feeds

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "feeds" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of providing food for someone or something, for example "The farm owner feeds the cows every morning". You can also use it to refer to providing information, for example "I read the news feeds every day".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He confronted her at a local food bank by asking how "a Tory MP who votes for slashing welfare benefits" copes with visiting a place that "feeds the poorest of her constituents?" He says: "Mary Macleod has never been shown to her constituents in this manner.

The Guardian

But next to the steady diet of Jersey shenanigans and rampaging teen moms MTV feeds its constituency, the Skins ensemble can't help but seem a little smaller than life.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"We have agreements with a number of smartphone manufacturers, so they provide us with real time GPS feeds wherever their smartphones are," says Nick Cohn, senior traffic expert at TomTom.

The Guardian - Tech

My social media feeds sizzle with the anger of people from across the globe: over the racism of cops in Ferguson, US, over the destruction of antiquities by Isis, over Jihadi John, over Netanyahu's 26 standing ovations and, above all, over the alleged criminal behaviour of bankers.

The Guardian - Opinion

The 93-page survey - carried out by WAC Global Services, Nigeria-based specialists in conflict resolution - said Shell itself "feeds" the violence, and may have to leave the area by 2009.

The Guardian - Business

He feeds his vegetables with compost from his kitchen, his catfish on worms and larvae, his rabbits on leaves and herbs.

The Guardian

But clickbait has come to mean more than that which skews Facebook news feeds.

The Guardian

This simply feeds into negative stereotypes of workers and can catalyse mistreatment of workers by their employers".

The Guardian

We'd mistimed feeds, and found ourselves with the option of walking a mile home with a hungry baby going off like a siren inside his pram, or ducking into the most secluded corner of the nearest coffee shop and letting my wife feed him while I stood in front of them holding up her coat like some sort of panicky Poundland matador.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her understanding of the economic conditions required to transition with such aplomb were echoed by a number of other trans women on my social media feeds, even those who celebrate her visibility: we all know too well how difficult and expensive it is to be a certain kind of pretty.

The Guardian - Opinion

It would be biting the hand that feeds you so generously.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feeds" in the context of information, consider whether "provides" or "supplies" might be more appropriate to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The algorithm feeds data to the control system" could be rephrased as "The algorithm provides data to the control system".

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "feeds" in technical documentation. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "supplies", "transmits", or "inputs" to enhance clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The term "feeds" functions primarily as a verb, denoting the action of providing sustenance or input. Ludwig AI shows it can also act as a noun, particularly in the plural form, referring to sources of information like "news feeds".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feeds" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, from providing nourishment to supplying information. It maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse applications. While highly versatile, consider using synonyms like "provides" or "supplies" in technical or formal writing to avoid overuse. As a final point, the analysis reveals that the term appears most frequently in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science" contexts. The examples also reveal a preponderance of usage in technological contexts related to data flows.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nourishes

Focuses on the act of providing essential nutrients for growth or sustenance.

sustains

Emphasizes the act of maintaining or supporting something's existence.

supplies

Highlights the provision of necessary resources or materials.

provisions

Implies the act of furnishing or equipping with what is needed.

fuels

Focuses on providing energy or impetus for something to function or progress.

contributes to

Emphasizes the act of adding to or promoting a particular outcome or result.

promotes

Highlights the act of encouraging or fostering growth or development.

supports

Implies the act of providing assistance or backing to something.

stimulates

Focuses on the act of encouraging activity or development.

fosters

Emphasizes the act of nurturing or cultivating something.

FAQs

How can I use "feeds" in a sentence?

You can use "feeds" to describe the act of providing nourishment, like "The farmer feeds the animals daily." It's also used to describe providing information, such as "The sensor feeds data to the system."

What are some alternatives to using "feeds"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "feeds" include "nourishes", "supplies", or "provides". Consider the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the program feeds on data"?

Yes, it's correct. The expression "feeds on" suggests that the program uses data as its source of energy or information to function. However, ensure the context clearly supports this metaphorical usage.

What's the difference between "feeds" and "provides" in a technological context?

"Feeds" often implies a continuous or ongoing supply, whereas "provides" can suggest a more singular or discrete act of supplying. For example, "The sensor feeds data to the system" suggests a constant stream, while "The report provides data" indicates a one-time delivery of information.