complimentary drink

Meaning

A 'complimentary drink' is a beverage provided to a customer free of charge, usually as a courtesy or perk. This is common in hotels during check-in, on flights, or at restaurants to welcome guests or apologize for a delay.

Examples

• The hotel offers a complimentary drink to all guests upon arrival.

  The hotel offers a complimentary drink to all guests upon arrival.

• We received a complimentary drink because our table wasn't ready on time.

  We received a complimentary drink because our table wasn't ready on time.

• Is this bottle of wine a complimentary drink, or do we have to pay for it?

  Is this bottle of wine a complimentary drink, or do we have to pay for it?

• First-class passengers are welcome to enjoy a complimentary drink before takeoff.

  First-class passengers are welcome to enjoy a complimentary drink before takeoff.

• The resort hosts a weekly reception with complimentary drinks and snacks.

  The resort hosts a weekly reception with complimentary drinks and snacks.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ They gave us a complementary drink.

  ✓ They gave us a complimentary drink.

  Spelling error. 'Complementary' (with an 'e') means completing or matching something, while 'complimentary' (with an 'i') means free of charge.

• ✗ The bar serves free drinks for complimentary.

  ✓ The bar serves complimentary drinks.

  Use 'complimentary' as an adjective directly before the noun, not as a prepositional phrase.

Related Expressions

Practice

• When we checked in, the receptionist handed us a voucher for a ___.

  💡 A free beverage offered by the venue.

  Show answer

  complimentary drink

• As an apology for the slow service, the manager offered everyone a ___.

  💡 A free drink as a polite gesture.

  Show answer

  complimentary drink