needs to be complemented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needs to be complemented" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something requires additional elements or enhancements to be complete or satisfactory. Example: "The project is good, but it needs to be complemented with more data to support the findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But action by the brands needs to be complemented by action by governments.

The Guardian

For journalists, open access to science needs to be complemented by open access to scientists.

The Guardian

However, GDP needs to be complemented by other measures to give a fuller picture.

The Economist

Our biophysical analysis needs to be complemented with socio-economic considerations and discussions with all stakeholders.

Agricultural Water Management

Our argument is that the focus on business relevant issues needs to be complemented by a proper focus on stakeholder-relevant issues.

The Guardian

Buttery, with a dried pineapple and mildly oaky bouquet, the wine needs to be complemented by grilled fish in butter sauce.

The New York Times

The stretched laminar flamelet model needs to be complemented by the additional effects of tangential flux and variation of finite δf in fully turbulent premixed flames.

Combustion and Flame

We argue that the systems approach to regional development needs to be complemented with approaches that focus on the regional mechanisms of adaptation.

Research Policy

Professional oversight needs to be complemented by policies and mechanisms that reduce short-term pressures and promote long-term countercyclical performance.

Harvard Business Review

At the same time, however, the message of multiculturalism needs to be complemented by a message about our common humanity in other words, the things that unite us.

University of California, Berkeley

Mr Coase's theory of "market failure" needs to be complemented by a theory of "organisational advantages".All this undoubtedly complicates "The Nature of the Firm".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "needs to be complemented", ensure that the addition genuinely enhances or completes the original subject, rather than simply being tangentially related. Be specific about what elements are needed to provide a well-rounded understanding or outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "needs to be complemented" when the subject is already sufficient on its own. Overusing this phrase can weaken your argument and suggest an unnecessary level of complexity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needs to be complemented" functions as a modal construction indicating a requirement or necessity. It expresses that a subject is incomplete or insufficient on its own and requires additional elements or actions to achieve its intended purpose. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "needs to be complemented" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something is incomplete and requires additional elements for enhancement or completion. Ludwig confirms it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, with a neutral to formal register suitable for diverse contexts, predominantly in science, news media, and business settings. When using the phrase, ensure that the addition genuinely enhances the subject. Overuse can weaken arguments. Alternatives include "should be supplemented" and "requires further enhancement", providing nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be supplemented

Replaces "needs to be complemented" with "should be supplemented", suggesting a recommendation rather than a necessity for addition.

requires further enhancement

Uses "requires further enhancement" to emphasize the need for improvement or augmentation.

ought to be augmented

Employs "ought to be augmented" to imply a moral obligation to add or improve.

must be enriched

Replaces "needs to be complemented" with "must be enriched", highlighting the necessity of making something fuller or more meaningful.

should be reinforced

Uses "should be reinforced" to suggest strengthening something with additional support or resources.

warrants further development

Suggests that something justifies additional attention and progress.

calls for additional support

Emphasizes that something necessitates extra backing or assistance.

demands to be expanded

Highlights the urgent need to increase the scope or extent of something.

is incomplete without

Expresses that something is lacking or deficient without the inclusion of something else.

can be improved by

Suggests that something's condition can be enhanced by the introduction of additional elements.

FAQs

How can I use "needs to be complemented" in a sentence?

Use "needs to be complemented" to indicate that something requires additional elements or features to be complete or fully effective. For example, "The initial study needs to be complemented by further research to confirm the findings."

What are some alternatives to "needs to be complemented"?

You can use alternatives like "should be supplemented", "requires further enhancement", or "ought to be augmented" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "needs to be complemented by" or "needs to complement"?

"Needs to be complemented by" is the passive voice construction, indicating that the subject requires something else. "Needs to complement" means the subject should add something to something else. The former is typically more appropriate when you are emphasizing what is lacking.

What's the difference between "needs to be supplemented" and "needs to be complemented"?

While both phrases suggest adding something, "needs to be supplemented" implies adding something to make up for a deficiency, while "needs to be complemented" suggests adding something to enhance or complete it. It’s a matter of whether you are fixing a lack or adding extra value.