make provision for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make provision for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea of preparing something in advance, often in regards to a specific purpose. For example: "We need to make provision for unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But when families [arrived] we did make provision for them.

The Guardian

It gave local authorities targets to make provision for Traveller sites.

The Guardian - Opinion

Songs have to make provision for durability, current trends and mass production.

The Guardian - Music

We decided, therefore to make provision for the possibility of guerrilla warfare.

The Guardian

At the time, the UK did not make provision for overseas electors.

The Guardian - Opinion

What they are trying to do today is make provision for those who disagree.

The Guardian

Mr Hunt said: "We need to change the culture in our country so that, just as people make provision for their pensions in their 20s, their 30s, they understand they need to make provision for when they're retired.

Independent

If you're the National Gallery, say, then it is straightforward: you make provision for a 5% cut.

The Guardian

It doesn't make provision for any audit of deaths or for a regulatory body to monitor compliance.

The Guardian - Opinion

While respecting the authority of member states, the African Union does make provision for intervention in grave circumstances.

The New York Times

So you may want to make provision for this in the tenancy agreement by saying what should happen on renewal.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make provision for", ensure that the specific purpose or event being prepared for is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "We need to make provision", specify "We need to "make provision for" additional staff during peak season".

Common error

A common mistake is to use "make provision for" without clearly defining what is being provided for. To avoid this, always follow the phrase with a specific detail or explanation. For instance, instead of saying "The company made provision", clarify with "The company made "provision for" employee training programs".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make provision for" functions as a verb phrase that indicates the act of preparing, planning, or setting aside resources for a particular purpose or event. It is often used to anticipate future needs or possibilities, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make provision for" is a versatile verb phrase used to express the act of preparing or planning for future needs or events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains, particularly in news, formal business contexts, and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is being prepared for. Alternatives like "prepare for" or "provide for" can be used depending on the context. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate foresight and preparedness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide for

Highlights supplying or making available what is needed.

plan ahead for

Emphasizes forward-thinking and preparation in advance.

prepare for

Focuses on getting ready for something that is likely to happen.

make arrangements for

Highlights the act of organizing and planning.

arrange for

Focuses on making the necessary arrangements or plans.

allow for

Focuses on including something in a calculation or plan.

take steps to ensure

Emphasizes taking action to guarantee a specific outcome.

get ready for

Suggests a state of preparedness for an upcoming event.

anticipate and address

Emphasizes foreseeing potential issues and taking corrective action.

cater to

Focuses on providing what is required or desired by someone or something.

FAQs

How can I use "make provision for" in a sentence?

You can use "make provision for" to indicate preparing or planning for something in advance. For example, "The government needs to "make provision for" the increasing elderly population" or "The company should "make provision for" potential market fluctuations".

What can I say instead of "make provision for"?

You can use alternatives like "prepare for", "provide for", or "plan ahead for" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "make provision for" or "make arrangements for"?

While both phrases are related, "make provision for" often implies preparing for a need or contingency, while "make arrangements for" focuses on organizing the details of an event or activity. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "make provision for" and "allow for"?

"Make provision for" suggests actively preparing and setting aside resources or plans for something, while "allow for" means to take something into account or to permit something to happen. For example, you might "make provision for" extra staff, but "allow for" unexpected delays.