Pet Peeve #26 - I vs E
Compliment vs complement. This is one of the more subtle mistakes writers make in that it’s a difference of one letter. It’s not something I see entirely too much, though, so it doesn’t grind my teeth like other peeves.
Complement can be used as a verb as well as a noun.
Compliment is also a verb and a noun.
Lovely, isn’t it? You have to love the English language. So with this one, you have to concentrate on the definitions because the usual ‘tips and tricks’ don’t apply.
Complement means to satisfy a need or complete a whole.
Compliment means praise. If you remember that this means praise and only praise, then you should be okay with it.
To apply this one:
Her work complemented the rest of the team’s work. (satisfied a need, completed a whole)
The team complimented her for her work. (praised)
June 20th, 2007 at 11:45 am
I didn’t even realise they were spelt differently. I’m 30 years old and have always just used compliment for both types of meaning.
June 21st, 2007 at 6:45 am
That’s what you have me for.