complementary to + noun
Showing that two things complete each other
Use to when two items work well together or balance each other.
These services are complementary to our existing products.
complementary: correct prepositions
Complementary is normally followed by to when two things complete or support each other.
Quick answer
Use complementary to
Use complementary to when one thing combines well with another. Complementary with sometimes appears informally, but to is the standard choice. The combinations complementary in, complementary rather, and complementary of are not standard patterns after the adjective.
The two courses are complementary to each other.
Blue is complementary to orange in colour theory.
Her skills are complementary to mine.
Blue is complementary to orange in colour theory.
Her skills are complementary to mine.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
complementary to each other
Describing mutual support or balance
This structure emphasises that both sides fit together.
Their strengths are complementary to each other.
complementary colours to + colour
Talking about colour relationships
In art and design, complementary to is used for contrasting colours.
Purple is complementary to yellow.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
complementary to
The software is complementary to the hardware.
The two things support or complete each other.
complementary with
Her experience is complementary with his technical skills.
Sometimes used informally, but complementary to is more standard.
complementary in
The teams are complementary in style.
Here in introduces a separate detail, not a fixed adjective pattern.
complementary of
The phrase complementary of is not standard.
Avoid this construction after complementary.
complementary rather
The phrase complementary rather is not an English adjective pattern.
Use complementary to instead.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Confusing complementary and complimentary
Complementary means matching or completing. Complimentary means free or praising.
✕ We offer complementary drinks. ✓ We offer complimentary drinks.Using complementary with instead of to
To is the standard preposition after complementary.
✕ The systems are complementary with each other. ✓ The systems are complementary to each other.Using complementary of
Of does not normally follow complementary.
✕ The design is complementary of the brand. ✓ The design is complementary to the brand.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. Their skills are complementary ___ each other.
2. Red is complementary ___ green.
3. Which sentence is standard English? ___
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Frequently asked questions
What does complementary to mean?
It means that two things complete, support, or balance each other.
Is complementary with correct?
It appears sometimes, but complementary to is the preferred standard form.
What is the difference between complementary and complimentary?
Complementary relates to matching or completing. Complimentary means free of charge or expressing praise.
Related preposition guides
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