was complemented by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was complemented by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation in which one thing enhances or adds to another thing. Example: The subtle flavors of the dish were complemented by the bold spices used in its preparation.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was complemented by hyssop oil and almond oil.

The New York Times - Food

This climax was complemented by a formal intercultural conclusion.

The New York Times - Arts

Her salesmanship was complemented by her unabashed showmanship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His tie -- snowmen with carrot noses -- was complemented by his wife's poinsettia-embroidered vest.

The New York Times

The dynamism of his aerial creature was complemented by Ms. Nichols's lyrical playfulness.

The New York Times - Arts

Barlow's paper was complemented by a separate Defense Intelligence Agency study, which reached the same conclusion.

The New Yorker

His talent was complemented by an ability to capitalize on opportunity.

The New York Times

The spicy seafood was complemented by the sweet-and-tangy sauce.

The New York Times

Cruz's growth would be more rewarding if it was complemented by a stronger running game.

The New York Times - Sports

His restless, probing mind was complemented by a quick temper and a sustained capacity for invective.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was complemented by participant observation during outpatient consultations.

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was complemented by" to highlight how one element enhances or completes another, creating a more comprehensive or balanced outcome. It is useful for pointing out positive synergistic effects.

Common error

Avoid using "was complemented by" when you actually mean to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship. Instead of saying "The increase in sales was complemented by the new marketing campaign", which suggests enhancement, use "was caused by" or "was a result of" to accurately convey that the marketing campaign led to the sales increase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was complemented by" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that a subject received enhancement or completion through the addition of something else. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical usage and provides numerous examples of its application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was complemented by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that describes how something is enhanced or completed by something else. Ludwig AI confirms this with many real-world examples. It is suitable for various contexts but especially prevalent in scientific and formal writing. Ensure you use it correctly to describe enhancement, not causation, and note alternatives like "enhanced", "supplemented", or "reinforced" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was enhanced by

Indicates that something has been improved or made better by something else.

was augmented by

Suggests that something was increased in size or value by something else.

was supplemented by

Implies that something was added to complete or enhance something else.

was reinforced by

Indicates that something was strengthened or supported by something else.

was enriched by

Suggests that something was improved or made more meaningful by something else.

was fortified by

Implies that something was strengthened and protected by something else.

was accompanied by

Indicates that something occurred together with something else, often adding to the experience.

was matched by

Suggests a harmonious or balanced pairing with something else.

was rounded out by

Indicates that something was completed or made more comprehensive by something else.

was seconded by

Indicates that a proposal or action was supported by someone or something else.

FAQs

How can I use "was complemented by" in a sentence?

Use "was complemented by" to show how one thing enhances another. For example, "The excellent acting "was complemented by" the stunning visual effects."

What are some alternatives to "was complemented by"?

Some alternatives include "was enhanced by", "was supplemented by", or "was reinforced by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was complimented by" instead of "was complemented by"?

No, "complimented" means to express praise, while "complemented" means to enhance or complete. They are distinct words with different meanings. Use "complemented" when you mean that something enhances or completes something else.

What's the difference between "was supported by" and "was complemented by"?

"Was supported by" suggests assistance or reinforcement, while "was complemented by" indicates a harmonious or enhancing addition. Supporting implies providing help, while complementing implies completing or enhancing.