provides for

USAGE SUMMARY

"provides for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of supplying or offering something to someone. For example, "The government provides for the elderly with payments and subsidies." In this context, "provides for" means that the government is supplying or offering payments and subsidies to the elderly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

JEFFREY TOOBIN: The Constitution provides for it.

The New Yorker

The constitution provides for an independent judiciary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it also provides for two exceptions.

The Economist

It also provides for hefty fines.

The New York Times

Connecticut provides for execution by lethal injection.

The New York Times

The Libeskind proposal provides for that.

The New York Times

This program provides for the family's needs".

The New York Times - Health

The constitution provides for unlimited presidential terms.

The Washington Post

Another amendment passed today provides for illuminating it at night.

The New York Times

We must pass legislation that provides for more such programs.

The New York Times

This budget allows and provides for a growth package".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "provides for", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being supplied or arranged. For example, "The contract provides for annual salary increases."

Common error

Avoid using the phrase with an incorrect preposition. "Provides with" or "provides to" are not standard and should be corrected to "provides for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provides for" functions as a transitive verb phrase, indicating that the subject makes arrangements or supplies necessities. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in contexts ranging from constitutional provisions to financial support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provides for" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to indicate that something makes arrangements or supplies necessities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and very commonly used in English. Found across news, academic, and scientific sources, its primary function is to express how needs are met or conditions are satisfied. When using "provides for", ensure clear context and avoid the incorrect preposition "with". Alternatives like "allows for" or "makes available" may offer subtle differences in meaning, but "provides for" remains a reliable and widely accepted choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

makes provision for

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "provides for".

allows for

Highlights the permission or possibility that something is given.

makes available

Focuses on the act of offering or supplying something.

arranges for

Focuses on the preparatory steps taken to ensure something happens.

accommodates

Focuses on making space or arrangements suitable for something.

supplies

Directly indicates the act of furnishing or providing something needed.

takes into account

Emphasizes considering specific factors or needs.

furnishes

Similar to supplies but often used in more formal contexts.

enables

Emphasizes empowering or facilitating something.

includes

Highlights that something is part of a larger system or plan.

FAQs

How is "provides for" used in a sentence?

The phrase "provides for" is used to indicate that something makes arrangements or supplies necessities for someone or something. For example, "The new law "allows for" greater flexibility in scheduling" or "The sponsorship money "provides for" safety, health, and education."

What words are similar to "provides for"?

Synonyms for "provides for" include "accommodates", "allows for", "makes available", "supplies", and "furnishes". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "provides with" instead of "provides for"?

No, "provides for" is the standard and grammatically correct form. "Provides with" is generally considered incorrect in this context. You might say "provides someone with something", but when the verb is followed by a description of what is being given, use "provides for."

What's the difference between "provides for" and "cares for"?

"Provides for" typically refers to supplying material needs or making arrangements, while "cares for" implies nurturing, protecting, and attending to someone's well-being. You "provide for" a family's financial needs, but you "care for" their emotional needs.