that complements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that complements" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that enhances or completes another element, often in contexts like design, food pairing, or relationships. Example: "The new color scheme that complements the existing decor has transformed the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

What can fund work that complements the Council's programme.

The Guardian

It's a second culture that complements our own.

The Guardian - Opinion

(With a dish that complements these powerful wines).

The New York Times

It focuses on merchandise that complements rather than duplicates what is offered in Wal-Mart's stores.

The New York Times

I was not savoring my cigarette like a glass of wine that complements a pleasant conversation.

The New York Times

She has discovered a body of exciting, deeply moving work that complements the existing literary cannon.

The Guardian - Books

They're served with an excellent tartar sauce made with dill pickles that complements the scallops perfectly.

The New York Times

Pick a thread colour that complements, matches or contrasts with your patch and your garment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's important to live in a way that complements what you believe".

The New York Times - Sports

A technique that does not produce waterlogged, soggy carrots and one that complements their natural sweetness.

The New York Times

Moore's business uses online marketing that complements McKesson's sales force of 500, Mr. Kurtz said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that complements", ensure that the relationship between the two elements is clear. Specifically, show how the addition improves or completes the initial subject.

Common error

Avoid using "that complements" when the second element merely duplicates or imitates the first. Ensure that it adds a unique or enhancing quality, rather than being redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that complements" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by specifying a quality that enhances or completes it. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. For example, "a thread colour that complements the fabric".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that complements" is a grammatically sound and versatile relative clause used to describe something that enhances or completes another. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its function is to specify a quality that improves or adds to a subject. It is widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and wiki articles, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using "that complements", ensure the relationship between the two elements is clear and avoid redundancy. Alternatives such as ""that enhances"" or "that supplements" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that enhances

Focuses more directly on the act of improving or intensifying the qualities of something.

that completes

Emphasizes the finishing or perfecting aspect.

that supplements

Suggests adding something extra to make something more complete.

that augments

Implies increasing the size or value of something by adding to it.

that enriches

Highlights the improvement in quality or value.

that reinforces

Highlights the strengthening or supporting of an existing element.

that harmonizes with

Suggests a pleasing or congruent combination.

that integrates with

Implies seamless combination or incorporation into a whole.

that matches

Implies a similarity or correspondence in appearance, taste, or quality.

that corresponds with

Focuses on agreement or analogy between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "that complements" in a sentence?

Use "that complements" to describe something that enhances or completes another element. For example: "Choose a wine "that enhances" the flavors of the dish."

What are some alternatives to "that complements"?

You can use alternatives like ""that enhances"", "that supplements", or "that completes" depending on the context.

How does "that complements" differ from "that duplicates"?

"That complements" implies an enhancement or completion, whereas "that duplicates" suggests a repetition without adding unique value. Ensure the element described by "that complements" adds a beneficial quality.

Is it formal to use "that complements" in academic writing?

Yes, the phrase "that complements" is appropriate for academic and formal writing, suggesting a sophisticated and well-considered relationship between ideas or elements. It's suitable for describing how different aspects of a research study or argument relate to each other.