provide something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide something" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something will be given or supplied. Example: The company will provide training materials for new employees.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The elections provide something of an answer.

The Economist

Games provide something that is not trivial.

The New York Times

I did provide something else.

University of California, Berkeley

This attempt should provide something more photogenic.

The Guardian

Despite this they always provide something new.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Yet bookstores provide something irreplaceable that we shouldn't easily relinquish.

The New Yorker

The towns are trying to provide something a little fancier.

The Economist

It might even provide something of a competitive advantage.

The Economist

Smorgasbord "We want to provide something for everyone," he said.

The Guardian

"The aim was always to provide something new.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Intermediaries provide something else that electronic brokers cannot: price improvement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provide something", be specific about what is being provided to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'The company will provide something', specify 'The company will provide training materials'.

Common error

Avoid using "provide something" without specifying what is being provided. General statements can be vague and less impactful. Always clarify what 'something' refers to for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide something" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where 'provide' is the verb and 'something' is a direct object. It indicates the action of supplying or giving something to someone or something. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provide something" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase commonly used to indicate the act of supplying or offering. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's essential to specify what 'something' refers to in order to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts, signaling its widespread applicability. While alternatives like "offer assistance" or "supply a need" exist, "provide something" remains a straightforward and effective choice for conveying the provision of a resource, service, or item.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make available

Focuses on the act of enabling access to something.

offer assistance

Focuses on giving help rather than a tangible item.

give support

Emphasizes offering emotional or practical help.

supply a need

Highlights the fulfillment of a requirement.

extend an offer

Highlights the formal act of proposing something.

furnish an item

Implies equipping or outfitting with something.

deliver benefits

Emphasizes the positive outcomes resulting from the provision.

allocate resources

Refers to the strategic distribution of assets.

contribute a factor

Suggests playing a role in achieving a particular result.

present a solution

Conveys the act of offering a resolution to a problem.

FAQs

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

Use "provide something" to indicate that someone or something will supply or offer something. For example, 'The organization aims to "make available" resources to support the community', where "provide something" is replaced by "make available".

What are some alternatives to "provide something"?

You can use alternatives like "offer assistance", "supply a need", or "furnish an item" depending on the context.

Is "provide something" grammatically correct?

Yes, "provide something" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate the act of supplying or giving something.

What's the difference between "provide something" and "offer something"?

"Provide something" generally implies a more concrete supply or giving, while "offer something" suggests presenting something that may or may not be accepted. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.