furnish

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'furnish' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe supplying or providing something with the necessary items or equipment. For example: "The company furnished the house with new furniture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The hope is to furnish riders with an array of options so cheap, flexible and well-coordinated that it becomes competitive with private car ownership not merely on cost, but on convenience and ease of use.

The Guardian

Pillay said the names of perpetrators "remain sealed until I am requested to furnish them to credible investigation … It could be a national investigation or international investigation".

The Guardian

Both lines of thinking miss what keener observers believe is Xiaomi's true character, and its ambition: to become China's biggest provider of internet-connected devices to an eager, ever loyal, following drawn from a young demographic numbering hundreds of millions who will soon be outfitting their first homes – and looking for a brand to help furnish it.

The Guardian - Tech

Given how impoverished this vision is, a casual onlooker could hardly be faulted for concluding that networked information technology is something that will never furnish contemporary city-dwellers with the architecture of participation they deserve.

The Guardian

The hardest part is finding all the ingredients, but a trip to a herbalist or a quick online search should furnish you with all that you need.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Alastair Cook, the Test captain, will hope they can furnish him with the strongest possible touring party as some form of compensation for ignominiously hooking him from the stage before the World Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

Citing the court order, however, Merck declines to furnish further context itself.

The Economist

Not only is such a Europe seen as unlikely to furnish new economic growth.

The Economist

Meanwhile archaeologists at the site have suggested a bigger lesson: on the integrity of Britain itself.That Stonehenge should furnish this is fitting: it has long been taken to signify important things about Britain, its people and their place in the world.

The Economist

It will furnish a collection of admirably canny and rather lucky islanders with an opportunity to rule and enrich themselves further providing an example that all Britain's remote communities may follow, if only they can.

The Economist

Through his untiring exertions, he managed to furnish enough game to keep the family in food, although he was not a first-rate hunter, his lore of books having early overcome the fondness and enthusiasm with which he had at first adopted the rifle".A second expedition to New Orleans led to his entering as clerk in a shop and mill at New Salem, Illinois.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "furnish", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being supplied or provided. For example, specify whether you're furnishing a room, information, or assistance.

Common error

While "furnish" is a versatile verb, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "give" or "provide" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "furnish" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what is being supplied or provided. Ludwig AI also confirms that "furnish" is correct and usable in written English. For example, "furnish a room", "furnish information".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "furnish" is a versatile verb with the primary function of indicating the act of providing or supplying something, whether it's physical items or intangible resources. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it sees frequent use in news, formal business and scientific contexts. While the word "furnish" is correct, in informal settings, consider substituting with other alternatives such as "provide", "supply", and "equip" to maintain a conversational tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide

This alternative offers a more general term for supplying something needed.

supply

Similar to provide, but often implies a more regular or continuous provision.

equip

Suggests providing necessary items for a specific purpose.

fit out

Implies equipping a place or thing completely.

outfit

Implies providing a complete set of items, often for a particular activity.

stock

Focuses on providing a supply of goods or materials.

appoint

This refers more to equipping with elements of prestige, design and status.

endow

Implies providing something of significant value or quality.

rig

Focuses on provision of equipment for complex operations.

accoutre

Implies equipping in a distinctive style.

FAQs

How to use "furnish" in a sentence?

"Furnish" can be used to mean providing something with furniture or equipment, or to supply or give something. For example, "The hotel will furnish the rooms with modern amenities" or "Can you furnish me with more details about the project?"

What can I say instead of "furnish"?

You can use alternatives like "provide", "supply", or "equip" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "furnish information" or "give information"?

Both "furnish information" and "give information" are correct, but "furnish information" is more formal. In everyday conversation, "give information" is generally preferred.

What's the difference between "furnish" and "decorate"?

"Furnish" means to provide necessary items, like furniture. "Decorate" means to add things to make something more attractive. You would "furnish" an apartment to make it livable, and then "decorate" it to make it stylish.