supplementary to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supplementary to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is additional or complementary to something else. Example: "The new guidelines are supplementary to the existing policies and should be reviewed carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But charity is supplementary to civic responsibility, not an alternative to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was invited to consult and advise on rights supplementary to those in the ECHR, to reflect the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland.

The Guardian - Opinion

Learning is to be regarded as supplementary to unlearned factors that mediate perceiving.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When professional artists use watercolour, so the grand narrative goes, it is to make preliminary sketches, try-outs, what-ifs that are supplementary to the real business of art, which involves painting in oils.

The Guardian - Arts

(Quick supplementary to Cameron: If we did have a referendum asking if Britain should stay in the EU as it is today, which way would you urge people to vote? "Yes" or "no"? Simple question. One word answer please).

The Guardian - Opinion

Some very large corporations have developed their own systems of technical classes, supplementary to direct job training.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And cameras, useful though they may be, are purely supplementary to the smartphone experience.

TechCrunch

Founder Rajat Suri says that E la Carte is supplementary to the current restaurant experience.

TechCrunch

The two approaches, modelling and monitoring, are supplementary to each other.

Computer Networks

It is supplementary to, rather than a replacement for, established principles of successful maintenance management.

Rules of Thumb for Maintenance and Reliability Engineers

Similarly, cancer patients managed at home receive professional services, and HMPS is only supplementary to HHC.

Health Economics Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "supplementary to", ensure it clearly indicates an addition or enhancement, not a replacement. For example, "The online course is supplementary to the textbook, offering additional exercises and resources."

Common error

Avoid using "supplementary to" when you actually mean "instead of". "Supplementary to" means something is added, not substituted. A common mistake is saying, "The app is supplementary to the website" when you mean the app replaces the website. If that's the case, say that one replaces the other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supplementary to" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating that something is added to or enhances another element. Ludwig AI shows its prevalent usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "supplementary to" is a prepositional phrase indicating that something is additional or complementary. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various domains, especially science and news media. It's crucial to use it accurately to convey enhancement rather than replacement. Alternatives like "in addition to" or "as well as" can be used depending on the context. Understanding its proper use can significantly improve the clarity and precision of your writing. The phrase follows standard grammar rules, and the many examples show it to be a very common phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in addition to

Indicates something is added to what already exists; emphasizes the additive aspect.

as well as

Highlights the inclusion of something alongside something else, similar in function.

besides

Implies something extra is included, focusing on the supplemental nature.

along with

Shows simultaneous inclusion; emphasizes accompaniment more than supplementation.

together with

Similar to 'along with', suggesting things are combined but can be slightly less formal.

coupled with

Suggests a close association or dependency; more formal and implies a stronger connection.

augmenting

Directly conveys the idea of increasing or enhancing something; more active and formal.

enhancing

Focuses on improving quality or effectiveness, not just adding more.

complementing

Stresses how something completes or perfects another thing.

secondary to

Indicates a supporting role, but emphasizes less importance compared to the primary element.

FAQs

What does "supplementary to" mean?

"Supplementary to" means something is additional or complementary to something else, enhancing or supporting it rather than replacing it.

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

You can use "supplementary to" to describe something that adds to or enhances something else, for example: "The new data is "supplementary to" the existing research."

What can I say instead of "supplementary to"?

Alternatives include "in addition to", "as well as", or "besides" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "supplemental to" instead of "supplementary to"?

Both "supplemental to" and "supplementary to" are correct, but "supplementary to" is more commonly used. "Supplemental" often refers to something that fills a need or shortage.