augments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "augments" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of enhancing or increasing something, often in the context of improving or adding to an existing element. Example: "The new software update augments the system's capabilities, allowing for faster processing and improved user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Technological progress is always capital-augmenting, but when it augments capital in tasks that are complementary to those done by labour, it looks labour-augmenting.

The Economist

You call it a tap, or a faucet, and it's one of those shiny things that augments the kitchen sink.

The Guardian - Opinion

That menace on their right flank augments the pressure on David Cameron to define his position on Europe.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The Water Monitoring and Management Plan augments the conditions put in place by Queensland, and will draw on advice from the Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development.

The Guardian

Mr Young considers only the latter, but factors in incumbency and augments the small historical sample by drawing on elections elsewhere in the world.

The Economist

He needs no caricaturist to make him look evil, though tinting his flesh (green on a recent cover of The Economist, red and yellow on the latest Newsweek) augments his scariness nicely.

The Economist

"A bicycle profoundly augments human locomotion in terms of human metabolic rate and speed, and yet it requires zero energy itself .Dr Herr plans to add regenerative capabilities to his prosthetic devices, such as the PowerFoot One.

The Economist

The advantage of a fresh SDR issuance is that it immediately augments countries' foreign reserves without needing to be lent.However, this benefit comes with a serious drawback.

The Economist

The other is that upgrading subspecies into species simultaneously increases the number of rare species (by fragmenting populations) and augments the biodiversity of a piece of habitat and thus its claim for protection.In the short term, this strategy helps conservationists by intensifying the perceived threat of extinction.

The Economist

Marie-José augments their income by selling cold drinks from her home, but it is not enough to send her seven children to school.The military front is hundreds of kilometres away.

The Economist

(Human capital doesn't count, as that augments labour income).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "augments" when you want to express that something enhances or adds to an existing element, making it more complete or effective. For example, "The new software augments the system's capabilities."

Common error

Avoid using "augments" when you actually mean "replaces". "Augments" means to add to, not to substitute. For instance, saying "The software augments the old system" implies it's an addition, not a complete change.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "augments" is as a transitive verb. It signifies the action of increasing or enhancing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is correctly used in various contexts to indicate an addition or improvement, building upon existing qualities or quantities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

29%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "augments" functions as a transitive verb that describes the act of increasing or enhancing something. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness, noting its widespread use across various contexts. The term is most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. When using "augments", it's crucial to convey the meaning of improving upon an existing element rather than replacing it entirely. For alternatives, consider "supplements", "enhances", or "increases" to add precision to your writing. Its formal register makes it well-suited for academic, professional, and journalistic content, where clarity and precision are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enhances

Focuses on improving the quality or desirability of something.

supplements

This term implies adding something extra to enhance completeness or effectiveness.

increases

Directly indicates a rise in quantity, size, or degree.

amplifies

Suggests making something louder or more intense.

boosts

Implies a sudden increase or improvement.

complements

Highlights how something enhances or emphasizes the qualities of another.

reinforces

Indicates strengthening or supporting an existing structure or idea.

expands

Signifies an increase in size, volume, or scope.

enriches

Implies adding elements that make something more meaningful or valuable.

builds upon

Suggests adding to an existing foundation or framework.

FAQs

How to use "augments" in a sentence?

You can use "augments" to describe something that enhances or adds to something else. For example, "The new data analysis tool "augments" our ability to understand market trends".

What can I say instead of "augments"?

You can use alternatives like "enhances", "supplements", or "increases" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "augments" and "supplements"?

"Augments" implies enhancing or improving something that already exists, while "supplements" suggests adding something to make it complete. For instance, vitamin intake supplements a diet, while new features "augments" existing software.

Is "augments" formal or informal?

"Augments" is generally considered a formal term, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. In more casual conversation, you might prefer alternatives like "boosts" or "improves".