It is now obvious that the spelling confusion between the noun, “compliment” and “complement” would not go away anytime soon as the learners of the language and even those one may regard as fairly grounded in both the written and spoken word repeat the same mistake of confusing the expression, “compliment”’ with “complement”. They recklessly forget to differentiate or draw the line between the two homophones-words which sound the same as another but are different in spelling and/or meaning. For example, bearbare, ship-sheep, rear-rare and more. You can find them out yourselves. Again, let’s remind us that spelling mistakes or misuse of words turns off one’s readers or consumers of information, particularly the written words which easily appeal to the five senses of sight, hearing, smell, tastes and touch. It is advisable as a writer, or student for that matter, who English is first or second language to always use the available reference materials, such as the dictionary to avoid making those minor but costly errors, often associated with people who appear to be in a hurry to publish. Take your time, and with the little opportunity you have at your disposal to crosscheck or double-check to correct likely errors of facts, spelling mistakes and the use of unfamiliar words or phrases to be at peace.
That is exactly my grouse about some of my students, especially those placed under my supervision. They seem not to take note of my repeated advice to them that in their final project papers, or even in their classroom work they should be mindful of spellings and other unfamiliar jargons that could dent their overall performances. They stand the risks of not getting the result or mark they intended to get because of the somewhat minor errors they commit and take for granted. I tell them to be diligent and painstaking in doing their work as prospective writers, journalist or reporters. They should not depend on the editor or re-writer to always be there to correct their mistakes. They should strive to be independent by making deliberate efforts to conform to the standard of a trained and educated media practitioner. With that introductory opening, let’s now carefully examine the almost identical words, “compliment” and “complement.”
How to engage them to send the right message to the consuming publics. Going by what the reference book says, in this case, Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, the noun, “compliment” is an expression of praise, admiration or approval. It’s also a gesture implying approval. To pay someone a compliment of doing something, in one’s estimation, that is soothing. For instance, “John paid Jane a compliment of dancing with her.” The verb, “complimented”, “complimenting” is to congratulate someone for achieving a milestone in his or her endeavour. One could also write or speak, “Compliment of the Season,” a formal greetings appropriate to a certain time of the year, especially at Christmas. Also, don’t confuse the adjectives “complimentary” and “complementary”.
Again, “complimentary” is something given free with no strings attached. This is popular among the printing press, which often gives out complimentary copies of their newspapers, magazines and journals free to advertisers, benefactors or their patrons and patronesses. Differently, the dictionary defines the noun, “complement” as something that completes or perfects; something that provides a needed balance or contrasts, often with full complement. The number of quantity required to make something complete. Complementary, serving as a complement to something; said of two or more things. Complementing each other in the tasks of building a prosperous nation. Now that you could separate between the nouns or homophones, “compliment” and “complement”, never forget to use them appropriately to send the right message to the audience out there that practically depends on the writer to be well informed about development around the globe as they happen on the hourly, daily, weekly, monthly basis, and annually, as the case may be; complete with no room for expensive errors.
