When it comes to writing, choosing the right word can make all the difference in conveying your message clearly and accurately. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “supplemental” and “supplementary”. However, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in order to avoid confusion.
So which of these words is the proper one to use? The answer is that both can be correct, depending on the context in which they are used.
Supplemental refers to something that is added to complete or enhance something else. For example, a student may use supplemental materials to study for a test, such as a study guide or flashcards. In this case, the supplemental materials are meant to complement the student’s existing knowledge and help them perform better on the test.
On the other hand, supplementary means something that is added to provide additional support or information. For example, a textbook may have supplementary materials such as a companion website or teacher’s guide. These materials are meant to provide extra information and support for the reader, but are not necessary for understanding the main content of the textbook.
It’s important to understand the difference between these two words in order to use them correctly and avoid any confusion. In the rest of this article, we will explore the different contexts in which these words are used and provide examples to help you use them effectively in your writing.
Define Supplemental
Supplemental refers to something that is added to complete or enhance something else. It is an additional element that is not necessary but provides extra support or information. In the context of education, supplemental materials are used to reinforce and complement the main curriculum. These materials can include textbooks, workbooks, study guides, and other resources that help students better understand the subject matter.
Supplemental also refers to insurance policies that provide additional coverage beyond what is offered by the primary policy. These policies are designed to fill gaps in coverage and provide extra protection in case of unexpected events. For example, a supplemental health insurance policy may cover expenses that are not covered by the primary health insurance plan.
Define Supplementary
Supplementary also means something that is added to complete or enhance something else. However, it is typically used in a more specific context than supplemental. Supplementary materials are those that are added to a book, article, or other written work to provide additional information or clarify certain points. These materials can include footnotes, appendices, bibliographies, and glossaries.
In the context of education, supplementary materials are used to provide additional information or perspectives on a subject. For example, a teacher may assign supplementary readings to help students better understand a historical event or literary work. These materials are not essential to the main curriculum, but they can provide valuable insights and help students develop a deeper understanding of the subject.
| Supplemental | Supplementary |
|---|---|
| Added to complete or enhance something else | Added to provide additional information or perspectives |
| Used in education to reinforce and complement the main curriculum | Used in education to provide additional information or clarify certain points |
| Used in insurance to provide additional coverage beyond the primary policy | N/A |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, it’s important to use the correct words to convey your message effectively. Two words that are often confused are “supplemental” and “supplementary.” While they may seem interchangeable, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately.
How To Use “Supplemental” In A Sentence
“Supplemental” is an adjective that means something is added to complete or enhance something else. Here are a few examples of how to use “supplemental” in a sentence:
- I ordered a supplemental textbook to help me better understand the material.
- The company provided a supplemental report to give more information about their findings.
- She took a supplemental vitamin to boost her immune system.
As you can see, “supplemental” is used to describe something that is added to improve or complete something else. It’s important to use this word when referring to something that is supplementary in nature.
How To Use “Supplementary” In A Sentence
“Supplementary” is also an adjective, but it means something that is additional or extra. Here are some examples of how to use “supplementary” in a sentence:
- The teacher provided supplementary materials to help the students prepare for the exam.
- She took a supplementary course to learn more about the subject.
- He received a supplementary income from his part-time job.
As you can see, “supplementary” is used to describe something that is extra or additional. It’s important to use this word when referring to something that is supplementary in nature.
In conclusion, while “supplemental” and “supplementary” may seem similar, they have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in a sentence. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your writing is clear and effective.
More Examples Of Supplemental & Supplementary Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use “supplemental” and “supplementary” in sentences.
Examples Of Using “Supplemental” In A Sentence
- I take a supplemental vitamin every day to ensure I get all the nutrients I need.
- The company provided supplemental training to its employees to improve their skills.
- She received a supplemental paycheck for working overtime.
- The textbook came with a supplemental CD-ROM containing additional study materials.
- The court ordered the defendant to provide supplemental evidence to support their case.
- The teacher provided supplemental reading materials to the students to enhance their understanding of the topic.
- The company offered a supplemental health insurance plan to its employees.
- He took a supplemental language course to improve his fluency in Spanish.
- The government provided supplemental funding to the school to improve its facilities.
- The athlete took a supplemental protein powder to help build muscle.
Examples Of Using “Supplementary” In A Sentence
- The textbook came with a supplementary workbook containing additional exercises.
- The company provided supplementary information to its investors to help them make informed decisions.
- The teacher used supplementary materials to provide a more comprehensive lesson.
- The report included supplementary data to support its findings.
- The company offered a supplementary pension plan to its employees.
- The artist created a supplementary booklet to accompany the exhibition.
- The book included supplementary illustrations to enhance the reader’s understanding of the text.
- The government provided supplementary aid to the disaster-stricken area.
- The course included supplementary readings to provide a broader perspective on the topic.
- The museum provided supplementary audio guides to enhance the visitor’s experience.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “supplemental” and “supplementary,” it’s easy to get confused. However, using these words interchangeably can lead to misunderstandings and incorrect usage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Using “Supplemental” When You Mean “Supplementary”
While the words “supplemental” and “supplementary” are similar in meaning, they are not interchangeable. “Supplemental” refers to something that adds to or completes something else, while “supplementary” means something that is added to or complements something else. For example:
- Supplemental: The company offered a supplemental insurance policy to its employees.
- Supplementary: The textbook includes supplementary materials such as quizzes and study guides.
Using “supplemental” when you mean “supplementary” can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
2. Using “Supplementary” When You Mean “Additional”
Another common mistake is using “supplementary” when you mean “additional.” “Supplementary” implies that something is adding to or complementing something else, while “additional” simply means more or extra. For example:
- Supplementary: The company provided supplementary training materials to its employees.
- Additional: The company hired additional staff to handle the increased workload.
Using “supplementary” when you mean “additional” can make your writing sound awkward and confusing.
3. Not Considering Context
It’s important to consider the context in which you are using these words. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. For example:
- Supplemental: The company provided a supplemental budget report to the board of directors.
- Supplementary: The textbook includes supplementary materials to help students understand the concepts.
By considering context, you can ensure that you are using the correct word and conveying your intended meaning.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, here are some tips:
- Always double-check the definition of the word you are using to ensure it is the correct one.
- Consider the context in which you are using the word.
- If you are unsure, consult a dictionary or thesaurus.
By following these tips, you can avoid using “supplemental” and “supplementary” interchangeably and ensure that your writing is clear and effective.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “supplemental” and “supplementary” can be a matter of context. Both words are adjectives that mean “additional” or “extra,” but they are not always interchangeable. The choice between them can depend on the context in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “supplemental” and “supplementary” might change:
| Context | Example | Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Education | A textbook with additional materials | Supplementary |
| Healthcare | Vitamins to support a diet | Supplemental |
| Insurance | An additional policy to cover a specific risk | Supplementary |
| Income | Extra income from a second job | Supplemental |
In the context of education, “supplementary” is often used to describe materials that are added to a textbook or course to enhance learning. For example, a textbook may come with a supplementary workbook or online resources. In this context, “supplemental” may not be as appropriate because it implies something that is added to make up for a deficiency.
On the other hand, in healthcare, “supplemental” is often used to describe something that is added to a diet to make up for a deficiency. For example, someone may take a vitamin supplement to supplement their diet. In this context, “supplementary” may not be as appropriate because it implies something that is added to enhance or improve, rather than fill a deficiency.
In insurance, “supplementary” is often used to describe an additional policy that is added to an existing policy to cover a specific risk. For example, someone may have a car insurance policy with supplementary coverage for rental cars. In this context, “supplemental” may not be as appropriate because it implies something that is added to make up for a deficiency, rather than add an extra layer of protection.
In income, “supplemental” is often used to describe extra income that is added to someone’s primary income. For example, someone may have a part-time job that provides supplemental income. In this context, “supplementary” may not be as appropriate because it implies something that is added to enhance or improve, rather than provide an additional source of income.
As you can see, the choice between “supplemental” and “supplementary” can depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the meaning and connotations of each word before choosing which one to use.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “supplemental” and “supplementary” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply.
Supplemental As A Noun
One exception is when “supplemental” is used as a noun. In this case, it refers to a publication or document that is added to a main publication or document to provide additional information. For example:
- The company’s annual report includes a supplemental with detailed financial data.
- I received a supplemental to the employee handbook outlining new policies.
Supplementary In Mathematics
In mathematics, “supplementary” has a specific meaning that differs from its general definition. It refers to two angles that add up to 180 degrees. For example:
- The angles of a straight line are always supplementary.
- The two angles of a right triangle that are not the right angle are always supplementary.
Supplementary As An Adverb
Another exception is when “supplementary” is used as an adverb. In this case, it means “in addition to” or “extra.” For example:
- The teacher provided supplementary materials for the students to review.
- The company offered supplementary training to employees who wanted to learn new skills.
It’s important to note that in these exceptions, the meanings of “supplemental” and “supplementary” are still related to providing additional information or support. However, their usage may differ from the general guidelines.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of supplemental and supplementary is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you master the usage of these two words:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Fill in the blank with either supplemental or supplementary:
- The company offers ___________ health insurance for all employees.
- The textbook comes with a ___________ workbook for additional practice.
- The teacher provided ___________ materials to help students prepare for the exam.
- The ___________ report provided additional information that was not included in the main report.
- I bought a ___________ ticket to upgrade my seat on the flight.
Answer Key:
- supplemental
- supplementary
- supplemental
- supplementary
- supplemental
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
- The ___________ materials provided additional information about the topic.
- a) supplemental
- b) supplementary
- a) supplemental
- b) supplementary
- a) supplemental
- b) supplementary
- a) supplemental
- b) supplementary
- a) supplemental
- b) supplementary
Answer Key:
- b) supplementary
- a) supplemental
- a) supplemental
- b) supplementary
- a) supplemental
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of supplemental and supplementary in your writing and speech.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “supplemental” and “supplementary,” it’s clear that these two terms are not interchangeable. While they both refer to something that is added to enhance or complete something else, “supplemental” is used to describe something that is additional or extra, while “supplementary” is used to describe something that is complementary or supportive.
It’s important to use these terms correctly in order to avoid confusion and clearly convey your intended meaning. This is just one example of the many nuances of the English language, which is why it’s important to continue learning and improving your grammar and language use.
Here are some key takeaways to remember:
Key Takeaways:
- “Supplemental” refers to something that is additional or extra.
- “Supplementary” refers to something that is complementary or supportive.
- Using these terms correctly is important for clear communication.
- Continuing to learn about grammar and language use can help improve your writing and communication skills.
By paying attention to the nuances of language and striving to improve your communication skills, you can become a more effective writer and speaker.
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.