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Verb + preposition

How to use “supplement”

Supplement means “add something extra to improve or complete something.” “Supplement with” is the usual active pattern.

Quick answer

“Supplement with” is the common active pattern

Use “supplement with” when adding something extra: “She supplemented her income with freelance work.” “Supplemented by” appears in passive structures: “The report was supplemented by new data.”

He supplemented his diet with vitamins.
The proposal was supplemented by additional research.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
supplement with + addition

Adding something extra

Use “with” to show what is added.

They supplemented the course with online exercises.
2
supplement + object

Using the verb directly

The thing improved comes directly after the verb.

She supplemented her salary with tutoring work.
3
supplemented by + source

Passive form

Use “by” in passive voice to name the addition or contributor.

The findings were supplemented by field interviews.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
supplement with
He supplemented the meal with fresh fruit.
Standard active pattern showing the added item.
supplemented by
The article was supplemented by expert comments.
Standard passive structure.
supplement by
“Supplement by” is uncommon in active voice.
Prefer “supplement with” or a passive structure with “by.”

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “by” in active voice

Use “with” when adding something.

✕ She supplemented the report by charts. ✓ She supplemented the report with charts.

Omitting the added item

Make clear what is being added.

✕ They supplemented with. ✓ They supplemented the program with workshops.

Confusing active and passive forms

“By” is common after passive forms.

✕ The report supplemented by statistics. ✓ The report was supplemented by statistics.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She supplemented her income ___ freelance projects.
2. The study was supplemented ___ new survey data.
3. They supplemented the training ___ online videos.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “supplement with” correct?

Yes. It is the most common active pattern.

When do we use “supplemented by”?

Use it in passive voice to identify what was added.

Can “supplement by” be active?

It is uncommon and usually avoided in modern English.

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