were complemented by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were complemented by" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
One possible example of using this phrase in a sentence could be: "The flavors of the dish were complemented by the light and fruity wine." This sentence shows that the flavors and the wine worked well together and enhanced each other.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These were complemented by the occasional smoking tire.

The New York Times

These results were complemented by stochastic simulations in finite populations.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

The experimental studies were complemented by finite element modeling (FEM).

Surface and Coatings Technology

We want Nelson!" were complemented by sing-song chants of "Nelson!

The New York Times - Sports

The four turnovers were complemented by cataclysmic penalties that extended Tampa Bay drives.

The New York Times - Sports

Whole-brain analyses were complemented by Region of Interest (ROI) analyses.

Nature

These small efforts were complemented by projects involving big U.S. Web companies to expand connectivity.

MIT Technology Review

Mr. Handler's product-development and design talents were complemented by his wife's marketing savvy.

The Washington Post

Arrangements that stretched the harmonics of the band and made their playing sound big were complemented by rhythmic improvisation.

The Guardian

These were complemented by the chilled house rose and a medley of operetta tunes by the resident pianist.

The New York Times - Travel

An Iffy Onuora strike plus two from Marlon King were complemented by a third consecutive clean sheet.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were complemented by", ensure that the items being linked logically enhance each other. The relationship should be clear and contribute to a better understanding of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "were complemented by" when the relationship is one of replacement or substitution, rather than enhancement. This phrase indicates an additive benefit, not an alternative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were complemented by" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that certain elements received enhancement or completion through the addition of other elements. As shown by Ludwig, this is commonly used to describe synergistic relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were complemented by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a passive verb construction to describe how different elements enhance each other. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it holds a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for diverse writing styles. Alternatives like "were supplemented by" and "were enhanced by" can offer nuanced variations while conveying similar meaning. Using this phrase accurately involves ensuring a genuine additive relationship, not a substitution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were supplemented by

Indicates an addition to something to enhance it; slightly emphasizes the additive aspect more than "complemented".

were enhanced by

Focuses on the improvement or augmentation that something received.

were reinforced by

Highlights the strengthening effect one element has on another, providing added support.

were augmented by

Similar to supplemented, but often implies a greater degree of addition or increase.

were supported by

Suggests that something received backing or assistance from another source.

were enriched by

Implies an increase in value or quality due to the addition of something else.

were completed by

Highlights the idea that the addition finished or finalized something. It focuses on finishing or achieving completeness.

were rounded out by

Indicates that something was made more complete or well-balanced through an addition.

were seconded by

Used when someone supports a proposal or idea previously stated.

were seconded with

Implies formal agreement and endorsement, highlighting a sense of institutional support, whereas 'were complemented by' indicates enhancement or enrichment.

FAQs

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

You can use "were complemented by" to show how different elements enhance or complete each other. For instance, "The delicious meal were complemented by a fine wine" shows that the wine improved the dining experience.

What are some alternatives to "were complemented by"?

Alternatives include "were supplemented by", "were enhanced by", or "were reinforced by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "were complemented by" formal or informal?

"Were complemented by" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for various types of writing.

What's the difference between "were complemented by" and "were replaced by"?

"Were complemented by" indicates an addition that enhances something, while "were replaced by" indicates a substitution. The former improves, the latter substitutes. For example, the original system were complemented by a new feature; the old software were replaced by a modern one.