subsidise

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'subsidise' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to provide financial assistance or support to an individual or organization. Example: The government has decided to subsidize the cost of education for low-income families.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Seeking to defend his own Jaguar console, he said "You can't have the Japanese consumer paying a fattened dollar price, then subsidise the product and dump it in the United States for $249 and kill the U.S. manufacturers.

The Guardian - Tech

The crucial and unanswered question is what level of recruit Whyte is willing to subsidise, particularly if Jelavic remains a Rangers player.

The Guardian - Sport

To subsidise a classical career that had her eventually singing for Stravinsky and Schoenberg, "you just worked any way you can".

The Guardian - Film

Others migrate in search of work to subsidise this ever more unstable existence.

The Guardian

On the margins of higher education both UK and Australia subsidise private colleges through student loans, and the number of students in for-profit HEIs is growing.

The Guardian

Schools with sixth forms will no longer be able to subsidise post-16 studies from their general budgets.

The Guardian

Supermarkets pay no VAT on food, which allows them to subsidise alcohol, while pubs pay 20% VAT on food.

The Guardian - Business

He said it would force the young and healthy to subsidise the old and unhealthy.

The Guardian

Logvinova recognises the catch-22 situation the campaign presents: by supporting the bookshop they subsidise the government they are acting against, but she says that for most of their supporters, it's seen as an essential step to keep Lohvinau afloat.

The Guardian

"The truth is that people who subsidise the arts most are artists themselves," Bryant said.

The Guardian

He went on to argue that the government had the right to spread the cost if it raised a levy through a tax and used it to subsidise insurance – but not to force people to buy policies.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "subsidise", clearly specify what is being subsidised and who is providing the subsidy to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The government will subsidise renewable energy projects" is clearer than simply saying "The government will subsidise."

Common error

Avoid using "subsidise" when you mean to simply donate or contribute a small amount. "Subsidise" implies ongoing or substantial financial support, not just a one-time contribution.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "subsidise" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of providing financial support to something or someone, as illustrated by the Ludwig examples, which range from governments subsidising industries to individuals subsidising their lifestyles. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a commonly used verb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Subsidise" is a frequently used transitive verb that means to provide financial assistance or support. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business publications, it denotes a deliberate act of supporting something financially to make it viable or affordable. While "subsidise" is often associated with substantial or ongoing support, it's important to use it accurately, distinguishing it from one-time donations or sponsorships. Related phrases include "support financially", "provide financial assistance", and "allocate funds". Understanding these nuances ensures clear and effective communication when discussing financial aid and support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

support financially

This phrase is a direct synonym, but less specific than "subsidise", which suggests a more structured or official form of support.

provide financial assistance

This alternative is a more general way to describe giving money, without specifically implying ongoing support.

offer economic support

This option suggests a broader range of support beyond just money, potentially including resources or services.

give a grant

This phrase refers to a one-time payment, often for a specific project or purpose, differing from the ongoing nature of "subsidise".

allocate funds

This alternative focuses on the act of distributing money, without necessarily implying that it's for support.

provide an allowance

This option is typically used for smaller, regular payments to individuals, unlike the larger-scale support implied by "subsidise".

underwrite the costs

This implies guaranteeing financial backing, often for a risky venture, adding a layer of risk management not present in "subsidise".

invest in

This option suggests a long-term commitment with the expectation of future returns, differing from the more altruistic nature of "subsidise".

contribute towards

This indicates a partial contribution to a larger cost, while "subsidise" often implies covering a significant portion.

sponsor

This term often involves promoting something in exchange for financial support, adding a marketing or promotional aspect not inherent in "subsidise".

FAQs

How can I use "subsidise" in a sentence?

You can use "subsidise" to describe providing financial assistance or support to something. For example, "The government plans to "subsidise public transport"".

What's the difference between "subsidise" and "sponsor"?

"Subsidise" generally refers to providing financial support, while "sponsor" often implies a promotional or marketing aspect in exchange for financial support. Sponsoring can "subsidise an event", but the sponsor gains publicity.

What are some alternatives to "subsidise"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "support financially", "fund", or "underwrite".

Is it correct to use "subsidise" in a business context?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable. In a business context, "subsidise" can describe a company using profits from one area to "subsidise another area", or a government supporting a particular industry.