a supplementary action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a supplementary action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an additional action that supports or enhances a primary action or process. Example: "The committee decided to implement a supplementary action to improve community engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fishing is a supplementary activity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Asked if he was concerned that the league might take supplementary action against him for the hit on his Russian countryman, Ovechkin said: "I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, but it is what it is.

The New York Times - Sports

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

Vice

For other supplementary actions the usual care group was put on a waiting list.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

These recommendations are supplementary actions to accommodate women and girls' unique risks and barriered access.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

This urgency requires the analysis of policy options broader than dissemination of guidelines, particularly supplementary actions that may help adherence.

European Journal of Pediatrics

Under the compromise, the agency will submit a supplementary report by July 31 "for possible action at that time". Otherwise, the issue could come up again after its next regular report in October, the Council said.

The New York Times

A supplementary report on 1.5C rises is published, showing the aspiration is feasible but will require tough and urgent action to bring down greenhouse gas emissions.

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

This file contains Supplementary Methods, a Supplementary Discussion, Supplementary Table 1 and Supplementary References.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a supplementary action" to clearly indicate that the action is intended to support or enhance another, primary action. It adds a layer of detail by specifying that it's not the main action, but an important addition.

Common error

Avoid using "a supplementary action" when you actually mean the main or primary action. Ensure the context clearly establishes that it is an addition, not the core activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a supplementary action" functions as a noun phrase, where "supplementary" modifies the noun "action". According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a supplementary action" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe an action that supports or enhances a primary one. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is currently low, indicating potential for wider adoption. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines its supporting role to avoid confusion. Alternatives such as ""an additional measure"" or ""a supporting action"" can be considered for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an additional action

Replaces "supplementary" with "additional", emphasizing the additive nature of the action.

a supporting action

Substitutes "supplementary" with "supporting", highlighting the action's role in aiding another process.

a complementary action

Uses "complementary" instead of "supplementary", indicating that the action enhances or completes something else.

an extra measure

Replaces "action" with "measure", broadening the term to include any step taken.

a backup plan

Suggests an alternative action in case the primary one fails.

an alternative approach

Highlights a different method or strategy that can be used instead.

a secondary intervention

Uses more formal language to describe a supporting action.

an auxiliary step

Replaces "action" with "step" and uses "auxiliary" to emphasize its supporting role.

a follow-up action

Indicates an action that occurs after and is related to a previous one.

a remedial action

Suggests an action taken to correct or improve a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a supplementary action" to describe an additional measure taken to support a main activity. For example, "The company implemented "a supplementary action" to boost employee morale".

What's a good alternative to "a supplementary action"?

Alternatives include "an additional measure", "a supporting action", or "a complementary action", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "a supplementary action"?

While "supplementary" implies addition, ""a supplementary action"" isn't necessarily redundant if you want to emphasize that the action is specifically designed to support something else. However, context is important.

How does "a supplementary action" differ from "a primary action"?

"A supplementary action" is an additional or supporting measure, whereas a primary action is the main or core activity being performed. The former enhances the latter.