Which sentence uses complement correctly to mean something that completes another?

Which sentence uses complement correctly to mean something that completes another?

• A. The scarf is a perfect compliment to the coat.
• B. The scarf is a perfect complement to the coat.
• C. The scarf will compliment the coat.
• D. The coat complements the scarf.

Answer: (B)

This item tests the noun form of complement, meaning something that completes or goes well with something else, and it contrasts it with the similar-sounding compliment. The scarf being a perfect complement to the coat fits this sense exactly: the scarf is something that completes or nicely enhances the coat, forming a complete look. The other sentences shift meaning. Using compliment here would be about praise, not something that completes. The sentence with will compliment uses compliment as a verb meaning to praise or harmonize, not the noun sense of a thing that completes. The sentence where the coat complements the scarf uses the verb form of complement, which expresses completing in a verb sense but not the noun sense the prompt targets. Thus, the noun form that denotes a completing addition is the best choice.

This item tests the noun form of complement, meaning something that completes or goes well with something else, and it contrasts it with the similar-sounding compliment.

The scarf being a perfect complement to the coat fits this sense exactly: the scarf is something that completes or nicely enhances the coat, forming a complete look.

The other sentences shift meaning. Using compliment here would be about praise, not something that completes. The sentence with will compliment uses compliment as a verb meaning to praise or harmonize, not the noun sense of a thing that completes. The sentence where the coat complements the scarf uses the verb form of complement, which expresses completing in a verb sense but not the noun sense the prompt targets. Thus, the noun form that denotes a completing addition is the best choice.