it supplements with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it supplements with" is not correct in standard written English.
A more appropriate construction would be "it supplements" or "it supplements something." Example: "The new software update supplements the existing features to enhance user experience."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sonar pulls in location data from Foursquare to show who is around you, which it supplements with Facebook and Twitter to provide context on the people who are nearby.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Parents who can afford it supplement with tutoring (more scheduling nightmares).

Huffington Post

By that time, the U.S. Congress had already passed the Clean Air Act (1970), which it supplemented with the Clean Water Act (1972), to authorize urgent measures to address the exterior environment.

Environmental Health Perspectives

It supplements its diet with flowers, bark, and invertebrates, including insects and snails.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it supplements that with a vast array of other systems, many of which work on entirely different principles (derived from symbolic logic).

The New Yorker

It supplements the quantum state with particles that always have determinate positions, contra Heisenberg.

The New York Times

It supplemented them with code of its own, without obtaining a licence.

The Economist

For six months it supplemented them with only two of its own.

The Economist

It is also quite possible to grow a number of camellias in a neutral soil if it is supplemented with plenty of leaf mould and an ericaceous compost, such as bracken or pine needles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ugni blanc is common in Armagnac, although it is supplemented with more aromatic grapes like folle blanche and colombard.

The New York Times - Food

It is supplemented with a mean stress effect correction.

International Journal of Fatigue

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you aim to express an additive meaning, prefer using "it supplements" or "it is supplemented with" for clarity and grammatical correctness. For example, instead of "it supplements with data", say "it supplements data" or "it is supplemented with data".

Common error

The error lies in the redundancy of "with" after "supplements". "Supplement" already implies the addition with something; therefore, adding another "with" creates an ungrammatical phrase. Avoid this by using either "it supplements" or "it is supplemented with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it supplements with" functions as a verb phrase, but is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig indicates the standard and accepted form is either "it supplements" or "it is supplemented with". The inclusion of an additional "with" creates a redundant prepositional construction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it supplements with" is considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. According to Ludwig, the proper forms are either "it supplements" or "it is supplemented with". Although occasionally found in various sources including news and scientific publications, its usage is infrequent and generally regarded as an error. When aiming to convey the action of adding or enhancing something, it's best to avoid this construction and opt for its grammatically sound alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it adds to

Focuses on the additive aspect, similar to supplementing but simpler in construction.

it enhances with

Highlights the improvement aspect of supplementing, emphasizing the positive effect of the addition.

it augments with

Implies an increase in size or quantity, suggesting a more significant addition than simply supplementing.

it complements with

Emphasizes the harmonious combination of the added element, highlighting how it improves the whole.

it enriches with

Focuses on the improvement of quality or value resulting from the addition.

it boosts with

Implies an increase in power or effectiveness due to the addition.

it reinforces with

Stresses the strengthening or supporting effect of the added element.

it bolsters with

Similar to reinforcing, but suggests a more active support or encouragement.

it pads with

Suggests adding something for cushioning or protection, often implying a less essential addition.

it expands upon

Focuses on the detail of the additional component.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the word "supplement" in a sentence?

You can say "it supplements something" or "it is supplemented with something". For example, "The software supplements the existing features" or "The diet is supplemented with vitamins".

What's wrong with the phrase "it supplements with"?

The phrase "it supplements with" is grammatically incorrect because the verb "supplement" already implies adding something with something else. The "with" is redundant.

What can I use instead of "it supplements with"?

Consider using alternatives like "it adds to", "it enhances with", or simply "it supplements" depending on the context.

Is there a difference in meaning between "it supplements" and "it is supplemented with"?

While both convey the idea of addition, "it supplements" focuses on the action of supplementing, whereas "it is supplemented with" emphasizes what is being added. Semantically the message is the same.