supplemented each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "supplemented each other" is not correct in standard English.
The correct expression is "supplemented one another" or "supplemented each other." Example: "The two research studies supplemented each other, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the topic."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

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 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

Through MIC assays it was observed that both the flavonoids and antibiotics supplemented each other effects.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

We chose to have two moderators (first and second author), and we supplemented each other with questions.

BMC Medical Ethics

The image analyses supplemented each other and gave a more complete description of the tissue composition in the muscle than the mean grey-scale value alone.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Using multiple qualitative methods in the focus groups allowed for triangulation of the results as the different methods supplemented each other and provided a more complete picture [ 24, 27].

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"We supplement each other.

The New York Times - Sports

And how do the two of you supplement each other?

The Guardian

Military action and the court are not direct alternatives, but they could supplement each other.

The Economist

The story of penicillin shows very clearly how different aptitudes and temperaments can supplement each other in the advance of science.

The Guardian

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "supplemented each other" is understandable, prefer using "supplemented one another" or, more commonly, "complemented each other" for grammatically correct and widely accepted phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "each other" when referring to more than two entities. "Each other" is typically for two entities; "one another" is preferred for three or more. However, in many contexts, rephrasing to use "complemented" is the best approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supplemented each other" functions as a verb phrase, describing a reciprocal action between two or more entities. While Ludwig identifies this phrase as grammatically incorrect, example sentences demonstrate its usage across various sources, albeit less commonly than alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "supplemented each other" is understandable and found in various sources, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect according to Ludwig. The preferred alternatives are "supplemented one another" or, more commonly, "complemented each other". The phrase aims to convey a relationship of mutual enhancement, and its usage spans neutral to slightly formal contexts like science, news, and encyclopedias, according to the Ludwig examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enhanced one another

Corrects the grammatical error while maintaining the core meaning.

complemented each other

Highlights how the elements filled in each other's gaps or deficiencies.

mutually reinforced each other

Highlights the strengthening effect each element had on the other.

worked together synergistically

Emphasizes the cooperative aspect and the enhanced combined effect.

combined to greater effect

Focuses on the improved outcome from the combination.

were mutually beneficial

Stresses the reciprocal advantage gained by each element.

acted in concert

Suggests a coordinated and harmonious interaction.

created a positive feedback loop

Describes a cycle where each action amplifies the other.

collaborated effectively

Highlights the successful collaboration between elements.

interacted positively

A more general term indicating a beneficial interaction.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say that two things enhance each other?

The grammatically correct and more widely accepted phrasing is to say that they "complemented each other" or "supplemented one another".

Is "supplemented each other" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "supplemented each other" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. The correct form is "supplemented one another."

Can I use "supplemented each other" in formal writing?

It's best to avoid "supplemented each other" in formal writing. Instead, opt for "supplemented one another" or "complemented each other" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "supplemented each other" and "complemented each other"?

"Supplemented each other" is not grammatically correct, while "complemented each other" is a standard and widely accepted phrase. Both suggest enhancement, but the latter is preferred for correctness.