provide for someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide for someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the act of supplying for someone's needs, such as financial support or care. Example: "As a parent, it is my responsibility to provide for my children and ensure they have everything they need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In an interview with The Christian Post, Bancroft elaborated on the way in which he, as the film's director, continued to consider the well-being of his two young daughters while working on Mulan, having "wanted to make ... a unique heroine that hadn't been seen before" and provide for them "someone who would be strong on her own, without a prince saving her".

Wikipedia

While the law stipulates that service providers can refuse to provide support for someone who is undergoing or has undergone gender reassignment, this only applies in very restricted cases.

Vice

There are outstanding military regulations that provide for a hearing for someone captured on the battlefield to determine their status.... JUSTICE ANTONIN SCALIA -- What would you expect the military to do?

The New York Times

They provide services for someone.

The Guardian - Arts

She said: "The fact that she was killed on her way to court shows a serious failure by the state to provide security for someone who – given how common such killings are in Pakistan – was obviously at risk".

The Guardian

The second issue I would like to raise is whether the Darwinian re-enchantment can, in fact, provide enough for someone to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

"If you are unable to provide accommodation for someone for a period of less than six weeks in a B&B, who checks up whether you are failing?

BBC

Provide chances for someone else.

Huffington Post

Follow Eve PeyseRatherwitter.

Vice

Clem's treatment illustrates how telephone therapy can be integrated with other forms of treatment to provide care for someone who might otherwise need to remain in a hospital.

Clinical interventions in aging

Estate plans are not just designed for death; when done right, they also provide for delegating authority to someone to make medical or financial decisions should we become incapacitated.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide for someone", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific needs are being met, such as financial, emotional, or physical support.

Common error

Avoid using "provide for someone" without specifying the nature of the provision. For example, instead of saying "He provides for his family", specify "He provides financial support for his family" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide for someone" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of supplying someone with necessities or support. Ludwig confirms its correctness in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide for someone" is a grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of supporting or supplying someone with their needs. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for use in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, it appears in various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. Alternative phrases include "support someone" or "take care of someone". When using this phrase, be specific about what kind of support is being provided to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

support someone

This alternative emphasizes the act of giving assistance, especially financially.

take care of someone

This alternative focuses on the act of nurturing and protecting someone.

look after someone

Similar to 'take care of', this emphasizes vigilance and responsibility.

sustain someone

Highlights the aspect of maintaining someone's well-being over time.

maintain someone

Focuses on keeping someone in a stable condition, often financially.

provide sustenance for someone

Specifies the provision of basic needs like food and shelter.

be responsible for someone

Highlights the obligation to ensure someone's well-being.

ensure someone's welfare

Focuses on guaranteeing someone's health, happiness, and comfort.

guarantee someone's livelihood

Specifically ensures someone has the means to support themselves.

finance someone's needs

Directly relates to providing the necessary funds for someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide for someone" to describe the act of supplying someone with what they need. For example, "Parents have a responsibility to provide for their children."

What is an alternative to "provide for someone"?

Alternatives include "support someone", "take care of someone", or "look after someone" depending on the context.

What does it mean to "provide for someone"?

To "provide for someone" means to supply them with the necessities of life, such as food, shelter, clothing, and other essentials. It often implies a sense of responsibility or obligation.

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

While "provide to someone" can be used in some contexts, "provide for someone" is generally more appropriate when referring to supplying someone with their needs or ensuring their well-being. Use "provide something to someone" when giving something specific.