Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Linguistics) Complementary distribution: A relationship between two linguistic elements (such as sounds or forms) where they occur in mutually exclusive environments. If one element appears in a certain context, the other does not, and vice versa.
   • (Grammar) Grammatical relationship: The syntactic relationship of a word or phrase (typically a complement) that completes the meaning of a predicate (a verb, adjective, or noun).

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Linguistics):

  • The phonemes /p/ and /b/ are in complementary distribution in some languages, but in English, they are not; they show contrast.
  • The study focused on the complementation of allophones within the phonological system.

• Noun (Grammar):

  • In the sentence "She considers him intelligent," the adjective phrase "intelligent" stands in a complementation relation to the verb "considers."
  • The grammar book has a chapter on verb complementation, explaining patterns like verb + infinitive or verb + gerund.

Advanced Usage

• "Complementary distribution": A core concept in phonology and morphology describing the non-overlapping occurrence of elements.

  • The concept of complementation is key to understanding allophonic variation.

• "Verb complementation": A subfield of syntax concerned with the types of clauses or phrases that can follow a verb to complete its meaning.

  • Research in complementation explores why some verbs take 'that'-clauses while others take infinitives.

Variants and Related Words

• Complement (n): A word, phrase, or clause that is necessary to complete the meaning of a predicate.

  • The direct object is a complement of a transitive verb.

• Complementary (adj): Combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize each other's qualities; in linguistics, relating to complementary distribution.

  • These two theories are complementary, not contradictory.

• Complementizer (n): A word or morpheme that introduces a complement clause (e.g., that, if, for).

  • The word 'that' functions as a complementizer in the sentence "I know that he left."

Synonyms

• Completion (in the general sense of making something complete).
• Fulfillment (in the general sense of satisfying a requirement).

Related Phrases / Constructions

• Pattern of complementation: Refers to the specific grammatical structures a word (especially a verb, noun, or adjective) requires.
  • The verb "promise" has a different pattern of complementation than the verb "suggest.

Related Idioms

(This term is highly technical and is not typically used in idiomatic expressions. Its usage is confined to academic and linguistic contexts.)

Noun

1. (linguistics) a distribution of related speech sounds or forms in such a way that they only appear in different contexts
2. the grammatical relation of a word or phrase to a predicate