must be supplemented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be supplemented" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires additional information, resources, or support to be complete or effective. Example: "The report is thorough, but it must be supplemented with recent data to ensure accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ultimately the covenant is so precarious that it must be supplemented by binding law.

The New York Times - Books

It must be supplemented by a private income and a "private" job.

The Guardian - Opinion

Weather and other factors can mean cows' diets must be supplemented with grain.

The New York Times

When individual and social interests conflict, voluntary compliance must be supplemented by sanctions potent enough to matter.

The New York Times

Bonapaw, a 6-year-old gelding, must be supplemented into the Sprint, which would cost $200,000.

The New York Times - Sports

But this must be supplemented by deeper explanations, because the rising was a very general affair.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The public money, while always welcome, is rarely enough and must be supplemented with whatever it takes -- bake sales, raffles, concerts and team-sponsored vending machines.

The New York Times

Doctors and nurses and books all insisted that if you were so lower-class as to breastfeed, your milk must be "supplemented" by formula, and even by water.

The New Yorker

But testing must be supplemented by good laboratory practices, standards for safe storage and transportation of blood, and reliance on voluntary, unpaid blood donors.

The New York Times

Interval cancers also explain why many breast-cancer experts believe that mammograms must be supplemented by regular and thorough clinical breast exams.

The New Yorker

It is a naturally occurring pineal substance that must be supplemented as we age because without it, we die a lot sooner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be supplemented", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what is being supplemented and what it is being supplemented with. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions with "must be supplemented". Active voice often makes the sentence more direct and engaging. Instead of "The data must be supplemented by further research", consider "Further research must supplement the data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be supplemented" functions as a passive verb construction indicating a requirement for something to be added or enhanced. Ludwig confirms this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must be supplemented" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase indicating a need for enhancement or completion. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct. It appears across various domains, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, clarity about what is being supplemented and with what is crucial. While grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice should be avoided in favor of more direct active constructions when appropriate. Alternatives like "needs to be augmented" or "should be enhanced" may be considered for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be augmented

Suggests an increase or enhancement to what already exists.

requires to be complemented

Highlights the need for something to complete or enhance the original.

should be enhanced

Implies that improvement or intensification is advisable.

has to be enriched

Focuses on adding value or quality to the existing element.

must be fortified

Emphasizes strengthening or reinforcing something.

should be reinforced

Highlights the need for strengthening or supporting the original element.

needs further development

Suggests that further elaboration or detailing is necessary.

warrants additional support

Indicates that extra resources or assistance are justified.

calls for supplementation

Directly refers to the act of adding something extra.

begs for amplification

Emphasizes the need to increase or expand on something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "must be supplemented" indicates that something is incomplete or insufficient on its own and requires additional elements to be effective. For example, "The initial findings must be supplemented with more comprehensive data."

What are some alternatives to "must be supplemented"?

Alternatives include "needs to be augmented", "requires to be complemented", or "should be enhanced". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "must be supplemented"?

While "must be supplemented" is grammatically correct in the passive voice, using the active voice can sometimes make the sentence more direct. For instance, instead of "The report must be supplemented by additional data", you could say "Additional data must supplement the report".

What does "must be supplemented" imply?

It implies a necessity for additional information, resources, or support to make something complete or effective. It suggests that the original item is lacking in some critical aspect.