Technology Center Of Dupage



Grammar Tip of the Week

A Mental Multi-Vitamin to Stay Sharp!

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TIP: Compliment vs. Complement

Explanation: In the English language, we have a lot of words that have different spellings, yet have similar pronunciations. These words (thanks to Grammar Tip 18) are called HOMONYMS!!! Anyhow, “compliment” and “complement” is yet another example of confusion in our writing. In today’s world, we cannot afford to write the wrong spelling of a word that we intended to mean something entirely different! This can cost us money, or even our job!

Compliment, spelled with an "i", means a word of praise. The word complement, spelled with an "e", means that something pairs well with something else. An easy way to remember this rule is by the following example.

I like to give compliments.

Things that complement each other often complete each other.

Tip in Use:

A compliment from a friend is enough to brighten someone’s day.

The bride and groom complement each other well.

Feta cheese complements a Greek salad perfectly.

I complimented her on her beautiful new hair style!

EXAMPLES

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