supplement to

USAGE SUMMARY

"supplement to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate something additional to a statement or idea. For example, "This book is a supplement to the textbook that covers the same topic in more detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A special supplement to Arts & Leisure.

The New York Times

Nudges can be a useful supplement to other tools.

The Guardian

"I think it would be considered a supplement to it".

The New York Times

(The Guardian published a special supplement to celebrate the landmark).

The Guardian - Books

Others need an income or a supplement to retirement savings.

The New York Times

"BBC World News" and other foreign-based programs offer an essential supplement to this tunnel vision.

The New York Times

Like other CD yearbooks, it is a supplement to the print version.

The New York Times

Some sellers list goods on other auction sites, either as an alternative or supplement to eBay.

The New York Times

In 1948, a new chemical, chlordane, was tried as a supplement to DDT.

The New Yorker

The service is intended as a supplement to a health-insurance plan, not a substitute.

The New Yorker

The clinic is a supplement to, not a replacement for, conventional cancer therapy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "supplement to" when you want to emphasize that something is being added to improve or complete something else, rather than replacing it entirely.

Common error

Avoid using "supplement to" when you actually mean something is a replacement. "Supplement to" implies an addition or enhancement, whereas "substitute for" indicates a replacement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supplement to" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb. It indicates that something is added to enhance, complete, or support another thing. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where "supplement to" connects two elements, showing their additive relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "supplement to" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that something enhances, completes, or supports another thing without replacing it. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. Alternatives include "addition to" and "complement to". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the relationship between the elements you are describing, emphasizing enhancement rather than substitution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

addition to

Indicates a general increase or adding something more, without necessarily implying a deficiency in the original.

complement to

Implies that the added element enhances or completes the original, filling a gap or deficiency.

adjunct to

Suggests a supplementary component that is not essential but helpful or useful.

accessory to

Indicates something extra or non-essential that enhances the functionality or appeal of the main item.

extension to

Implies expanding the scope or duration of something already existing.

augmentation of

Suggests an increase in size, quantity, or degree of something.

enhancement to

Focuses on improving the quality or value of something.

support for

Highlights the act of providing assistance or reinforcement to something.

aid to

Focuses on providing help or assistance, often in a time of need.

reinforcement of

Suggests strengthening or supporting something to make it more robust.

FAQs

How can I use "supplement to" in a sentence?

The phrase "supplement to" indicates that something is added to enhance or complete something else. For instance, "This online course serves as a "supplement to" the textbook, providing additional examples and exercises."

What are some alternatives to saying "supplement to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "addition to", "complement to", or "adjunct to" as alternatives to "supplement to".

Is it correct to say "supplement for" instead of "supplement to"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "supplement" in this context is "to". "Supplement for" would imply a replacement, while "supplement to" indicates an addition or enhancement.

What is the difference between "supplement to" and "replacement for"?

"Supplement to" indicates that something is added to enhance or complete something else, while "replacement for" implies that something is being substituted or used instead of something else. For example, a multivitamin is a "supplement to" a balanced diet, while a generic drug is a "replacement for" a brand-name drug.