a supplementary role

USAGE SUMMARY

'a supplementary role' is correct and can be used in written English.
It could be used in any context in which an additional or supporting role or position is being discussed. For example, "The marketing director was given a supplementary role within the company, overseeing the budget proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

To investigate understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of some surgery, respondents were asked which type of surgeon might have a supplementary role.

British Journal of Plastic Surgery

In general, the improved Yangtze River Diversions played a supplementary role for the original Yangtze River Diversion in solving algal bloom problems in Meiliang Bay.

Ecological Engineering

Interestingly, anti-Hm_α-SCS staining of the cell surface in non-permeabilised parasites suggests a supplementary role for SCS in cytoadherence, as previously demonstrated in T. vaginalis.

International Journal for Parasitology

When asked about the possibility of political content being included in class, she said all NSW Chinese classes must follow the state-mandated syllabus, using local textbooks, with the institute's teaching assistants only playing a supplementary role in the classroom.

The Guardian

All this perhaps underscores the continuing need for a robust political campaign against the 2012 laws, whatever the outcome of the high court challenge – a campaign grounded in political arguments with constitutional contentions only playing a supplementary role, and one that does not draw to a close with the high court handing down judgment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fused images may have a supplementary role to play in TOF MRA images in the diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection.

Insights into Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Moreover, chemical repellents could have a useful supplementary role in vector control (Rowland et al. 2004).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Latvia offers a particularly useful example of PHI (VHI) in a complementary and supplementary role alongside a tax-funded statutory SHI system within a former Eastern Bloc country.

ClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research

Extended family members are also engaged and encouraged to adopt both a supportive and supplementary role in the process.

BMC Pediatrics

In Europe, a consequence of the advent of the welfare state is that private insurance has increasingly played a complementary and supplementary role to social insurance by offering additional security and protection to the population.

European Journal of Human Genetics

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging play a supplementary diagnostic role.

BMC Pediatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a supplementary role", ensure the primary role is clearly defined to establish context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a supplementary role" when the role is actually crucial. This can downplay the significance of the contribution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a supplementary role" functions as a noun phrase. As shown by Ludwig, it modifies a verb, describing the nature of an action or participation. It indicates that something or someone provides support or assistance without being the primary agent.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

72%

News & Media

16%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a supplementary role" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a secondary or supporting function. As confirmed by Ludwig, it fits seamlessly in varied contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific and news-related articles. It's essential to ensure the primary role is well-defined when employing the expression. While alternatives such as "secondary function" or "auxiliary part" exist, "a supplementary role" accurately describes a supportive position. Overall, the analysis shows the phrase to be a sound and dependable part of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a secondary function

Replaces "role" with "function", emphasizing the purpose rather than the position.

an auxiliary part

Uses "auxiliary part" to denote assistance or support.

a supporting capacity

Focuses on the act of supporting rather than the specific duty.

a contributing factor

Highlights the contribution to a larger outcome.

a complementary aspect

Emphasizes how it completes or enhances something else.

a backup system

Suggests a reserve or failsafe function.

a subordinate position

Indicates a lower rank or importance.

an adjunct position

Implies being added or attached non-essentially.

a minor responsibility

Highlights the limited scope of the duty.

an ancillary duty

Focuses on something that supplements or supports the primary duty.

FAQs

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

Use "a supplementary role" to describe a position or function that provides additional support but isn't the primary focus. For example, "Qualitative data plays "a supplementary role" in the research."

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

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "a secondary function", "an auxiliary part", or "a supporting capacity".

Is it correct to say "supplemental role" instead of "supplementary role"?

Both "supplemental" and "supplementary" can mean 'providing something additional', but "supplementary" is generally preferred in British English, while "supplemental" is more common in American English. The choice often depends on regional preference.

What is the difference between "a complementary role" and "a supplementary role"?

"Complementary" implies that something enhances or completes something else, while "supplementary" suggests that it provides an addition or support. A complementary role completes something, while "a supplementary role" adds to it.