to provide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to provide" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the act of supplying or making something available to someone. Example: "The organization aims to provide support to families in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To provide a tally?

The New Yorker

We've got to provide".

The New York Times

"They want to provide".

The New Yorker

Colin worked tirelessly to provide.

Independent

She declined to provide figures.

The New York Times

We've got to provide it.

The New York Times

They declined to provide details.

The New York Times

PENSIONS are expensive to provide.

The Economist

He declined to provide specifics.

The New York Times

He declined to provide details.

The New York Times - Sports

Attendants rushed to provide assistance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to provide", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being supplied and to whom or what it is being supplied. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple clauses starting with "to provide" in a single sentence. This can make the sentence convoluted and hard to follow. Break it down into simpler sentences for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to provide" typically functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express the act of supplying or making something available. For instance, "We need to provide relief for homeowners."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to provide" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves as an infinitive of purpose. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for conveying the intention of supplying or making something available. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to business and general communication. When using "to provide", ensure the context clearly defines the supply and the recipient to maximize clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to supply

Emphasizes the intention or purpose behind the act of providing.

so as to furnish

A more formal alternative, highlighting the act of equipping or supplying something necessary.

with the intention of giving

Focuses on the deliberate act of giving with a specific aim.

for the purpose of delivering

Highlights the objective of delivering something to a recipient.

as a means of offering

Suggests that providing is a way to offer assistance or support.

aiming to contribute

Focuses on the contribution aspect of providing, suggesting a positive impact.

in an effort to grant

Emphasizes the effort made to give or allow something.

intended to impart

Highlights the intention to share or transmit something, like knowledge or skills.

with a view to allocate

Focuses on the distribution or allocation of resources.

so that one can impart

Emphasizes the ability to share or transmit something.

FAQs

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

You can use "to provide" to indicate the act of supplying something needed or desired. For example, "The company aims "to provide" excellent customer service".

What are some alternatives to "to provide"?

Some alternatives to "to provide" include "to supply", "to furnish", or "to offer", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'provide for' instead of "to provide"?

Yes, "provide for" is correct, but it usually implies taking care of someone's needs or making preparations. "To provide" is more general and can refer to supplying anything, not just necessities.

What's the difference between "to provide" and "to give"?

"To give" is a broader term that simply means to transfer something to someone. "To provide", on the other hand, implies supplying something that is needed or useful. For example, you might "give" a gift, but you "provide" support.