Complement vs. Compliment
I just came across this phrase in an Intel case study:
[BMW's strategy was to] Support and compliment its newly installed Microsoft Server Management System (SMS)
They meant ‘complement.’ It’s a classic mistake and one I’m sure I have made.
Here are the definitions:
- Complement: contribute extra features to (someone or something) in such a way as to improve or emphasize their qualities. “SMS, we’re going to add Centrino Pro so that you can work better.”
- Compliment: politely congratulate or praise (someone) for something. “SMS you’re so pretty. I want to interface with you.”
Technorati Tags: Pedantry, Grammar Nazi, Smug
David Bradley wrote:
Well spotted…
I too used to be a smug lover of correcting other people’s grammar, but then noticed not only a dwindling circle of friends but an increasing number of email complaints to my website that grew in inverse proportion to the shrinking circle…coincidence? Me, paranoid?
More worryingly though, is that schools don’t seem to correct spelling and grammar like they did in our day. That fact coupled with all the txt msgs kdz snd 2dy means true literacy is on the decline.
Maybe, it’s not paranoia creeping in, it’s just middle age spreading…
db
Posted on 28-May-07 at 3:02 pm | Permalink
Tristram Brelstaff wrote:
I always remember that a ‘complEment’ makes something ‘complEte’.
Posted on 28-May-07 at 5:02 pm | Permalink
Nick wrote:
I always used to think that Apple’s “Complimentary Support” meant that they would be REALLY polite to me!
Posted on 29-May-07 at 8:16 am | Permalink
Bruce Pilgrim wrote:
I work with engineers who make even more elementary mistakes, such as not realizing there is a difference between “there” and “their” as well as sometimes amusing remarks such as “That is a mute point.”
Posted on 29-May-07 at 1:46 pm | Permalink
Peter Baron wrote:
I compiled the style guide for proposal writers in the company for which I work and I listed all the above, plus favourites such as principal/principle, it’s/its, effect/affect, along with explanations and examples. I realised after a while that our sales force is not ready for this level of sophistication, and it would have been better to leave the pages blank, print lots of them, roll them into a tight rod and use them to hit people over the head while shouting “Don’t leave the previous customer’s name in your cut and paste, you moron!” or words to that effect.
Posted on 08-Jun-07 at 9:51 pm | Permalink
Suzette wrote:
It may seem a trivial error, but if mistakes are made regarding little things, can you totally trust them with the important, big things?
I wonder.
Posted on 10-Oct-07 at 1:20 pm | Permalink
dharma wrote:
how do complement with friends and junior?
Posted on 22-Jul-08 at 3:14 am | Permalink