provide for

USAGE SUMMARY

"provide for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of supplying or making available something for someone, such as food, shelter, or money. For example: "The charity organization helps to provide for low-income families in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They provide for me.

The New York Times

You provide for me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I have to provide for everybody.

Independent

He wants to provide for them equally".

The New York Times

Can I provide for my family?

The New York Times

What does biodiversity provide for people?

The New York Times

The rules, therefore, carefully provide for "lets".

Encyclopedia Britannica

It can also provide for excellent networking.

The Economist

How can we provide for our families?

The New York Times

Carbon brushes provide for external electric connections.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whose safety first provide for?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being provided and to whom. For instance, "The government must provide for the welfare of its citizens."

Common error

Avoid using "provide for" in overly passive or vague sentences where the actor is unclear. Instead of saying "It was provided for", specify who did the providing: "The organization provided food and shelter for the refugees."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide for" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig indicates it's used to describe the action of supplying someone with necessities or making arrangements. The grammatical structure involves a subject (who is providing) and an object (what is being provided or who is being cared for).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provide for" is a versatile verb phrase used to convey the act of supplying needs or making necessary arrangements. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and wide applicability make it a staple in both formal and informal contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", its use extends to encyclopedias and various forms of general writing. While synonyms such as "cater to" or "take care of" can offer nuance, understanding the specific context ensures the most appropriate choice. Remember to avoid passive constructions for clarity and ensure the subject and object are clearly defined.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cater to

Focuses more on satisfying specific desires or needs, often in a more luxurious or specialized way.

supply with

Emphasizes the act of giving or furnishing something needed or wanted.

make available

Highlights the act of ensuring something is accessible or obtainable.

take care of

Implies a broader sense of responsibility and attentiveness to someone's well-being.

look after

Similar to 'take care of', but with a stronger emphasis on supervision and protection.

support

Suggests providing assistance, resources or encouragement to someone.

sustain

Implies providing what is needed to maintain life or a certain condition.

maintain

Focuses on keeping something in good condition by providing necessary resources or care.

accommodate

Suggests making adjustments or arrangements to meet someone's needs or requirements.

equip with

Implies providing the necessary tools or resources for a specific purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide for" to indicate supplying someone with necessities or making arrangements for something. For example, "He works hard to provide for his family", or "The contract provides for annual salary increases".

What are some synonyms for "provide for"?

Alternatives to "provide for" include "cater to", "supply with", "take care of", and "support", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "provided for" instead of "provide for"?

Yes, "provided for" is the past tense and past participle of "provide for". It's correct when referring to actions that have already occurred: "The agreement provided for a smooth transition".

What's the difference between "provide for" and "provide with"?

"Provide for" often implies taking care of someone's needs generally, while "provide with" suggests supplying a specific item or service. For example, "The government provides for its citizens" versus "The company provides employees with health insurance".