provide for yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide for yourself" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts to mean to secure or make arrangements for yourself in the present and/or future. For example, "If you want financial stability, you must learn how to provide for yourself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Whatever you want, you have to provide for yourself".

The New York Times

This becomes part of a function that you can provide for yourself".

The New York Times - Health

Rising divorce rates underlined the importance of being able to provide for yourself.

The Economist

"He believes that you cannot provide for yourself, that the government needs to dictate to you," he added.

The New York Times

You quickly learn that you need not be dependent on specialists to provide for yourself — that your body is still good for something and may actually be enlisted in its own support.

The New York Times - Magazine

If you have set up a living trust — a way to provide for yourself financially and to transfer assets to friends or family after your death instead of having them distributed under the terms of a will — you should carefully distinguish between the responsibilities of the trustee and those of the agent, Mr. Katzenstein said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

For a teenage student, the prospect of providing for yourself, miles away from home, can be daunting.

The Guardian

The term "side hustle" is defined as any income stream outside of your regular 9-5 (or primary means of providing for yourself).

HuffPost

Cummins said a negative work environment or unpleasant interactions with co-workers "can trigger additional anxiety due to not feeling content or happy or welcomed in the work setting". Workplace anxiety can also stem from traumatizing past experiences, like being fired, or concern over providing for yourself or your family in the future.

HuffPost

But the rates on offer fluctuate and comparing deals is made more complicated by the variety of different annuities you can buy, which depend on factors like the state of your health and whether you want them to provide for just yourself or your partner as well.

The Guardian - Money

Earlier, a parenting campaigner named Margaret expressed a similar opinion: "If you can't provide for your child yourself, then wait 'til you can to have it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about financial planning, use "provide for yourself" to emphasize the active role an individual takes in securing their financial future.

Common error

Avoid using "provide for yourself" to mean excessively indulging in luxuries. The phrase implies meeting essential needs and planning for the future, not frivolous spending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide for yourself" functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. Its primary grammatical function is to describe the act of ensuring one's own needs are met, often financially.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide for yourself" is a common and grammatically correct expression that emphasizes self-reliance and personal responsibility. According to Ludwig, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, media, and practical advice. This phrase encourages individuals to take proactive steps to ensure their own needs are met, particularly in financial planning and career development. While the core meaning remains consistent, alternative phrases like "support yourself" or "be self-sufficient" can offer subtle nuances in emphasis. Remember to use "provide for yourself" when referring to meeting essential needs and planning for the future, rather than implying excessive indulgence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

support yourself

Focuses on the act of maintaining oneself financially and practically.

be self-sufficient

Emphasizes the ability to manage without external help.

take care of yourself financially

Specifically highlights the financial aspect of self-reliance.

make a living for yourself

Focuses on earning the necessary income to sustain oneself.

be independent

Highlights the broader concept of not relying on others.

earn your own keep

An idiomatic way of saying to be responsible for one's expenses.

stand on your own two feet

Emphasizes the ability to manage life's challenges independently.

look after your own needs

Highlights managing personal requirements without relying on others.

be responsible for yourself

Focuses on the accountability aspect of self-reliance.

ensure your own well-being

Highlights the act of proactively maintaining your own health and happiness

FAQs

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

You can use "provide for yourself" in sentences like: "It's important to "provide for yourself" financially so you don't become a burden on others", or "Learning new skills can help you "provide for yourself" in the future".

What does it mean to "provide for yourself"?

To "provide for yourself" means to take care of your own needs, especially financial needs, without relying on others for support. It implies self-sufficiency and responsibility for one's own well-being.

What are some alternatives to saying "provide for yourself"?

Some alternatives to "provide for yourself" include "support yourself", "be self-sufficient", or "take care of yourself financially" depending on the context.

Is it better to "provide for yourself" or rely on government assistance?

The decision to "provide for yourself" versus relying on government assistance depends on individual circumstances. While self-reliance is often encouraged, government programs exist to support those who are unable to fully "provide for themselves" due to factors like disability or unemployment.