supplement each other

USAGE SUMMARY

"supplement each other" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when two or more things combine to achieve a greater result than either would on its own. For example, "The different departments of the government are like puzzle pieces that supplement each other to create a functioning whole."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"We supplement each other.

The New York Times - Sports

And how do the two of you supplement each other?

The Guardian

These four collections complement and supplement each other.

Cornell University

In coal mine safety management, quality management and safety management supplement each other.

Procedia Engineering

There are two essential categories of software quality assurance, both of which supplement each other.

Computer Standards & Interfaces

The two systems can be introduced together and will supplement each other at every stage.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

In any multi-ingredient preparation, the proportion of the ingredients and the overall quantity of the mixture are carefully calculated and measured to assure they supplement each others' effects.

WikiHow

Unlike so many linguists, Nature and Nurturing do a fine job in complementing and supplementing each other, as Noam Chomsky explained so many years ago.

The New York Times - Science

The results of both methods supplemented each other, thereby elucidating the accumulation, depuration, and transformation of PSP toxins from the toxic algae in ORG.

Food Control

It was studied and copied by student after student so that an abundance of copies, reaching a peak in Old Babylonian times, duplicated and supplemented each other as witnesses to the text of the major works.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The closest of friends, their contributions were each subtly different, supplementing each other in a way which was perhaps crucial to the outcome of the struggle: Mandela, the dignified leader who led above all by example; Tambo, who took on the burden of the exile years, and the small and slightly dishevelled figure of Sisulu.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "supplement each other", ensure that both entities involved contribute uniquely and add value to each other. This emphasizes a balanced and reciprocal relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "supplement each other" when one element merely supports the other without receiving any benefit in return. This implies a one-sided relationship, rather than a mutual enhancement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supplement each other" functions as a verb phrase indicating a reciprocal relationship where two or more entities enhance or complete each other. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms this through numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "supplement each other" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe a mutually beneficial relationship where two or more elements enhance each other. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in science, news media, and formal business settings. While similar to "complement each other", it emphasizes the addition of something extra to improve what already exists. When using the phrase, ensure a balanced reciprocal relationship. Common errors include using it in one-sided relationships. Alternatives like "mutually enhance" and "work in synergy" offer nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complement one another

Replaces "each other" with "one another", a stylistic variation with the same meaning.

augment one another

A more formal synonym, retaining the core meaning of enhancing or increasing something.

mutually enhance

Focuses on the aspect of mutual improvement, omitting the reciprocal action of 'each other'.

bolster each other

Emphasizes the act of strengthening or supporting each other.

work in synergy

Emphasizes the combined effect being greater than the sum of individual parts.

mutually reinforce

Highlights the strengthening aspect of the relationship, where each element bolsters the other.

combine effectively

Focuses on the effectiveness of the combination, rather than the specific act of supplementing.

support reciprocally

Highlights the mutual support aspect, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the relationship.

fill in the gaps for each other

Implies that each entity compensates for the deficiencies of the other.

collaborate to improve

Focuses on the collaborative aspect of working together for enhancement.

FAQs

How can I use "supplement each other" in a sentence?

Use "supplement each other" to describe a situation where two or more things enhance or complete each other. For example, "The training and experience "supplement each other", making him an ideal candidate."

What's the difference between "complement each other" and "supplement each other"?

"Complement each other" means to enhance or complete, making a better whole. "Supplement each other" implies adding something extra to make up for a deficiency or enhance something already present. While similar, "complement each other" suggests a more inherent fit, and "supplement each other" implies an addition to improve.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "supplement each other"?

Alternatives include "mutually enhance", "work in synergy", or "mutually reinforce", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "supplement each others'"?

While grammatically understandable, "supplement each others'" is less common and often sounds awkward. It's generally better to use "supplement each other" to express the reciprocal relationship directly.