provide for contingencies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide for contingencies" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing planning or preparing for unexpected events or situations. For example, "The budget must provide for contingencies to ensure we can handle unforeseen expenses." Alternative expressions include "prepare for uncertainties" and "account for unexpected events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

His widow, then approaching 80, was satisfied to have the cushion to provide for contingencies (read: nursing home).

The New York Times

684(b)(1), which authorizes deferrals "to provide for contingencies".

Huffington Post

The president may recommend deferrals to achieve savings or otherwise "to provide for contingencies".

Huffington Post

684(b)(1), which authorizes deferrals to the end of the current fiscal year "to provide for contingencies".

Huffington Post

State law allows the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control to create temporary permits "to provide for contingencies where it would be appropriate and consonant with the spirit of this chapter to issue a license, but the contingency has not been expressly provided for".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The statement is not binding and only provides for contingency planning (all of which has been done before).

The New York Times

In districts in which budgets are defeated, New York State law now provides for contingency budgets, not austerity of years gone by.

The New York Times

The letter called the state of affairs at Northern Pipeline "absurd and unfortunate," and made a cogent case for giving back the excess cash to its real owners, the shareholders: "The cash capital not needed by these pipe line companies in the normal conduct of their business, or to provide for reasonable contingencies, should be returned to the stockholders, whose property it is".

The New Yorker

By going this way, a good relation to reality does not really exist and thus it is nearly impossible to provide for all contingencies.

Procedia Technology

Sometimes, however, presidents want to defer spending because, however, unobjectionable a program, deferring spending is necessary to provide for unforeseen contingencies.

Huffington Post

It is unusual, to say the least, for a company that is doing the buying to provide for the contingency that it might get a superior offer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting contracts or legal documents, always "provide for contingencies" by including clauses that address potential disputes, unforeseen circumstances, or changes in regulations. This ensures the agreement remains enforceable and equitable.

Common error

Don't only plan for likely events. Consider those rare but devastating scenarios that could derail your plans, even if they seem improbable. Failing to account for these 'black swan' events can leave you vulnerable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide for contingencies" serves as a verb phrase functioning to express the action of preparing for or making arrangements to address possible future events or unforeseen circumstances. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in contexts ranging from financial planning to legal agreements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provide for contingencies" is a phrase used to describe the act of planning and preparing for potential future events, particularly those that are unexpected or uncertain. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and finds common application across various domains, including news, science, and business. To enhance clarity and impact, consider related phrases like "plan ahead for uncertainties" or "prepare for unexpected events". Remember to address even low-probability, high-impact scenarios to ensure comprehensive preparedness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plan ahead for uncertainties

Focuses on the act of planning in advance to manage potential uncertainties, implying a broader scope than just specific contingencies.

prepare for unexpected events

Highlights the preparation aspect, specifically concerning unforeseen events.

make provisions for eventualities

Uses more formal language, emphasizing the act of making arrangements or setting aside resources for possible future situations.

anticipate potential problems

Focuses on foreseeing possible difficulties and preparing for them, rather than simply covering all possible scenarios.

cover all bases

An idiomatic expression meaning to address every possibility to avoid failure or negative consequences.

hedge against risks

Emphasizes reducing or mitigating potential risks through strategic actions.

safeguard against disruptions

Highlights protection from interruptions or disturbances to a plan or operation.

buffer against shocks

Focuses on creating a cushion or reserve to absorb unexpected negative impacts.

build in redundancies

Implies creating backup systems or resources to ensure continued operation in case of failure.

develop a safety net

Focuses on creating a protective measure or support system to fall back on in times of need or crisis.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide for contingencies" when you're talking about planning or preparing for unexpected events or situations. For example, "The budget must "provide for contingencies" to ensure we can handle unforeseen expenses."

What's a simpler way to say "provide for contingencies"?

Simpler ways to say "provide for contingencies" include "plan ahead for uncertainties", "prepare for unexpected events", or "cover all bases", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "provide for contingencies" or "plan for contingencies"?

Both "provide for contingencies" and "plan for contingencies" are acceptable. "Provide for contingencies" often suggests a more concrete action of setting aside resources or making specific arrangements, while "plan for contingencies" is broader and focuses on the planning process itself.

What does it mean to "provide for eventualities" and how does it compare to "provide for contingencies"?

"Provide for eventualities" is very similar to "provide for contingencies". Both mean to prepare for possible future events. The term "make provisions for eventualities" is a more formal alternative and focuses on the act of making arrangements or setting aside resources for possible future situations.