and serves to describe distinct entities that enhance each other. As Ludwig shows, it is used across various domains, including science, news media, and formal business contexts. While the phrase is not overly common, it conveys a specific relationship of distinction and collaboration. When using "separate but complementary", ensure that the separation and enhancement are both evident and advantageous. It is also important to remember that "complementary" is not always positive and you need to make sure that remaining separate has advantages. Understanding these nuances, as provided by Ludwig, can help you effectively use the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct yet collaborative

Emphasizes collaboration more than simple complementation.

independent but synergistic

Highlights the synergistic effect arising from independence.

differentiated but integrated

Highlights the integration of differentiated components.

discrete yet unified

Focuses on the unity achieved despite discreteness.

divergent but mutually supportive

Emphasizes mutual support despite divergence.

unique but aligned

Emphasizes the alignment of unique entities.

individual but harmonizing

Stresses the harmony created by individual elements.

non-overlapping but reinforcing

Highlights the reinforcement each provides without overlap.

disparate yet convergent

Focuses on the convergence of disparate elements.

standalone yet interconnected

Highlights the interconnection despite standalone nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "separate but complementary" to describe elements that are distinct but enhance each other. For example, "The marketing and sales teams operate as "separate but complementary" units, each contributing uniquely to the company's success."

What phrases are similar to "separate but complementary"?

Similar phrases include "distinct yet collaborative", "independent but synergistic", or "discrete yet unified".

Is it always beneficial for things to be "separate but complementary"?

No, while "separate but complementary" can be advantageous, it's not universally beneficial. Sometimes integration or closer collaboration might be more effective depending on the specific context and goals.

What's the difference between "separate but complementary" and "separate but interrelated"?

"Separate but complementary" implies that the elements enhance each other, whereas "separate but interrelated" simply means they are connected or have an effect on one another, without necessarily enhancing each other.