Are you confused about the difference between supplement and supplementary? You’re not alone. While these two words are similar in meaning, they are not interchangeable. Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all.
The proper word to use depends on the context in which it is being used. Supplement can be used as a noun or a verb, while supplementary is only used as an adjective.
As a noun, supplement means something that is added to complete or enhance something else. For example, taking a daily multivitamin can be a supplement to a healthy diet. As a verb, supplement means to add something extra to improve or complete something else. For example, you may supplement your income by taking on a part-time job.
On the other hand, supplementary is an adjective that means additional or extra. It is used to describe something that is added to something else to make it more complete. For example, a supplementary textbook may be used in addition to the main textbook in a class to provide extra information.
Now that we’ve clarified the difference between supplement and supplementary, let’s dive deeper into the uses and benefits of each.
Define Supplement
A supplement is a product that is taken in addition to one’s diet to provide essential nutrients that may be lacking. These nutrients can include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other substances that are necessary for the body to function properly. Supplements come in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids.
Supplements are not intended to replace a healthy diet, but rather to enhance it. They can be used to address specific deficiencies or to support overall health and wellness.
Define Supplementary
Supplementary refers to something that is added to or complements something else. In the context of health and wellness, a supplementary product may provide additional support or benefits beyond what is provided by a person’s diet or lifestyle.
Supplementary products can include things like herbal remedies, probiotics, and other natural substances that are believed to have health benefits. They are often used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise regimen to support overall wellness.
It is important to note that while supplementary products may have benefits, they are not a replacement for medical treatment or advice. It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or wellness regimen.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, using the right words can make all the difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your message. While supplement and supplementary may seem interchangeable, they actually have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in a sentence. Here’s how to use each word correctly:
How To Use “Supplement” In A Sentence
Supplement is a noun or verb that refers to something that is added to enhance or complete something else. Here are some examples of how to use supplement in a sentence:
- She takes a daily vitamin supplement to ensure she’s getting all the nutrients she needs.
- The company decided to supplement their marketing campaign with social media ads.
- The teacher provided a supplement to the textbook to give students more information on the topic.
In each of these examples, supplement is used to add something extra to enhance or complete the main subject. It can also be used as a verb to describe the act of adding something extra.
How To Use “Supplementary” In A Sentence
Supplementary is an adjective that describes something that is added to provide additional support or information. Here are some examples of how to use supplementary in a sentence:
- The book includes a supplementary chapter on advanced techniques.
- The professor provided supplementary materials to help students prepare for the exam.
- The company offers a supplementary training program for employees who want to advance their skills.
In each of these examples, supplementary is used to describe something that provides additional support or information to the main subject. It is always used as an adjective to modify a noun or noun phrase.
More Examples Of Supplement & Supplementary Used In Sentences
As mentioned earlier, supplement and supplementary have different meanings and contexts of use. Here are some more examples of how these words can be used in sentences:
Examples Of Using Supplement In A Sentence
- She takes a daily supplement to boost her immune system.
- The company decided to supplement their workforce by hiring more employees.
- He used protein supplements to enhance his workout routine.
- The book includes a supplement with additional information.
- She added a supplement to her diet to improve her skin health.
- The newspaper published a supplement with the Sunday edition.
- The teacher provided a supplement to the textbook for further reading.
- He takes a vitamin supplement every morning to stay healthy.
- The athlete used a supplement to improve his performance.
- The company provided a supplement to the employee handbook with updated policies.
Examples Of Using Supplementary In A Sentence
- The course includes a supplementary reading list for students.
- The company provided supplementary training for new hires.
- The report included supplementary data to support its findings.
- The textbook came with a supplementary CD of audio recordings.
- The professor assigned supplementary reading materials to enhance the students’ understanding of the topic.
- The museum exhibit had a supplementary audio guide for visitors.
- The research paper included a supplementary appendix with additional information.
- The movie had supplementary scenes in the director’s cut version.
- The course offered supplementary online resources for students to access.
- The cookbook included supplementary recipes for variations on the main dishes.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the terms supplement and supplementary, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, it is important to understand that these two words have different meanings and should be used accordingly. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using supplement and supplementary:
Mistake #1: Using Supplement And Supplementary Interchangeably
Supplement and supplementary are not synonyms and should not be used interchangeably. Supplement refers to something that is added to enhance or complete something else, while supplementary refers to something that is added to provide additional information or support.
For example, if you are taking a dietary supplement, you are adding something to your diet to enhance or complete it. On the other hand, if you are reading a supplementary textbook, you are adding it to your studies to provide additional information or support.
Mistake #2: Using Supplement As A Verb
Another common mistake is using supplement as a verb, when it should be used as a noun. Supplement is a noun that refers to something that is added to enhance or complete something else. The verb form of supplement is to supplement, which means to add something to enhance or complete something else.
For example, you can say “I am taking a dietary supplement to enhance my health,” but you should not say “I am supplementing my health with this dietary pill.”
Mistake #3: Confusing Supplement With Substitute
Finally, it is important to understand that supplement should not be confused with substitute. A supplement is something that is added to enhance or complete something else, while a substitute is something that is used in place of something else.
For example, if you are lactose intolerant, you can take a lactase supplement to help you digest lactose, but you should not use almond milk as a substitute for dairy milk.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, here are some tips:
- Understand the difference between supplement and supplementary, and use them accordingly.
- Use supplement as a noun, not a verb.
- Remember that supplement is not a substitute, and should not be used as one.
Context Matters
Choosing between supplement and supplementary can depend on the context in which they are used. The two words are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect their usage.
Supplement
Supplement is a noun or a verb that refers to something that is added to make up for a deficiency or to enhance something that is already present. It is commonly used in the context of nutrition or health, where it refers to a product that is taken in addition to regular food to provide extra nutrients. For example:
- She takes a daily vitamin supplement to make up for any nutrients she may be missing in her diet.
- The athlete uses protein supplements to enhance his muscle growth and recovery.
Supplement can also refer to something that is added to provide additional information or to complete something. For example:
- The article was supplemented with additional research to provide more depth on the topic.
- The teacher provided a supplement to the textbook to help students better understand the material.
Supplementary
Supplementary is an adjective that describes something that is added to provide additional support or to complete something. It is often used in the context of education, where it refers to materials or resources that are provided in addition to the regular curriculum to enhance learning. For example:
- The teacher provided supplementary materials to help students prepare for the exam.
- The school offers supplementary classes for students who want to improve their skills in a particular subject.
Supplementary can also refer to something that is added to provide additional support or to complete something. For example:
- The company provided supplementary documentation to support their claim.
- The artist created a supplementary piece to complete the collection.
In summary, the choice between supplement and supplementary can depend on the context in which they are used. Supplement is often used as a noun or a verb to refer to something that is added to make up for a deficiency or to enhance something that is already present, while supplementary is an adjective that describes something that is added to provide additional support or to complete something.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using supplement and supplementary are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. Here are a few cases where the rules might not apply:
1. Technical Writing
In technical writing, the terms supplement and supplementary might be used interchangeably to refer to additional materials or information that support the main content. For example, a technical manual might include a supplement that provides detailed instructions for a specific task, or a supplementary chart that illustrates complex data. In this context, the distinction between the two terms is less important than their function as a way to enhance the primary content.
2. Legal Documents
In legal documents, the use of supplement and supplementary can depend on the specific context and purpose of the document. For instance, in a contract, a supplement might refer to an addendum or amendment that modifies the terms of the agreement, while a supplementary document might provide additional information or clarification. In this case, the choice of terminology can depend on the legal conventions and expectations of the particular field or jurisdiction.
3. Academic Writing
Academic writing can also present some exceptions to the rules for using supplement and supplementary. For example, in some disciplines, such as philosophy or linguistics, the term supplement might be used to refer to a specific type of text that provides additional commentary or analysis on a primary text. In this case, the term supplementary might not be appropriate, as it implies a more general function of providing extra information or support.
Overall, while the rules for using supplement and supplementary are generally consistent, it’s important to be aware of these exceptions and to use the terms in a way that is appropriate for the specific context and purpose of the writing.
Practice Exercises
Improving one’s understanding and use of supplement and supplementary can be achieved through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help readers:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
| 1. The textbook comes with a ___________ chapter on advanced calculus. | ___________ |
| 2. The professor provided ___________ materials for the students to review before the exam. | ___________ |
| 3. The company offers a ___________ health insurance plan for its employees. | ___________ |
Answer key:
- supplementary
- supplemental
- supplemental
Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- The ___________ report provided additional information about the company’s financial performance.
- a. supplement
- b. supplementary
- a. supplement
- b. supplementary
- a. supplement
- b. supplementary
Answer key:
- b
- a
- a
By practicing with these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of supplement and supplementary in various contexts.
Conclusion
After reading this article, it is clear that there is a significant difference between the terms “supplement” and “supplementary.” While these words may seem interchangeable at first glance, they have distinct meanings and applications in the English language.
It is important to understand the differences between these two terms to ensure that you are using them correctly in your writing. A supplement is something that is added to enhance or complete a whole, while something that is supplementary is added to provide additional information or support.
When it comes to grammar and language use, precision is key. Using the wrong word can completely change the meaning of a sentence or paragraph. By taking the time to understand the nuances of words like “supplement” and “supplementary,” you can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.
Key Takeaways:
- Supplement and supplementary are not interchangeable terms.
- A supplement is something added to enhance or complete a whole.
- Something that is supplementary is added to provide additional information or support.
- Precision in language use is important for effective communication.
Remember, the English language is constantly evolving, and there is always more to learn. By continuing to study and improve your grammar and language use, you can become a more effective communicator and writer.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.