provided the means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provided the means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will happen or be allowed if certain resources or conditions are available. Example: "The project will proceed, provided the means are available to fund it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Their choice was to defend themselves and we provided the means.

The New York Times

Radio communications provided the means to make air observations immediately available.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The looking glass provided the means for king and courtiers to measure themselves against accepted standards of fashion and beauty.

The New York Times - Arts

Western officials said international aid to Obolensk provided the means to employ more than half the scientists here.

The New York Times

Fiction provided the means to translate her theatrical peculiarities into a larger sympathy: "my life's all in the novels".

The Guardian - Books

They provided the means to feed troops in undreamed-of numbers; and also the means to destroy them.

Independent

Many found that the indeterminate social status afforded by religious ordination provided the means to move freely among different classes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kolbe's investigations of these radicals gradually provided the means to discern the detailed constitution of organic substances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Meanwhile, an elevator (a horizontal surface placed at the front of the aircraft) provided the means of pitch control.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As much as he admired Yunus's belief that anyone, provided the means, can become self-sufficient — even successful — he has a different idea about the future of microfinance.

The New Yorker

We know that Nuremberg was not a perfect trial but it provided the means, with some degree of openness, about what happened.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provided the means", ensure the sentence clearly states what was enabled or made possible as a result. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "provided the means" without specifying what the means were and what they enabled. The phrase is most effective when it's clear what resources or actions led to a particular outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provided the means" functions as a verbal phrase that typically introduces a clause explaining how a certain action or outcome was made possible. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used to show causation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "provided the means" is a versatile phrase used to indicate how something was made possible. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and finds frequent application across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias. The phrase functions as a verbal phrase, typically explaining a causal link between available resources and the outcome they enabled. To use the phrase effectively, be specific about both the means and the result to maintain clarity. Alternatives such as "supplied the resources" or "enabled the possibility" can be considered based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enabled the possibility

Highlights the act of making something possible, but is more abstract than "provided the means".

equipped with the means

Focuses on equipping something or someone with what is needed, and it's more specific regarding the action of providing.

supplied the resources

Focuses on the provision of necessary resources, like money or materials, but may not explicitly imply enabling a specific outcome.

facilitated the process

Suggests making a process easier or more likely to succeed, focusing on streamlining rather than direct provision.

made available the resources

Focuses on the action of making resources accessible and ready for use.

furnished the opportunity

Emphasizes the provision of a chance or possibility, rather than concrete resources.

gave the tools

Implies the provision of instruments or capabilities necessary for a task.

offered the capacity

Highlights offering or making available a specific capacity or potential.

paved the way

Indicates preparation or facilitation for a future action or event by removing obstacles.

cleared the path

Similar to "paved the way", suggesting the removal of barriers to allow progress.

FAQs

How can I use "provided the means" in a sentence?

Use "provided the means" to show how something was made possible. For example, "The grant "provided the means" for the research team to conduct their study."

What are some alternatives to "provided the means"?

Alternatives include "supplied the resources", "enabled the possibility", or "furnished the opportunity", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "provided the means" or "provided a means"?

"Provided the means" is generally used when referring to the specific resources or actions that enabled something. "Provided a means" is more appropriate when introducing one possible way of achieving something.

What's the difference between "provided the means" and "facilitated the process"?

"Provided the means" implies supplying the necessary resources or capabilities, while "facilitated the process" suggests making a process easier or more likely to succeed, which isn't necessarily about directly giving resources.