provide labour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide labour" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the action of providing someone with labour, e.g. manual labour, in order to carry out a task. For example: "The company was able to complete the project on time because they were able to provide sufficient labour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Labour isn't trusted to provide labour.

The Guardian

In legal filings, the company said the Eritrean military did not provide labour to the mine.

The Guardian

It relied on the abduction of largely defenceless villagers and refugees, including children, to provide labour and combatants.

The Guardian

Even if this policy never gets adopted, debating the alternatives will provide Labour with a clearer set of positive arguments for the principle itself.

The Guardian

As poor Joburgers travel to provide labour to richer areas like Sandton, neighbourhoods such as Alex and Evaton retain their "dormitory town" status, starved of opportunities and services.

The Guardian

These negative feelings are largely connected to offshoring, where work is outsourced to countries that can provide labour at a cheaper rate.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

They participate in rehabilitation by providing labour".

The Guardian

Overall, however, they provided Labour with some unexpectedly good news.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those purely providing labour may find themselves dispensable and vulnerable.

The Guardian

Jesuit brethren provided labour and expertise that were central to the progress of the colony.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rosegar Ltd in Slough, which has provided labour to World Flowers for several years, is licensed by the GLA.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about economic contributions, use "provide labour" to clearly indicate the supply of workforce for specific tasks or industries.

Common error

Be mindful of regional spelling differences. While "labor" is common in American English, "labour" is preferred in British English and other Commonwealth countries. Ensure consistency in your writing based on your target audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide labour" functions as a verb phrase where "provide" is the main verb and "labour" is the direct object. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates the action of making workforce available for specific tasks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide labour" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of supplying a workforce. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, the phrase is useful for describing economic contributions, historical workforce dynamics, and current labour market situations. When employing this phrase, writers should be mindful of regional spelling differences and consider synonyms like "provide workforce" or "supply labour" for varied expression. Ensure the context aligns with its neutral register, and use it to clearly communicate the availability or input of workers in specific scenarios. Its frequency and widespread usage in reputable sources make "provide labour" a reliable choice for formal and informational writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide workforce

Replaces "labour" with "workforce", emphasizing the group of people available for work.

deliver labour

Uses "deliver" instead of "provide", focusing on the act of supplying the labour.

provide manpower

Substitutes "labour" with "manpower", highlighting the availability of human resources.

provide workers

Replaces the noun "labour" with the noun "workers", focusing on the individuals.

supply labour

Uses the synonym "supply" instead of "provide", focusing on making labour available.

offer labour

Employs "offer" instead of "provide", suggesting a willingness to give labour.

make labour available

Expands the phrase to clarify the action of making labour accessible.

furnish labour

Uses the more formal verb "furnish" instead of "provide".

lend labour

Suggests a temporary provision of labour.

allocate labour

Focuses on the distribution of labour resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide labour" to describe the act of supplying a workforce. For example, "The local community was able to "provide labour" for the construction of the new school."

What are some alternatives to saying "provide labour"?

Alternatives include "supply workers", "offer manpower", or "make staff available" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "provide labour" and "provide employment"?

"Provide labour" refers to supplying the workforce for a task, while "provide employment" refers to creating job opportunities. The former focuses on the act of working, whereas the latter focuses on offering paid positions.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "provide labour"?

It is appropriate in contexts relating to economics, construction, agriculture, and any situation where a workforce is being supplied for a specific purpose. This could be formal reports, news articles, or academic papers.