provide a roof for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide a roof for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of offering shelter or housing to someone or something. Example: "The organization aims to provide a roof for the homeless during the winter months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A long-cherished obligation to provide a roof for those on low incomes has been abandoned.

The Guardian

Spanish moss hangs from the ancient overarching trees that provide a roof for this outdoor dance hall.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Goyal, at Liberty Gems, said he was very interested in a modern tower that would provide a roof for much of the industry.

The New York Times

Mount Stewart Junior School, Carlisle Gardens, London: provide a roof for an unused outdoor area that can give additional teaching space and function as an amphitheatre where students can practise public speaking.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Unless local communities speak out in favour of more homes, mums and dads across the country will be stuck providing a roof for their adult children".

The Guardian

The Samaritan should not cross the road unless the injured traveller by the wayside can hold him to account for dressing his wounds and providing a roof for the night.

The Economist

João had a deep furrow in his brow that provided a roof for his smile and the powerful upper body of someone who'd spent his life propelling himself in a boat.

The New York Times - Travel

The party aims to end austerity by: ■ Giving free electricity to Greeks whose supplies have been cut off; ■ Providing food stamps to children; ■ Giving health care to the uninsured; ■ Providing a roof for the homeless; ■ Raising the minimum wage to €750 a month from under €500; ■ Introducing a moratorium on private debt repayments to banks above 30% of disposable income.

The Guardian

But there is a yawning gap between their earnest pledges and their continuing failure to provide a roof and beds for homeless veterans.

The New York Times

My mum has never stopped feeling guilty for her inability to provide a roof over her children's head.

Vice

Should China and the U.S. wish to avoid sliding into the historical trap of a head-on clash between powers, we will need to create a new concept of "order" that is all inclusive and can accommodate the interests and concerns of all countries, providing a common roof for all.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "provide a roof for", consider the specific context. Are you talking about emergency shelter, long-term housing, or simply a protective covering? Choose the phrasing that best reflects the intended meaning.

Common error

While acceptable, "provide a roof for" can sound less formal in certain business or academic writing. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives such as "supply accommodation" or "establish housing initiatives" for increased professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide a roof for" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the act of offering or supplying shelter. It's used to describe actions taken to ensure someone or something has protection, as shown in Ludwig's examples about housing policies and community support.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide a roof for" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that signifies supplying shelter or housing. As Ludwig AI points out, it is deemed usable in written English for discussing offering shelter. While not exceptionally frequent, it's commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. When writing, consider the specific context (emergency shelter, long-term housing, or simple protection) and choose phrasing accordingly. While generally acceptable, more formal alternatives might be preferred in business or academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer shelter to

Focuses on the act of providing temporary protection from the elements or danger, implying a shorter-term arrangement.

give housing to

Emphasizes the act of providing residential accommodation, suggesting a more formal or long-term arrangement.

supply accommodation for

Highlights the provision of a place to live, often used in a more formal or institutional context.

furnish lodging for

Implies providing temporary or basic housing, often in a commercial setting like a hotel or hostel.

ensure a home for

Focuses on securing a permanent and stable living situation for someone.

construct housing for

Highlights the physical act of building homes for people.

create shelter for

Emphasizes the act of building or designing protective structures.

house and care for

Expands on providing housing to also include taking responsibility for someone's well-being.

cover with a canopy

Shifts the focus from literal housing to the provision of overhead protection, such as a natural or artificial covering.

afford refuge to

Emphasizes protection from danger or persecution.

FAQs

What does "provide a roof for" mean?

The phrase "provide a roof for" means to supply shelter or housing to someone or something, ensuring protection from the elements or other external factors.

What are some alternatives to "provide a roof for"?

You can use alternatives like "offer shelter to", "give housing to", or "supply accommodation for" depending on the context.

How can I use "provide a roof for" in a sentence?

Example: "The charity's mission is to "provide a roof for" homeless families in the city."

Is "provide a roof for" formal or informal?

The phrase "provide a roof for" is generally considered neutral in formality, suitable for both general conversation and news articles. For more formal contexts like business reports or academic papers, consider alternatives like "supply accommodation for".