terrific complement

USAGE SUMMARY

"terrific complement" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that enhances or completes another thing in a positive way. For example: "The new artwork is a terrific complement to the room's decor." Alternative expressions include "great addition" and "excellent enhancement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Also, Camby's finishing ability is a terrific complement to Mark Jackson's ability to penetrate and pass.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a terrific complement to the region's more traditional entertainment industry.

Los Angeles Times

Better still, he has morphed into a terrific complement to the play-making Jordy Nelson (league-leading 14 touchdown catches) and Davante Adams (12 TDs) on the perimeter.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

While Iverson did most of the damage, Aaron McKie and Keith Van Horn were terrific complements.

The New York Times - Sports

The terrific performances complement Oren Moverman's sensitive, understated direction and the rich, observant script he wrote with Alessandro Camon.

The New York Times

Grilled shrimp and calamari may be more Adriatic than Mediterranean, but they are terrific, with a rich complement of smokiness.

The New York Times

He has a superb kick game, terrific organisation and would complement Foran in the halves.

BBC

He can really shoot and is terrific on and off the ball, the perfect complement to Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard.

Huffington Post

"Football, comedy and music are a terrific embodiment of what Absolute Radio stands for – Absolute Radio Extra will offer an exclusive and dynamic national service to complement the existing family of Absolute Radio brands".

The Guardian

The team has terrific linebackers, but the interior of the defensive line used an ineffective rotation in 2012, and improving the defensive tackles would complement the ends.

The New York Times

Another will murmur, "Terrific mood, terrific content, terrific musicianship".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a pairing, use "terrific complement" to emphasize not just that the items go well together, but that the combination is exceptionally good. For example, "The wine was a terrific complement to the cheese."

Common error

While "terrific" conveys enthusiasm, it may sound too informal for academic or business writing. In such contexts, consider using more neutral alternatives like "excellent" or "valuable" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terrific complement" functions as a noun phrase where "terrific" modifies the noun "complement". It serves to describe something that enhances or completes something else in a positive and impressive manner, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terrific complement" is a phrase used to describe something that exceptionally enhances another. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct, though relatively rare in occurrence. Predominantly found in news and media, it carries a slightly informal tone due to the adjective "terrific". While effective in conveying enthusiasm, be mindful of the context and consider more formal alternatives like "excellent addition" for academic or business settings. The phrase emphasizes a positive synergistic relationship, highlighting that one thing significantly improves or completes another. The few examples provided by Ludwig are all related to News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excellent addition

Replaces "terrific" with "excellent", focusing on the positive aspect of the addition.

wonderful complement

Replaces "terrific" with "wonderful", providing a similar level of enthusiasm.

outstanding addition

Uses "outstanding" to highlight the exceptional quality of the addition.

remarkable complement

Emphasizes the noteworthy or surprising nature of the complement.

superb addition

Highlights the high quality of the addition.

perfect complement

Implies that the addition is ideally suited and flawlessly completes something.

fitting addition

Suggests that the addition is appropriate and harmonious.

ideal complement

Similar to "perfect complement", but with a slightly less absolute connotation.

valuable addition

Highlights the usefulness and importance of the addition.

effective complement

Focuses on the successful or productive nature of the complement.

FAQs

How can I use "terrific complement" in a sentence?

You can use "terrific complement" to describe something that enhances or completes another thing in a positive way. For example, "The new artwork is a "terrific complement" to the room's decor."

What can I say instead of "terrific complement"?

You can use alternatives like "excellent addition", "wonderful complement", or "perfect complement" depending on the context.

Is "terrific complement" formal or informal?

The phrase "terrific complement" leans towards the informal side due to the adjective "terrific". While acceptable in many contexts, consider using a more formal synonym like "valuable addition" in formal writing.

What makes something a "terrific complement" rather than just a "complement"?

The adjective "terrific" emphasizes that the complement is not only adequate but exceptionally good or pleasing. It adds a layer of enthusiasm and positive evaluation compared to simply calling something a "complement".