it prescribes for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it prescribes for" is not standard in written English and may be considered awkward or incorrect.
You can use it when discussing what something (like a law or guideline) dictates or mandates for a particular situation, but it would be clearer to rephrase it. Example: "The new policy prescribes for the proper handling of confidential information."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It is hard to avoid the conclusion that, along with that advice, the industry dispenses a little witchcraft as well.Management consultancy, for all the down sizing it prescribes for its clients, has been expanding at a prodigious rate.

The Economist

But will it take the remedies it prescribes for itself?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In order to explain these matters properly, I will have to explain what Umkhonto set out to achieve; what methods it prescribed for the achievement of these objects, and why these methods were chosen.

The Guardian

After the NYSE set out major corporate governance changes for its nearly 2,000 listed companies, this flub shows that the Exchange has been slow to take the medicine it prescribed for everyone else.

Forbes

On the supply side, it prescribes pay for performance when consumers misperceive service benefits or providers have intrinsic quality incentives.

Journal of Health Economics

And it prescribes punishment for violations of the code.

Huffington Post

Now it seems it is prescribed for, again … pretty much anything.

The Guardian - Books

Museveni said last week that he plans to sign the new legislation, which has alarmed rights activists because it prescribes life imprisonment for acts of "aggravated homosexuality".

The Guardian

Can it take the medicine it prescribes so freely for the rest of the world?

Huffington Post

It prescribes limited choices for us to choose from and shapes our knowledge and understanding of what goes into those choices and what they mean.

Huffington Post

It is hard for America to take its own medicine that it prescribed successfully for others.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, rephrase sentences using "it prescribes" to avoid potential awkwardness. Consider using alternatives such as "it specifies", "it recommends", or restructuring the sentence for better flow. For example, instead of "The manual it prescribes for new users is complex", write "The manual prescribed for new users is complex" or "The manual recommends new users use caution".

Common error

Avoid using "it prescribes for" in formal writing. This construction can sound unnatural. Instead, opt for more common and grammatically sound alternatives to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it prescribes for" functions as a verb phrase where "prescribes" indicates a directive or recommendation. While it aims to express what something mandates, Ludwig AI indicates it is an awkward construct. Using stronger, more direct verbs improves clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it prescribes for" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI identifies it as somewhat awkward. Analysis reveals its function is to indicate a directive or recommendation, often within neutral to formal registers. For improved clarity and grammatical correctness, consider direct alternatives such as "it prescribes", "it specifies", or "it recommends". Prioritizing directness and stronger verbs can significantly enhance the overall quality of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it specifies for

Swaps "prescribes" with "specifies", focusing on detailed instructions or requirements.

it recommends for

Replaces "prescribes" with "recommends", softening the tone to a suggestion rather than a strict instruction.

it stipulates for

Substitutes "prescribes" with "stipulates", adding a sense of legal or formal requirement.

it dictates for

Replaces "prescribes" with "dictates", adding a tone of authority and command.

it designates for

Replaces "prescribes" with "designates", emphasizing the act of assigning something for a specific purpose.

it orders for

Replaces "prescribes" with "orders", emphasizing the authoritative nature of the instruction.

it advises for

Changes "prescribes" to "advises", making the recommendation less forceful and more suggestive.

it calls for

Substitutes "prescribes" with "calls for", which is used when referring to a need or demand for something.

it advocates for

Replaces "prescribes" with "advocates", shifting the focus to supporting or promoting a particular action or idea.

it suggests for

Substitutes "prescribes" with "suggests", making the recommendation informal and gentle.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it prescribes for" to sound more natural?

You can use alternatives such as "it specifies", "it recommends", or simply restructure the sentence to eliminate the preposition. For example, instead of "The law it prescribes for this situation...", try "The law specifies..." or "The law prescribes..."

Is "it prescribes for" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "it prescribes for" is considered awkward phrasing. It's better to use "it prescribes" or choose a more suitable alternative like "it specifies" or "it recommends".

What's the difference between "it prescribes for" and "it prescribes"?

"It prescribes" is the more direct and grammatically preferred form. Adding "for" after "prescribes" is usually unnecessary and can make the sentence sound awkward. Thus, "it prescribes" is a more concise and elegant way to phrase things.

Can I use "it recommends for" instead of "it prescribes for"?

Yes, "it recommends" can be a suitable alternative, especially when the context involves offering a suggestion rather than a strict directive. However, "prescribes" implies a stronger, more mandatory action, so choose the word that best fits your intended meaning.