Hi All,

After printing 50 COLOR brochures, I realized that I used the words "Complimentary Consultation" instead of "Complementary Consultation".

I thought it was a typo, but after doing an online search, I see that people use both variations of the word, and whats worse, I used them both on my website...urghhh...please tell me which one is correct. Help!

Thanks in advance

__________________
Perfecting Assistance Services
www.perfectingassistance.com
Allowing you time to PERFECT your Business!

Based on a synonym comparison in Word, I think the one I need to use is "Complimentary".

Whew...on to my changes...

__________________
Perfecting Assistance Services
www.perfectingassistance.com
Allowing you time to PERFECT your Business!

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, it is supposed to be complimentary. Part of that definition is this:
given free as a courtesy or favor <for example, complimentary tickets>

So it wasn't a "typo" after all. :0)

You were correct to use "complimentary" as you are supplying something without charge (I double checked dictionary.com to make sure, too). "Complementary" is used to describe mutual things - I have always thought of "complementary" in terms of colors on the color wheel - where the colors across from each other are the "complementary colors." Glad you didn't have to reprint!

Thank you gals so much!

I am so glad I don't have to reprint, and I've already made the changes to my website

__________________
Perfecting Assistance Services
www.perfectingassistance.com
Allowing you time to PERFECT your Business!

You are absolutely right!

I found this entry on e Learn English Language, Online language learning with Laura K. Lawless:

Complement
Complement is a noun and verb. It also has a matching adjective, complementary. In any case, it refers to something that completes or goes well with something.

The sauce is a nice complement to the vegetables.
The sauce complements the vegetables nicely.
This book will complement his collection.
I'm looking for a special shelf complementary to my book collection.

Compliment
Compliment is also a noun and a verb. It indicates the offering of praise or flattery to another person, as does the adjective complimentary.

He gave me a compliment about my dress.
He was very complimentary about my dress.
Thanks for complimenting me.

Complimentary can also mean free.
The champagne was complimentary.
He gave me a complimentary copy of his new book.

The Bottom Line
The word pairs complement/compliment and complementary/complimentary are pronounced identically, hence the confusion in spelling.

Just remember that complement with an E means "to complete" or "to enhance," while compliment with an I means "to praise" and complimentary means "free."

HTH!

__________________
Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

Wow! Thanks for posting this! This is the first time I actually saw those two words side-by-side and I hope that I had used the right variations in my writings!

__________________
Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

Can you guys believe these 2 words were in part of my daughters spelling/definition workbook? She is 9 yrs old and I still have to think about which one to use and when!

__________________
Dawn Riley
A Virtual Assistant in Paradise
Our business is about making yours better

Originally Posted by vainparadise

Can you guys believe these 2 words were in part of my daughters spelling/definition workbook? She is 9 yrs old and I still have to think about which one to use and when!

Wow, that is amazing! I don't remember learning this when I was that young, but I probably was.

When I first read Delady's post, I was struck by the same thought. How often have I misused this word and not even been aware of it?

__________________
Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

I saw complementary a couple of days ago and thought it was a spelling mistake. Before reading this thread I would have used Complimentary for everything.

Great explanation everybody. Thank you

__________________
Michelle
http://www.virtualsos.com.au
Virtual Star Office Solutions