to provide for

USAGE SUMMARY

"to provide for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the action of providing necessitates for someone's needs. For example: My parents have always strived to provide for me and my siblings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have to provide for everybody.

Independent

He wants to provide for them equally".

The New York Times

"We need to provide for our families.

The Guardian - Travel

Many have young families to provide for.

The Guardian

We want to provide for our children.

The Guardian - Opinion

Suppliers need to provide for responsible buyers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Pentagon has extensive plans to provide for Iraq's refugees.

The New York Times

The other four days we had to provide for ourselves.

The Guardian - Sport

Social Security would not be enough to provide for everyone.

The New York Times

We wanted to provide for the safety of children".

The New York Times

He was proud to provide for everyone back home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to provide for", ensure clarity regarding who is providing and who is receiving. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's message.

Common error

Avoid using "to provide for" interchangeably with phrases like "to provide with" or "to supply". While related, "to provide for" specifically implies meeting needs, while "to provide with" is a more general term for supplying something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to provide for" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose or intention. It often follows a verb of action, indicating the reason behind that action. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to provide for" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express the intention of meeting someone's needs. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correctness and usability in written English is high. Appearing most frequently in news and media, the phrase maintains a neutral register applicable across diverse contexts. When writing, remember that "to provide for" implies ensuring necessities and should not be confused with the broader "to provide with". Consider alternatives such as "to take care of" or "to support financially" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to take care of

Focuses on general well-being and protection, broader than just material provision.

to look after

Similar to "take care of" but can also imply a sense of guardianship.

to support financially

Specifically emphasizes monetary assistance.

to sustain

Implies providing the means necessary to exist or continue.

to maintain

Highlights the ongoing effort of providing for someone's needs over time.

to supply with necessities

Focuses on essential items required for survival and comfort.

to cater for

Implies addressing specific needs or preferences.

to furnish with

Suggests providing something completely or comprehensively.

to keep afloat

Implies preventing someone from failing or struggling, often financially.

to nurture

Suggests the action of caring for something while it grows.

FAQs

How do I use "to provide for" in a sentence?

Use "to provide for" when you want to express the act of ensuring someone has what they need. For example, "He works hard to "to provide for" his family".

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

"To provide for" implies ensuring someone's needs are met, while "to provide with" simply means supplying something. You "provide for" your children's well-being, but you "provide with" resources.

What are some alternatives to "to provide for"?

Alternatives include "to take care of", "to support financially", or "to look after", depending on the specific context.

Is "to provide for" formal or informal?

"To provide for" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure than the phrase itself.