a benefactor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a benefactor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who provides help or financial support to another person or organization, often in a charitable context. Example: "The scholarship was made possible by a generous benefactor who believed in the importance of education."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A benefactor? A...butcher?

The Economist

As a benefactor and a blues man.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We're not a benefactor of the gallery.

The New York Times

It's also a town with a benefactor.

The New York Times - Travel

Local radio has clearly been a benefactor.

The New York Times

Mr Al Fayed saw himself as a benefactor to Britain.

The Economist

And a benefactor had agreed to pay for her education.

The New York Times

No, it helped me a lot, because he's a benefactor.

The Guardian - Film

Then again, it can just as easily be a benefactor.

The New York Times

Brekhunov is odious but sees himself as a "benefactor".

The Guardian - Books

"There is always a benefactor looking after you".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a benefactor, be specific about the type of support they provide (financial, emotional, etc.) to add clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "benefactor" when you mean "beneficiary". A benefactor gives benefits, while a beneficiary receives them. For example, the university is the beneficiary of the alum's generosity; the alum is the benefactor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a benefactor" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. Ludwig AI shows the phrase often identifies an individual or entity providing aid or support, as illustrated in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

13%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a benefactor" is grammatically sound and widely used, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to identify an individual or entity that provides support or benefits, with a neutral to formal tone suitable for diverse contexts. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news, encyclopedias, and academic publications, emphasizing its formal application. When using "a benefactor", ensure clarity regarding the specific type of support offered and avoid confusion with similar-sounding words like "beneficiary".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a patron

Focuses on artistic or cultural support, often implying ongoing or dedicated funding.

a sponsor

Highlights financial support, often in exchange for advertising or promotional benefits.

a donor

Emphasizes charitable giving, usually involving a one-time contribution.

a philanthropist

Implies a broader, more strategic approach to charitable giving, often with a focus on systemic change.

a contributor

Suggests providing something of value, which can be financial, material, or intellectual.

a backer

Indicates someone who supports a cause or project, often financially.

a supporter

A general term for someone who provides assistance or encouragement.

an underwriter

Specifically refers to financial backing for a project or venture, often involving risk assessment.

a sugar daddy

Informal term for a wealthy person who provides financial support to a younger person, often in exchange for companionship.

a fairy godmother

Figurative term for someone who appears unexpectedly to provide help or resources.

FAQs

How can I use "a benefactor" in a sentence?

You can use "a benefactor" to describe someone who provides help or financial assistance. For example: "The museum was able to expand its collection thanks to "a benefactor" who donated a significant sum of money."

What's the difference between "a benefactor" and "a beneficiary"?

"A benefactor" is someone who gives or donates, while "a beneficiary" is someone who receives the benefit. The benefactor provides, and the beneficiary receives the help or resources.

What are some synonyms for "a benefactor"?

Alternatives to "a benefactor" include "a patron", "a donor", "a supporter", or "a philanthropist", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "a benefactor" in formal writing?

Yes, "a benefactor" is a formal and widely understood term. It's suitable for use in academic, business, and journalistic contexts.