Supplementary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Supplementary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is added to enhance or complete something else, often in the context of additional information or materials. Example: "The supplementary materials provided in the course helped clarify the main concepts discussed in class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This additonal paperwork, known as a supplementary homicide report, is filed in 89% of homicide cases overall, according to a December 2013 study by the bureau of justice statistics (BJS).

The Guardian

Academics and specialists have long been aware of flaws in the FBI numbers, which are based on voluntary submissions by local law enforcement agencies of paperwork known as supplementary homicide reports.

The Guardian

Despite this shift, Horrocks said "considering supplementary funding [from the FCO] is something that could be on the policy agenda and could be part of the discussion about the BBC's future".

The Guardian

Wednesday's "supplementary note" on the NAO's initial July report said that across 150 severance payments to senior managers in the three years to the end of 2012, the BBC paid "more salary in lieu of notice than it was contractually obliged to in 22 cases, at a total cost of £1.4m".

The Guardian

Labour's manifesto, conversely, seeks at least in principle to ensure that jobs pay enough to live on, so that supplementary benefits are not needed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Liberal Democrats will press for a supplementary charge on banks until 2017-18 to be announced in next month's budget, Danny Alexander, the Treasury chief secretary has announced.

The Guardian

ERA is preparing a supplementary environmental impact statement (EIS) on the 3 Deeps mine.

The Guardian

They criticised the investigation for being "far from robust about a number of matters" and called on the IPCC to produce a "supplementary report" to address a number of their concerns.

The Guardian

He claimed Osborne's own economic mismanagement, particularly a swingeing supplementary duty imposed in 2011, was partly to blame for the sector's slump.

The Guardian

Osborne made an explicit reference to the Scottish National party's quest for financial independence for Scotland as he unveiled the oil tax cuts, including cutting petroleum revenue tax from 50% to 35% and cutting a supplementary charge from 30% to 20%.

The Guardian

Choi, who is also the country's finance minister, said there was no need for a supplementary budget to help the country's economy weather the outbreak.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "supplementary" to describe something that enhances or completes something else, particularly when providing additional information or resources.

Common error

While "supplementary" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler words like "extra" or "additional" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "supplementary" is that of an adjective. It modifies nouns by providing additional information about them, indicating that they are added to enhance or complete something else. Ludwig AI provides examples showcasing its use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

22%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "supplementary" is an adjective indicating something that is added to enhance or complete something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and wide application across various contexts. With a strong presence in news, formal documents, and scientific literature, it maintains a neutral to formal tone. For less formal settings, consider alternatives like ""additional"" or "extra". Its frequent use and well-defined purpose make it a valuable term in professional and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Additional

Indicates something added to what already exists, similar to supplementary but more general.

Supplemental

Almost interchangeable with supplementary, often used in formal contexts.

Auxiliary

Suggests providing help or support, which is a specific type of addition.

Complementary

Highlights the completion or enhancement aspect, emphasizing how it improves the whole.

Subsidiary

Implies a secondary or subordinate addition.

Extra

A simple and direct way to indicate something added beyond what's necessary or expected.

Additive

Focuses on the process of adding something, especially in chemical or mathematical contexts.

Supporting

Emphasizes the role of providing assistance or reinforcement.

Accessory

Often refers to a non-essential item that enhances something else.

Secondary

Indicates a lower level of importance but still contributes to the whole.

FAQs

How can I use "Supplementary" in a sentence?

You can use "supplementary" to describe something that adds to or enhances something else. For example, "The report included "supplementary information" to support its claims."

What are some alternatives to "Supplementary"?

Alternatives to "supplementary" include "additional", "supplemental", or "auxiliary", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "Supplementary" and "Supplemental"?

"Supplementary" and "supplemental" are often used interchangeably, but "supplemental" tends to be more formal. You can usually substitute one for the other without changing the meaning.

Which is correct, "Supplementary data" or "Complementary data"?

"Supplementary data" refers to additional data, while "complementary data" refers to data that completes or enhances the existing data. Choose the term that best fits the intended meaning.