supplementary

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'supplementary' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that complements or adds to something else. For example, "The supplementary resources provided an in-depth look at the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This additonal paperwork, known as a supplementary homicide report, is filed in 89% of homicide cases overall, according to a December 2013 study by the bureau of justice statistics (BJS).

The Guardian

Academics and specialists have long been aware of flaws in the FBI numbers, which are based on voluntary submissions by local law enforcement agencies of paperwork known as supplementary homicide reports.

The Guardian

Despite this shift, Horrocks said "considering supplementary funding [from the FCO] is something that could be on the policy agenda and could be part of the discussion about the BBC's future".

The Guardian

Wednesday's "supplementary note" on the NAO's initial July report said that across 150 severance payments to senior managers in the three years to the end of 2012, the BBC paid "more salary in lieu of notice than it was contractually obliged to in 22 cases, at a total cost of £1.4m".

The Guardian

Labour's manifesto, conversely, seeks at least in principle to ensure that jobs pay enough to live on, so that supplementary benefits are not needed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Liberal Democrats will press for a supplementary charge on banks until 2017-18 to be announced in next month's budget, Danny Alexander, the Treasury chief secretary has announced.

The Guardian

ERA is preparing a supplementary environmental impact statement (EIS) on the 3 Deeps mine.

The Guardian

They criticised the investigation for being "far from robust about a number of matters" and called on the IPCC to produce a "supplementary report" to address a number of their concerns.

The Guardian

He claimed Osborne's own economic mismanagement, particularly a swingeing supplementary duty imposed in 2011, was partly to blame for the sector's slump.

The Guardian

Osborne made an explicit reference to the Scottish National party's quest for financial independence for Scotland as he unveiled the oil tax cuts, including cutting petroleum revenue tax from 50% to 35% and cutting a supplementary charge from 30% to 20%.

The Guardian

Choi, who is also the country's finance minister, said there was no need for a supplementary budget to help the country's economy weather the outbreak.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "supplementary" to clearly indicate that something is added to enhance or complete something else. For instance, "supplementary materials" provide extra information to the main content.

Common error

Avoid using "supplementary" when a simpler term like "additional" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex.

Linguistic Context

The word "supplementary" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that they are additional or complementary. This is consistent with Ludwig AI’s analysis and the examples provided, such as "supplementary budget" or "supplementary information".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "supplementary" functions as an adjective to denote something additional or complementary. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and widespread use. It appears most frequently in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science" contexts. When choosing alternative words, consider "additional", "complementary", or "extra" depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey. Remember to use "supplementary" when aiming to indicate extra information to the main content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

additional

Direct synonym replacing "supplementary" with a more common term.

supplemental

A synonym that is less commonly used but very similar in meaning.

complementary

Focuses on the enhancing aspect of the addition.

extra

A simple, informal way to say "supplementary".

auxiliary

Emphasizes providing help or support.

subsidiary

Highlights the secondary or subordinate nature.

secondary

Indicates a lower level of importance.

accessory

Suggests something non-essential but helpful.

supporting

Focuses on the aiding or assisting role.

collateral

Implies a related or accompanying item.

FAQs

How to use "supplementary" in a sentence?

You can use "supplementary" to describe something that adds to or enhances something else. For example, "The textbook included "supplementary materials" for further study."

What can I say instead of "supplementary"?

You can use alternatives like "additional", "complementary", or "extra" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "supplementary" or "supplemental"?

"Supplementary" and "supplemental" are often used interchangeably, but "supplementary" is generally preferred in British English. They both mean providing something additional or extra.

What's the difference between "supplementary" and "complementary"?

"Supplementary" means adding something extra to enhance something else, while "complementary" means enhancing something by combining well with it. For example, "supplementary income" is extra income, while "complementary colors" enhance each other when combined.