supplement it with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supplement it with" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to express the idea of adding something to an existing object, idea, or concept in order to enhance or complete it. For example, "I want to supplement my education with a language course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I would supplement it with one important point.

The New York Times

You'll have to supplement it with buses and cabs.

The New York Times - Travel

The best solution is to use an approximation like "art" and supplement it with notes.

The New York Times - Books

It would be one thing to supplement it with other instruments.

The Economist

We needed to supplement it with another legacy, the global fund".

The New York Times

Rather than replace the music industry's business model, this would supplement it with a steady revenue stream.

The New York Times

In its bare form, this proposition is hardly edifying, which is why I immediately supplement it with a simple exercise.

The New York Times

I wanted to supplement it with something about the purpose of all this, and how it fits into our lives.

Yale University

She had probably heard about my aunt's cornmeal barter and had decided to help us supplement it with the crab, the most luxurious of Sunday foods.

The New Yorker

Campaigns usually order television advertising time in local markets (most often in contested states) and sometimes supplement it with purchases on cable television.

The New York Times

Having implemented a race-neutral program to increase minority admissions, she says, Texas may not supplement it with a race-conscious one.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "supplement it with", ensure that the addition genuinely enhances or completes the original item, concept, or process. Avoid using it when a replacement is more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "supplement it with" when the addition is already implied or obvious. Redundancy weakens your writing. Instead of saying "supplement the report with additional data", simply state "add data to the report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supplement it with" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the addition of something to enhance or complete an existing entity. It's often used to show that the addition is intended to improve or reinforce the original item, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "supplement it with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the action of adding something to enhance or complete an existing entity. While generally suitable for neutral to professional contexts, it's crucial to use it precisely, avoiding redundancy and ensuring the addition contributes meaningfully. Remember to consider alternatives like "complement it with" or "augment it with" to best capture the intended nuance. The top authoritative sources using this phrase include The New York Times, The Economist, and Forbes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complement it with

Highlights the harmonious combination of the addition and the original, indicating that the supplement enhances the overall completeness or balance.

add to it

A more basic and general way of saying the same thing, lacking the nuance of 'supplement'.

augment it with

Focuses on increasing the quantity or size of something, implying an addition that makes the original larger or more substantial.

integrate it with

Focuses on combining the new element seamlessly into the existing structure or system, highlighting compatibility and synergy.

enhance it with

Emphasizes improving the quality or attractiveness of something through the addition, highlighting the positive impact of the supplement.

fortify it with

Emphasizes strengthening something against potential threats or weaknesses, suggesting that the addition provides protection or resilience.

bolster it with

Suggests strengthening or supporting something that is weak or unstable, indicating that the addition provides reinforcement or stability.

round it out with

Implies that the addition completes or perfects something that was previously lacking, focusing on the sense of finality or closure.

amplify it with

Emphasizes increasing the intensity or effect of something, suggesting that the addition enhances the magnitude or impact of the original.

pad it out with

Indicates filling in gaps or expanding something that is too short or thin, often implying the addition of unnecessary or less important material.

FAQs

How can I use "supplement it with" in a sentence?

You can use "supplement it with" to indicate that you are adding something to enhance or complete something else. For example: "I plan to supplement my income with a part-time job."

What can I say instead of "supplement it with"?

You can use alternatives like "complement it with", "enhance it with", or "augment it with" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "supplement it with" or "replace it with"?

The choice depends on your intention. "Supplement it with" means adding something extra to improve it, while "replace it with" means substituting it entirely for something else. Consider if the original item still holds value.

What is the difference between "supplement it with" and "accompany it with"?

"Supplement it with" suggests adding something to improve or complete something else. "Accompany it with" simply means adding something that goes well with it, not necessarily to improve it. For example: "I had dinner and "accompanied it with" a glass of wine".