to make provision for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make provision for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of preparing or arranging for something in advance, often in a legal or formal context. Example: "The company has decided to make provision for employee training in the upcoming budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

It gave local authorities targets to make provision for Traveller sites.

The Guardian - Opinion

Songs have to make provision for durability, current trends and mass production.

The Guardian - Music

We decided, therefore to make provision for the possibility of guerrilla warfare.

The Guardian

So you may want to make provision for this in the tenancy agreement by saying what should happen on renewal.

The Guardian - Money

We decided, therefore, in our preparations for the future, to make provision for the possibility of guerrilla warfare.

The Guardian

And he would congratulate those responsible enough to set aside their hard-earned money to make provision for themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Governments are scrambling to make provisions for this changing demographic.

The Guardian

Pension "It is good to hear that Natalie has established the need to make provisions for her retirement," agrees Anna Sofat, an independent financial adviser for Addidi Wealth.

Independent

Many people wanted to make provisions for the care of their pets in their wills, but the law allowed no simple mechanism to do so.

The New Yorker

They spoke about the need to address gender equality in the new constitution and to make provisions for the many women who were widowed during the war.

The New York Times

Other banks are yet to make provisions for the cost of paying claims for PPI mis-selling, which the FSA had estimated could cost £4.5bn.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to make provision for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being prepared for. For example, "The company needs "to make provision for" increased demand during the holiday season."

Common error

Avoid using "to make provision for" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "prepare for" or "plan for" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make provision for" functions as an infinitive phrase that often introduces the purpose or intention behind an action. Ludwig AI suggests that it's used to express the act of preparing or arranging for something, aligning with its function as a purpose connector.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make provision for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates the act of preparing or planning for something in advance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and it's frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. Although "to make provision for" is acceptable, in less formal scenarios, it's generally more suitable to use synonyms that are more casual like "prepare for" or "plan for". The phrase functions as an infinitive phrase and often introduces the purpose behind an action. It's important to use this phrase appropriately, ensuring that the context clearly indicates what is being prepared for and avoiding overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to prepare for

This alternative is more general and focuses on getting ready for something.

to arrange for

This alternative emphasizes the act of organizing or setting up something in advance.

to plan for

This alternative highlights the planning aspect of preparing for something.

to allow for

This alternative focuses on including something in your calculations or plans.

to cater for

This alternative suggests providing what is needed or desired by someone or something.

to take into account

This alternative emphasizes considering something when making plans or decisions.

to anticipate

This alternative highlights foreseeing and preparing for something that might happen.

to guard against

This alternative suggests taking precautions to prevent something undesirable from happening.

to foresee

This alternative stresses the ability to see or predict something in advance.

to get ready for

This alternative is a more informal and general way of saying to prepare for something.

FAQs

How can I use "to make provision for" in a sentence?

You can use "to make provision for" when you want to express that someone is preparing or planning for a future event or need. For example, "The government needs "to make provision for" the increasing number of elderly citizens".

What are some alternatives to "to make provision for"?

Some alternatives to "to make provision for" include "to prepare for", "to plan for", "to arrange for", and "to allow for", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "to make provision for" than "to prepare for"?

Yes, "to make provision for" is generally considered more formal and is often used in legal, official, or business contexts. "To prepare for" is a more general and informal alternative.

What's the difference between "to make provision for" and "to provide for"?

"To make provision for" implies planning and preparing for something in advance, while "to provide for" suggests actually supplying what is needed. For example, you might "to make provision for" future expenses by saving money, and then "to provide for" your family by using those savings.