for contingencies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for contingencies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to plans, funds, or measures that are set aside to address unexpected events or emergencies. Example: "We have allocated a portion of our budget for contingencies to ensure we are prepared for any unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Put something by each week for contingencies.

The Guardian

They have no money set aside for contingencies.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We must now be ready for contingencies that seemed virtually impossible just a few months ago".

The New York Times

"The military role and the Ministry of Defence role is to plan for contingencies.

The Guardian

But remember to make sure you have some money for contingencies.

The New York Times

"We always plan for contingencies – Antarctic weather doesn't allow us to plan precisely the season," said Fleming.

The Guardian

He held the rest in reserve for contingencies that may or may not put them to use.

The New York Times

His widow, then approaching 80, was satisfied to have the cushion to provide for contingencies (read: nursing home).

The New York Times

"Once you understand where you are, you can begin to design and budget for contingencies," he adds.

The Economist

"General managers are always playing the 'What if' game," Hart said, in terms of preparing for contingencies.

The New York Times

One MP was refused £338 for a shredder, another tried to claim £1,057 for advertising, and a third was refused £1,085 for "contingencies".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When budgeting or planning, always include a line item "for contingencies". This ensures you have resources available to address unexpected costs or challenges without derailing your primary goals.

Common error

Underestimating the potential impact or cost of contingencies can lead to insufficient preparation. Always consider a range of possible scenarios and allocate resources accordingly to avoid being caught off guard.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for contingencies" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the purpose or reason behind an action, typically related to planning or preparation. Ludwig provides examples illustrating this, such as "We always plan for contingencies".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for contingencies" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that signifies planning and preparation for unexpected events. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across a wide range of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. To effectively use this phrase, ensure you are conveying a sense of proactive planning and preparedness. Remember to avoid underestimating the potential impact of contingencies when making plans or setting budgets. Alternatives such as "in case of emergencies" or "to prepare for eventualities" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "for contingencies" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for unexpected situations

This option is a general substitute for "for contingencies", directly addressing unforeseen circumstances.

to prepare for eventualities

This alternative uses a more formal term, 'eventualities', which refers to possible future events or outcomes.

in preparation for uncertainties

This alternative highlights the acknowledgment of unknown variables and the need to be ready for them.

in case of emergencies

This alternative emphasizes the immediacy and potential severity of the unexpected events.

for potential problems

This phrase directly addresses the possibility of issues arising and the need to be ready for them.

to allow for unforeseen circumstances

This option emphasizes the aspect of making allowances or adjustments to accommodate unexpected situations.

to cover unforeseen events

This phrase focuses on the aspect of managing and mitigating the impact of unexpected occurrences.

in anticipation of risks

This option focuses specifically on anticipating and mitigating potential dangers or hazards.

as a safety measure

This alternative highlights the proactive and preventive nature of preparing for the unexpected.

for backup plans

This phrase highlights the presence of alternative strategies to use if the original plan fails.

FAQs

How can I use "for contingencies" in a sentence?

You can use "for contingencies" to describe funds, plans, or measures set aside to handle unexpected events. For example, "We have a budget "for contingencies" to cover unforeseen expenses".

What are some alternatives to "for contingencies"?

Some alternatives include "in case of emergencies", "for unexpected situations", or "to prepare for eventualities", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "for contingencies" or "in case of emergency"?

Both phrases are correct, but "for contingencies" generally refers to broader, less immediate planning, while "in case of emergency" implies a more urgent, reactive situation. The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to plan "for contingencies"?

Planning "for contingencies" means anticipating potential problems or unexpected events and developing strategies or setting aside resources to address them effectively if they occur. It's a proactive approach to risk management.