make provisions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make provisions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe taking steps to prepare well for a situation, and ensure all the necessary arrangements and resources are in place. For example: "We must make provisions now to ensure that we are prepared for any potential disruptions in supply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Governments are scrambling to make provisions for this changing demographic.

The Guardian

Wise communities will make provisions for that natural phenomenon.

The New York Times

What is needed instead is to "make provisions" to avoid inequality in the first place.

The Economist

Yet these did not feel bound to make provisions against souring assets.

The Economist

Second, weak banks have been reluctant to recognise, and hence make provisions for, non-performing loans.

The Economist

If you can make provisions for bad loans, why not bad maths too?

The Economist

These students present a unique educational problem for which we have been attempting to make provisions.

The New York Times

In the UK, banks typically make provisions to cover 80-100% of their bad debts.

The Guardian - Business

Since April 1st banks have been required to make provisions of 15% against both sorts of troubled asset.

The Economist

If people are given disability status then employers will have to make provisions that were previously not expected of them.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The FA would listen to any specific requests from the proper channels, and look to make provisions where possible".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make provisions", clearly state what you are preparing for to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example: "We must "make provisions" for the upcoming winter storm."

Common error

Avoid using "make provisions" without detailing the specific actions or preparations being undertaken. Instead of saying "The company will "make provisions"", specify what those provisions are: "The company will "make provisions" for employee training and development."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make provisions" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used with an auxiliary verb (e.g., will, must, should) to express the action of preparing or planning for something. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make provisions" is a versatile and widely used expression for indicating preparation and planning. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various formal and neutral contexts. It is common in news, scientific, and business domains, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employing it. Remember to be specific about what you are making provisions for to ensure clarity and impact. Consider using alternatives like "take precautions" or "prepare in advance" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take precautions

Focuses on preventative measures against potential harm or danger.

prepare in advance

Emphasizes the timing of the preparation, suggesting actions taken ahead of time.

make arrangements

Highlights the act of organizing and coordinating details for a future event or need.

lay the groundwork

Implies setting a foundation or initial steps for future success or development.

draw up plans

Focuses on creating detailed strategies or outlines for achieving a specific goal.

establish safeguards

Stresses the creation of protective measures to ensure safety or security.

build in redundancies

Refers to adding extra layers or systems to ensure reliability in case of failure.

set aside resources

Highlights the allocation of specific assets or funds for a particular purpose.

formulate strategies

Emphasizes the development of comprehensive approaches to address challenges or opportunities.

anticipate needs

Focuses on foreseeing future requirements and preparing to meet them.

FAQs

How can I use "make provisions" in a sentence?

You can use "make provisions" to indicate preparing or planning for something. For example, "The government must "make provisions" for the aging population" or "The company needs to "make provisions" for future expansion."

What are some alternatives to "make provisions"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "take precautions", "prepare in advance", or "make arrangements".

Is "making provisions" the same as "make provisions"?

"Making provisions" is the gerund or present participle form, often used as a noun or in continuous tenses. "Make provisions" is the base form, typically used with auxiliary verbs or in imperative sentences. They are conceptually related but grammatically distinct.

What's the difference between "make provisions" and "provide"?

"Make provisions" implies a more comprehensive and planned approach to preparing for something, while "provide" generally means to supply or furnish something needed. You "make provisions" for a future event and "provide" resources when they are needed.