a supplement to

USAGE SUMMARY

"a supplement to" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is added onto or provides additional support or information for something else. Examples: 1. The textbook includes a supplement to help students better understand complex mathematical concepts. 2. The new app is a supplement to our website, providing users with more interactive features and personalized content. 3. The report serves as a supplement to the data presented in the presentation, offering more detailed analysis and insights. 4. I recommend taking a multivitamin as a supplement to your daily diet, as it can provide essential nutrients that may be lacking. 5. This magazine is a supplement to the Sunday newspaper, featuring in-depth articles and interviews with notable figures.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a supplement to Cotton ginnings.

Cornell University

Thisis a supplement to Rice Outlook.

Cornell University

This is a supplement to Wheat Outlook.

Cornell University

This is a supplement to Potato stocks.

Cornell University

A Supplement to Report A-19.

Cornell University

"I think it would be considered a supplement to it".

The New York Times

This (D) case is a supplement to HBS case no.

Harvard Business Review

This B case is a supplement to HBS case no.

Harvard Business Review

Or they do it as a supplement to other ventures.

The Washington Post

DR. KRAUS: Yes, as a supplement to the document book.

Yale University

This report is a supplement to Milk Production.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a supplement to" when you want to emphasize that something enhances, supports, or provides additional information without replacing the original item or concept.

Common error

Avoid using "a supplement to" when you actually mean a substitute or replacement. A supplement enhances; it doesn't take the place of the original.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a supplement to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or noun phrase. According to Ludwig, it indicates that something is added to enhance, support, or complete something else. It does not replace the original item but provides additional value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a supplement to" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something enhances, supports, or provides additional information to another thing, without replacing it. According to Ludwig, its use is grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, including academia, news, and science. The phrase carries a neutral to formal register and is often employed to show how one thing adds value to another. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize enhancement rather than substitution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an addition to

Indicates something is added to increase quantity or effect. Changes the focus to expanding existing items.

an adjunct to

Suggests something is added to another thing but is not essential. This slightly changes the idea of providing integration.

an enhancement to

Specifically denotes an improvement or upgrade.

a complement to

Highlights that something enhances or completes the other, filling in what's lacking. Puts the focus on completeness and integration.

an auxiliary to

Implies providing help or support, often temporary. Adds a sense of helpful assistance.

a complement for

Expresses something that enhances or completes the other thing, making it more refined.

a subsidiary to

Indicates a supporting, but secondary, role. Introduces a sense of hierarchy.

a backup for

Indicates providing support or assistance in case of failure or need.

a reinforcement of

Emphasizes strengthening or backing up the original. Puts more weight in affirming the original's integrity or functionality.

a booster to

Implies enhancing or increasing the effect or power of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a supplement to" in a sentence?

You can use "a supplement to" to show that something enhances or provides additional information or support to something else. For example, "The new app is "a supplement to" our website.".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a supplement to"?

Similar phrases include "an addition to", "an adjunct to", or "a complement to", each implying that something is being added or enhancing something else.

Is it correct to use "supplement of" instead of "a supplement to"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "supplement" in this context is "to". "A supplement of" would typically refer to a quantity or amount of something added, rather than something that enhances or supports.

What's the difference between "a supplement to" and "a substitute for"?

"A supplement to" means something enhances or adds to something else, while "a substitute for" means something replaces something else entirely. The former implies enhancement, and the latter implies replacement.