Writing Tip 232: “Complimentative” vs. “Complimentary”

I get it kid. This one annoys me too.

It sneaks into our language often enough that it deserves a moment in the spotlight—a moment in the spotlight before we hopefully make it completely disappear.

Remember, “complimentative” is not actually a word. Neither is “complimentive” or any other variation in spelling.

“Complimentary” or “complementary” are probably what you’re looking for if any of these other forms come out of your mouth.

That free toaster for being one of the first one hundred customers? It’s complimentary.
That lovely pairing of cheese and wine? They’re complementary.
That little old lady who always gushes about your eye color. She’s complimentary.

“Complimentary” and “complimentary” have their moments of confusion (see Get a Grip on Your Grammar for that break-down), but know that “complimentative” is never the right answer. Please take a moment to strike it from your vocabulary.

The world will appreciate it.

Join 550+ subscribers and sign-up for my writing and editing email newsletter for more tips like this.

The post Writing Tip 232: “Complimentative” vs. “Complimentary” appeared first on Kris Spisak.