specific but complementary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specific but complementary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe elements that are distinct yet enhance or support each other in a particular context. Example: "The two designs are specific but complementary, each bringing a unique perspective to the overall project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Each of these tools had specific but complementary deficits.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control

Environmental and genetic interventions extend health span in a range of organisms by triggering changes in different specific but complementary pathways.

Aging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The third arm, site-specific, interventions have unique, but complementary attributes which will be described more fully in reports of the comparisons within each city.

BMJ Open

To identify cases of allele-specific expression, which provides independent but complementary evidence for functional cis-regulatory variation, we focused on genes for which multiple heterozygotes were identified for variants in the exonic regions of expressed genes.

eLife

However, it is known that an antisense element (or a guide sequence) is not a snoRNA fragment between the conserved boxes but rather a specific fragment complementary to the target RNA.

BMC Genomics

We discovered that patients and parents often had different concerns, illustrating unique but complementary aspects of EoE-specific HRQOL [ 4].

BMC Gastroenterology

These can be economic (getting senior-level expertise for reduced hours and cost) as well as operational (hiring for specific or complementary skills, or at certain peak periods).

The Guardian

"If developed [it] will be made up of a variety of partners with specific and complementary skills in remanufacturing," Owen says.

The Guardian

The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro applying specific and complementary antioxidant test such as DPPH assay and ORAC test.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

Here we describe the specific and complementary expression patterns of Caps and Trn in the imaginal eye disc and their redundant roles in regulating aspects of epithelial organisation in the morphogenetic furrow and the spacing of developing ommatidia.

Plosone

A first comparison of these resources highlights that they are both specific and complementary [ 82].

Genome Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specific but complementary" to clearly articulate that while components or ideas are distinct and specialized, they also work together to enhance a larger outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "specific but complementary" when the elements are nearly identical or lack a clear, distinct purpose before combining. Ensure each element contributes a unique value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specific but complementary" functions as a connector highlighting dual attributes: the distinctiveness of elements and their ability to enhance each other. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and useful in writing, showing both unique and supportive qualities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specific but complementary" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for expressing how distinct elements can enhance each other when combined. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for demonstrating the dual nature of components that retain individual characteristics while contributing to a larger, more effective outcome. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it emphasizes strategic combinations requiring both specialization and unified function. When employing this phrase, ensure each component brings a distinct, valuable contribution, avoiding overuse in scenarios where elements lack clear differentiation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct yet synergistic

Replaces "specific" with "distinct" and "complementary" with "synergistic" to highlight the combined effect.

different but aligned

Underscores the variation and the shared direction or purpose.

unique but harmonizing

Emphasizes the individuality and the way they work together well.

discrete yet interconnected

Highlights separateness and underlying connections.

individual yet collaborative

Focuses on the separate identities and cooperative interaction.

tailored but compatible

Focuses on customized fit and ease of combination.

specialized yet integrated

Highlights expertise in a particular area and how they become part of a whole.

dedicated yet supplementary

Emphasizes commitment to a role and the supportive function.

particular yet unifying

Emphasizes the focus on individual aspects and the creation of a cohesive entity.

targeted yet reciprocal

Highlights the precise focus and mutual exchange or action.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "specific but complementary" in a sentence?

Use "specific but complementary" to illustrate how distinct elements or strategies, though different, enhance each other when combined, contributing uniquely to a common goal. For example, "The two designs are "specific but complementary", each bringing a unique perspective to the overall project."

What are some alternatives to saying "specific but complementary"?

Consider using phrases such as "distinct yet synergistic", "unique but harmonizing", or "individual yet collaborative" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly different emphasis.

In what context is it appropriate to use "specific but complementary"?

This phrase is suitable when describing components or aspects that are individually tailored for a purpose but collectively enhance a broader objective or system. It's often used in scientific, business, or strategic contexts.

What is the difference between "specific but complementary" and simply saying "complementary"?

"Complementary" alone indicates that items enhance each other, but ""specific but complementary"" emphasizes that each item also has its own distinct role or characteristics, making the combination more strategic and purposeful.