Complement vs Augment: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Are you unsure whether to use the words “complement” or “augment” in your writing? It’s a common dilemma, but fear not! By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which word to use and when.

Let’s define the two words. “Complement” means to complete or enhance something by adding to it in a way that improves or emphasizes its qualities. On the other hand, “augment” means to add to something in order to make it bigger, better, or more substantial.

So which one should you use? The answer is: it depends on what you’re trying to say. If you want to describe something that enhances or completes something else, use “complement.” If you want to describe something that adds to or increases something else, use “augment.”

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive into some examples and explore the nuances of each word.

Define Complement

Complement refers to something that completes or makes perfect. In the context of business or personal relationships, complement means something that adds value to an existing situation or person. It is a way of enhancing or improving something that already exists. Complementing can be a way of showing appreciation and respect, and it can also be a way of creating a more harmonious environment.

Define Augment

Augment refers to something that increases or enhances. It is a way of adding to something that already exists to make it better or more effective. Augmenting can be a way of improving productivity, profitability, or efficiency. It can also be a way of expanding on an idea or concept to make it more comprehensive or impactful.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between complement and augment:

Complement	Augment
Completes or makes perfect	Increases or enhances
Adds value to an existing situation	Makes something better or more effective
Shows appreciation and respect	Improves productivity, profitability, or efficiency
Creates a more harmonious environment	Expands on an idea or concept

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word to use in a sentence can be tricky, especially when two words seem to have similar meanings. This is the case with “complement” and “augment”. While both words describe something that enhances or improves another thing, they have subtle differences in their usage.

How To Use “Complement” In A Sentence

The word “complement” refers to something that completes or brings out the best in something else. It is often used to describe two things that go well together or make each other better. Here are some examples:

• The red wine complemented the steak perfectly.
• Her dress was a perfect complement to the occasion.
• The new curtains really complement the color of the walls.

As you can see, “complement” is often used to describe something that adds to or enhances another thing. It is also commonly used in the context of fashion and design to describe items that go well together.

How To Use “Augment” In A Sentence

The word “augment” refers to something that adds to or increases the size, value, or effectiveness of something else. It is often used to describe a process of improvement or enhancement. Here are some examples:

• The company plans to augment its product line with new features.
• The athlete trained hard to augment his performance in the upcoming competition.
• The teacher used technology to augment her lesson plan and engage her students.

As you can see, “augment” is often used to describe a process of improvement or enhancement, rather than a simple addition or enhancement. It is commonly used in the context of business, sports, and education to describe processes of growth and improvement.

More Examples Of Complement & Augment Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between complement and augment, it can be helpful to see them used in various contexts. Here are some examples of using complement in a sentence:

• The red dress complements her skin tone perfectly.
• The side salad is a great complement to the main course.
• His skills in marketing complement her expertise in finance.
• The painting on the wall complements the color scheme of the room.
• Her earrings complement the necklace she is wearing.
• The spices in the dish complement each other well.
• The new employee will complement the existing team nicely.
• The wine is a perfect complement to the cheese plate.
• The music in the background complements the ambiance of the restaurant.
• The book is a great complement to the movie adaptation.

Now, here are some examples of using augment in a sentence:

• The new software will augment our current capabilities.
• The additional funding will augment our research efforts.
• His experience in sales will augment the team’s ability to close deals.
• The use of technology will augment the learning experience for students.
• The new equipment will augment our production capacity.
• Their marketing campaign is designed to augment brand awareness.
• The new employee will augment the team’s skill set.
• The use of social media will augment our outreach efforts.
• The training program is designed to augment employee performance.
• The new product line will augment our existing offerings.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words complement and augment, people often confuse the two and use them interchangeably. However, these words have distinct meanings and should not be used in the wrong context. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Complement When You Mean Augment

One common mistake is using the word complement when you actually mean augment. Complement means to complete or enhance something by adding to it, while augment means to increase or make something greater in size or value. For example, saying that a new feature complements an existing product implies that the new feature enhances or completes the product, while saying that the new feature augments the existing product implies that the new feature increases or expands the product.

Using Augment When You Mean Complement

Conversely, another common mistake is using the word augment when you actually mean complement. As mentioned earlier, complement means to complete or enhance something by adding to it, while augment means to increase or make something greater in size or value. For example, saying that a new feature augments an existing product when it actually complements it might give the impression that the new feature is redundant or unnecessary.

Not Considering Context

Another mistake people make is not considering the context in which they are using these words. Complement and augment have different connotations and are used in different contexts. For example, while complement is often used in the context of design or aesthetics, augment is often used in the context of technology or science. Using these words in the wrong context can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to have a clear understanding of the meanings of complement and augment. You can also try using synonyms or alternative phrases to express your ideas more clearly. Additionally, proofreading your writing can help you catch any errors or inconsistencies in your use of these words.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “complement” and “augment,” context plays a significant role. The decision to use one over the other can depend on the specific circumstances in which they are being used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between complement and augment might change:

1. Food and Cooking

In the context of food and cooking, the word “complement” is often used to describe flavors that go well together. For example, a wine might be said to complement a particular dish. On the other hand, “augment” might be used to describe adding an extra ingredient to a dish to enhance its flavor. For instance, a chef might augment a sauce with a pinch of salt to bring out its flavors.

2. Business and Marketing

In the world of business and marketing, the choice between complement and augment might depend on the specific strategy being employed. For example, a company might choose to complement its existing product line with a new offering that fills a gap in the market. Alternatively, a business might choose to augment its existing products with additional features or services to make them more appealing to customers.

3. Language and Communication

When it comes to language and communication, the choice between complement and augment can depend on the specific message being conveyed. For example, a writer might choose to complement their argument with additional evidence to make it more convincing. Alternatively, a speaker might choose to augment their message by using powerful imagery or metaphors to make it more memorable.

In conclusion, the choice between complement and augment can vary depending on the specific context in which they are being used. By understanding the nuances of these two words, we can use them more effectively to convey our intended meaning and achieve our desired outcomes.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using complement and augment are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind.

1. Use Of Complement With Opposites

One exception to the rule of using complement to complete or enhance something is when dealing with opposites. In some cases, using the opposite of a word can be more effective than using its complement. For example, instead of saying “the sweetness of the cake was complemented by the bitterness of the coffee,” you could say “the sweetness of the cake was offset by the bitterness of the coffee.” This creates a stronger contrast between the two flavors and makes the description more vivid.

2. Use Of Augment For Negative Connotations

Another exception to the rule is when dealing with negative connotations. While it is generally better to use complement to enhance something positive, using augment can be more effective when describing something negative. For example, instead of saying “the darkness of the night was complemented by the silence of the forest,” you could say “the darkness of the night was augmented by the eerie silence of the forest.” This creates a more ominous and foreboding atmosphere.

3. Use Of Complement For Contrast

Finally, there are cases where using complement can actually create a contrast rather than a completion. For example, instead of saying “the bright sunshine complemented the clear blue sky,” you could say “the bright sunshine contrasted with the clear blue sky.” This creates a more dynamic and interesting description.

Overall, while the rules for using complement and augment are generally reliable, it is important to keep these exceptions in mind in order to create the most effective and impactful writing.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between complement and augment, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words:

Exercise 1: Complement Or Augment?

Decide whether the following sentences use complement or augment correctly. If the sentence is incorrect, provide a corrected version:

Sentence	Correct or Incorrect?	Corrected Version (if applicable)
The new software will complement the existing system.	Correct	N/A
Adding more RAM will augment the computer’s performance.	Correct	N/A
The new curtains really augmented the room’s decor.	Incorrect	The new curtains really complemented the room’s decor.
The new employee will complement the team’s skill set.	Correct	N/A
Using a thesaurus can augment your vocabulary.	Correct	N/A

Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of complement or augment:

1. The new software will __________ the existing system.
2. Adding more RAM will __________ the computer’s performance.
3. The new curtains really __________ the room’s decor.
4. The new employee will __________ the team’s skill set.
5. Using a thesaurus can __________ your vocabulary.

Answers:

1. complement
2. augment
3. complement
4. complement
5. augment

By practicing with these exercises, you’ll be able to confidently use complement and augment in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is essential to understand the difference between complement and augment in the English language. Complement refers to something that completes or enhances another thing, while augment means to increase or add to something.

Throughout the article, we have explored the various ways in which these two terms can be used in different contexts, including grammar, writing, and speaking.

It is important to note that while these terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings that can significantly impact the clarity and effectiveness of communication.

Key Takeaways

• Complement refers to something that enhances or completes another thing, while augment means to increase or add to something.
• Understanding the difference between these two terms is essential for effective communication in writing and speaking.
• Using the right term in the right context can significantly impact the clarity and effectiveness of communication.

As language and communication continue to evolve, it is crucial to continue learning and expanding our knowledge of grammar and language use. By doing so, we can improve our ability to communicate effectively and efficiently, both in our personal and professional lives.