a supplementary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a supplementary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that serves as an addition or enhancement to something else, often in contexts like education, documentation, or resources. Example: "The teacher provided a supplementary textbook to help students better understand the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It offers a different –a supplementary– set of standards".

Vice

Fishing is a supplementary activity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bishop is back with a supplementary.

The Guardian

Part B is a supplementary insurance that covers outpatient services.

The New York Times

Eventually, Quinn hopes to create a supplementary newspaper comic strip.

The New Yorker

Many people do this as a supplementary income.

Cornell University

Data is available as a supplementary material.

Nature

Additional studies were recruited through a supplementary hand search.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

And London, where a supplementary vote system has blessed us with Boris Johnson as mayor.

The Guardian - Opinion

The new solution appears to be a supplementary "graduate tax" on high-earning graduates.

The Guardian - Opinion

So legally we are a private tuition service – like a supplementary school, but during the day".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a supplementary", ensure that the noun it modifies is clearly defined. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands what is being added to or enhanced.

Common error

Avoid using "a supplementary" when 'complementary' is more appropriate. 'Supplementary' implies an addition, while 'complementary' suggests something that enhances or completes the original. If the added element enhances the whole, 'complementary' is a better choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a supplementary" functions as a determiner followed by an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that it is an addition or enhancement. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a supplementary" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes something added to enhance or complete another item. According to Ludwig AI, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. It appears most commonly in news, scientific, and academic writing. When employing "a supplementary", be sure to clearly define the noun it modifies to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "an additional" or "a complementary" can be used depending on whether you want to emphasize the additive nature or the enhancing quality. Avoid using "a supplementary" when 'complementary' is a more fitting term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a supplemental

Nearly synonymous with 'supplementary' but might have a slightly more formal tone.

an additional

Replaces 'supplementary' with 'additional', focusing on the additive nature.

a complementary

Emphasizes the enhancing quality of the addition, rather than just being extra.

a supporting

Highlights the act of providing assistance or reinforcement.

an extra

More informal; conveys the sense of something being added on.

an ancillary

Suggests something that accompanies or supports the main thing.

an auxiliary

More formal, indicating something that provides additional help or support.

a back-up

Suggests a resource that's available if the primary one fails.

a secondary

Indicates a less important or subordinate role.

a follow-up

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the addition.

FAQs

How can I use "a supplementary" in a sentence?

You can use "a supplementary" to describe something that provides an addition or enhancement. For example, "The teacher provided "a supplementary" textbook to help students better understand the material".

What is the difference between "a supplementary" and "an additional"?

While both terms indicate something is being added, "a supplementary" often implies that the addition is intended to enhance or complete something, whereas "an additional" simply means there is more of something.

Can I use "a supplementary" to describe people?

While less common, "a supplementary" can describe people in roles that support or enhance a main function. For instance, "a supplementary" staff member could assist with a project.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a supplementary"?

Alternatives to "a supplementary" include "a complementary", "an additional", or "a supporting depending on the specific context".