they can provided

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they can provided" is not correct in English.
It seems to be a mix-up of "they can" and "provided that." You can use "provided that" to introduce a condition or stipulation in a sentence. Example: "They can attend the meeting, provided that they finish their work on time."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Behind the scenes they are selling as much as they can, provided they can get a decent price.

The Economist

When the wind drops they can, provided they have the generation capacity, rapidly increase production to compensate.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

They can apologise, they can provide justification.

The Guardian

"They can provide offers of support, that is reasonable.

The Guardian

They can provide advice, assistance, education and, if necessary, insurance.

The New York Times

Any type of support they can provide is welcomed.

The Guardian

But they can provide some insight into the general trend.

The New York Times

The encouragement, support and connections they can provide is invaluable.

The Guardian

But they can provide important information to those who do.

The Economist

They can provide support – both physical and psychological – but they'll never actually care.

The Guardian

The aim is to stabilise their lives so that they can provide safe parenting.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the base form of a verb after modal verbs like "can", "could", "should", "must", and "will". Therefore, the correct form is "they can provide", not "they can provided".

Common error

Avoid using the past participle form of a verb (e.g., "provided") after modal verbs. Modal verbs always require the base form (e.g., "provide"). Incorrect: "They can provided support." Correct: "They can provide support."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they can provided" is an attempt to express ability or possibility, but fails grammatically. It incorrectly combines the modal verb "can" with the past participle "provided". Ludwig AI highlights this error, indicating the correct form should be "they can provide".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they can provided" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "they can provide". As Ludwig AI notes, modal verbs like "can" must be followed by the base form of the verb. Although there are a few examples where it appears, especially in news and media contexts, this does not legitimize its use. It's important to use the correct grammatical structure to ensure clear and professional communication. Consider alternatives like "they are able to provide" for similar meanings with correct grammar.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they can provide

Corrects the grammatical error by using the base form of the verb "provide" after the modal verb "can".

they are able to provide

Replaces "can" with "are able to", offering a more formal and emphatic way to express the ability to provide something.

they have the capacity to provide

Emphasizes the capability or resources available to provide something.

they are equipped to provide

Suggests that they have the necessary tools or qualifications to provide something.

they are in a position to provide

Indicates that their current circumstances allow them to provide something.

they will provide

Shifts the focus to a future action, indicating an intention to provide something.

they should provide

Expresses an expectation or recommendation that they offer or supply something.

they must provide

Conveys a strong obligation or necessity for them to provide something.

they are going to provide

Uses a future tense construction to indicate their plan to provide something.

they intend to provide

Highlights their intention or purpose to provide something.

FAQs

What is the correct form, "they can provide" or "they can provided"?

The correct form is "they can provide". Modal verbs like "can" are always followed by the base form of the verb. "Provided" is the past participle and should not be used after "can".

How to use "they can provide" in a sentence?

Use "they can provide" when you want to express someone's ability or possibility to offer something. For example: "They can provide assistance if you need it".

What are some alternatives to "they can provide"?

Alternatives include "they are able to provide", "they are equipped to provide", or "they have the capacity to provide", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "they can provide" and "they are providing"?

"They can provide" expresses a general ability or possibility, while "they are providing" ("they are providing") indicates an action that is currently happening.