can be supplemented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be supplemented" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the addition of extra information, resources, or materials to enhance or complete something. Example: "The report is comprehensive, but it can be supplemented with additional data to provide a clearer picture."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These borings can be supplemented by shafts and tunnels.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(The payment can be supplemented depending on the severity of the injury).

The New York Times - Magazine

Any dish can be supplemented with truffles for an additional $40 for appetizers and $80 for pastas and entrees.

The New York Times

The case shows how regulators' actions can be supplemented by private actions.

The New York Times

But now this can be supplemented round the clock by a growing range of ex-professionals and writers offering expert analysis online.

The Guardian - Sport

Any dish at Babbo can be supplemented with truffles for an additional $40 for appetizers and $70 for pastas and entrees.

The New York Times - Arts

The Spyder's suspension, comprising aluminum double wishbones and antiroll bars to limit body motion, can be supplemented with an optional variable-shock system that Maserati calls Skyhook.

The New York Times

Paired with a smartphone, it uses location information from Microsoft's Bing maps, which can be supplemented by tiny Bluetooth-enabled beacons stuck to lamp-posts around the city.

The Guardian - Arts

Chemical analysis can be supplemented with mass spectroscopy (see mass spectrometry), allowing isotopic composition to be determined.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To judge distances, for example, radar or lidar sensors in the front bumpers can be supplemented by video cameras.

The Economist

When the weather is set fair, this radar information can be supplemented by high-resolution satellite photographs.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be supplemented" to indicate that something is good on its own but could be improved or completed with additional elements. For example, "The initial data analysis can be supplemented with further research to provide a more robust conclusion."

Common error

Avoid using "can be supplemented" with phrases that already imply addition or enhancement. For instance, instead of saying "can be supplemented with additional resources", simply state "can be supplemented with resources" to avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be supplemented" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is capable of being enhanced or completed by the addition of something else. As shown by Ludwig AI, it is generally used to describe how something benefits from additional resources or information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be supplemented" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase, indicating that something has the capacity to be enhanced with additional resources or information. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it appears most commonly in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, avoid redundancy by ensuring the added elements are clearly distinct and valuable. While "can be supplemented" implies an optional enhancement, be mindful of contexts where supplementation may be necessary rather than merely beneficial. Alternatives such as "can be enhanced" or "can be augmented" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be augmented

This alternative emphasizes the idea of increasing something, often implying a more significant addition.

can be enhanced

This suggests improving the quality or desirability of something, rather than just adding to it.

can be complemented

This implies that the addition completes or improves something else, filling a gap or need.

can be fortified

This emphasizes strengthening or reinforcing something, often against potential weaknesses.

can be enriched

This suggests improving the quality or value of something by adding certain elements.

can be expanded

This focuses on making something larger or more extensive.

can be extended

This implies making something longer or more comprehensive.

can be bolstered

This indicates providing support or reinforcement to something.

can be reinforced

This focuses on strengthening something that already exists.

can be increased

This simply means making something greater in number or amount.

FAQs

How can I use "can be supplemented" in a sentence?

The phrase "can be supplemented" is used to indicate that something can be improved or enhanced by adding something else. For example, "The basic model "can be supplemented" with more complex features."

What are some alternatives to "can be supplemented"?

Some alternatives to "can be supplemented" include "can be enhanced", "can be augmented", or "can be complemented". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "can be supplemented by" or "can be supplemented with"?

Both "can be supplemented by" and "can be supplemented with" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Can be supplemented by" implies the source of the supplement, while "can be supplemented with" specifies the added element. For example, "The diet "can be supplemented by" vitamins" versus "The diet "can be supplemented with" a multivitamin."

What's the difference between "can be supplemented" and "must be supplemented"?

"Can be supplemented" suggests an optional addition for improvement, while "must be supplemented" indicates a necessary addition. For example, a good essay "can be supplemented" with stronger evidence, whereas a deficient diet "must be supplemented" with essential nutrients.