provide for themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide for themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that someone is taking care of their own needs without relying on outside help. For example, "The survivors of the hurricane had to find shelter and provide for themselves without any assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nor should I have done … Everybody should provide for themselves and their families.

The Guardian

The rest have to provide for themselves with no financial support from the state.

The Guardian

People have a fundamental right, an inalienable right, to provide for themselves and their families.

The New York Times

"Public resources should be devoted to those who cannot provide for themselves".

The New York Times

Southerners have a strong sense of self-reliance, and generally believe families should provide for themselves.

The Economist

Host countries often bar them from working, meaning that families cannot provide for themselves.

The New York Times

That means more help for people to provide for themselves and their families.

The Guardian

And that's no surprise: people work hard throughout their lives to provide for themselves and to look after their families.

The Guardian - Money

The market is capricious, and not designed to provide for households that struggle to provide for themselves.

The Guardian

Do individuals, families and households have enough to provide for themselves, perhaps most importantly for their children?

The New York Times

With little social welfare on offer from the state, the Chinese need to save to provide for themselves.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about government policies, use "provide for themselves" to emphasize the goal of self-reliance and reduced dependency on public assistance.

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who is responsible for providing. Instead of "It needs to be provided," specify who should "provide for themselves" or be provided for.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide for themselves" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of individuals or groups meeting their own needs and ensuring their well-being. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in contexts concerning self-reliance, economic independence, and the ability to secure necessary resources. The phrase often appears in discussions about social policies, immigration, and personal responsibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide for themselves" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of individuals or groups meeting their own needs without relying on external support. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "be self-sufficient" and "take care of themselves" exist, "provide for themselves" often encompasses a broader range of needs, emphasizing overall self-reliance. When using the phrase, it's important to avoid passive voice and specify who is responsible for providing to maintain clarity. Its wide usage and clear meaning make it a valuable phrase for discussing independence and responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be self-sufficient

Focuses on having all necessary resources and abilities without external assistance, emphasizing independence.

be independent

Highlights the state of not being reliant on others for support or control.

take care of themselves

A more general term for ensuring one's own well-being and needs are met.

support themselves

Specifically refers to financial independence and the ability to earn a living.

make a living

Emphasizes the act of earning enough money to sustain oneself.

earn their keep

Implies providing value or service in exchange for sustenance or support.

stand on their own two feet

Idiomatic expression for being self-reliant and capable of handling life's challenges.

fend for themselves

Suggests a more challenging or difficult situation where individuals must struggle to survive.

be responsible for their own welfare

Highlights accountability and obligation in ensuring one's own well-being.

meet their own needs

A direct way of saying that individuals can fulfill their basic requirements.

FAQs

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

Use "provide for themselves" to indicate that individuals or groups are capable of meeting their own needs without external assistance. For example, "The program aims to help refugees "provide for themselves" by offering job training."

What are some alternatives to "provide for themselves"?

You can use alternatives like "be self-sufficient", "be independent", or "take care of themselves" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "provide for themselves" or "support themselves"?

While both phrases relate to self-sufficiency, "support themselves" often emphasizes financial independence, whereas ""provide for themselves"" can encompass a broader range of needs beyond just financial ones.

In what contexts is it inappropriate to use "provide for themselves"?

It may be inappropriate to use ""provide for themselves"" when discussing vulnerable populations, such as young children or individuals with severe disabilities, who inherently rely on others for care.