make provisions for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make provisions for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of preparing or arranging for something in advance, often in a formal or legal context. Example: "The company must make provisions for employee benefits in the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 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

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

We must address the problem now and make provisions for an orderly withdrawal for members who wish to leave.

The Telegraph

He concedes that Britain failed to make provisions for a legislature earlier, and he makes no excuses.

The New York Times - Books

So in 1998, it amended the law to explicitly make provisions for those veterans to claim land.

The Washington Post

They spoke about the need to address gender equality in the new constitution and to make provisions for the many women who were widowed during the war.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make provisions for", clearly specify what you are preparing or arranging for. For example, "The will must make provisions for all dependent children".

Common error

Avoid using "make provisions for" without clearly stating what provisions are being made. Vague statements can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make provisions for" functions as a verb phrase. It indicates the action of preparing or arranging for something in the future. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make provisions for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that signifies preparing or arranging for something, often with a formal or legal implication. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. While alternatives like "prepare for" or "make arrangements for" exist, "make provisions for" is particularly suited for professional, scientific, and formal settings. Remember to clearly specify what you are making provisions for to avoid vagueness. Its widespread use in news, science, and business underscores its relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make arrangements for

Focuses more on the act of organizing and planning.

prepare for

A more general term indicating readiness.

plan for

Highlights the aspect of creating a strategy.

provide for

Emphasizes supplying or ensuring resources.

take precautions for

Focuses on preventative measures against potential risks.

anticipate

Highlights the act of predicting and acting in advance.

cater for

Implies providing specific needs or requirements.

allow for

Focuses on including something in calculations or plans.

arrange for

Similar to 'make arrangements' but can be slightly less formal.

get ready for

An informal way of saying prepare for something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "make provisions for" is used to describe the act of preparing or arranging for something in advance. For example, "The company needs to "make provisions for" employee retirement benefits".

What's the difference between "make provisions for" and "make arrangements for"?

While both phrases involve planning, "make provisions for" often implies a more formal or legal context, such as in wills or contracts, whereas "make arrangements for" is generally used in less formal situations.

What are some alternatives to "make provisions for"?

Alternatives include "prepare for", "plan for", and "provide for". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "make provisions for" formal or informal?

"Make provisions for" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for legal, business, or official contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "prepare for" might be more appropriate.