to supply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to supply" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but it typically means to provide or give something. Example sentence: We need to supply the necessary documents for the visa application process.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He attempted to supply one.

The New York Times - Sports

It boils down to supply and demand.

Independent

The rest went to "supply reduction".

The New Yorker

You have managed to supply that need.

Independent

Netflix was unable to supply streaming movies.

The New York Times

An industry has appeared to supply them.

The Economist

(Mr. Crutchley works overtime to supply it).

The New York Times

"He just had to supply the vision".

The New York Times

Is it subject to supply and demand?

The New York Times - Sports

Renault continues to supply the engines.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have to supply the music ourselves".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to supply" when you want to emphasize the act of providing something that is needed or required. For example, "The company needs to supply more resources to the project".

Common error

Avoid using "to supply" when a simpler verb like "to give" or "to provide" is more appropriate. Overusing "to supply" can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to supply" functions primarily as an infinitive verb, indicating an action or purpose. Ludwig confirms that it is correctly and commonly used. It's often used to express the act of providing something that is needed or required.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to supply" is a versatile infinitive verb widely used to express the act of providing something necessary. Ludwig confirms its correct and common usage across various contexts. It is particularly frequent in news, scientific, and business writing, indicating a neutral to professional register. While effective, it's important to consider simpler alternatives like "to provide" in less formal situations. The provided examples and guidance aim to clarify its appropriate usage and avoid common pitfalls.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to provide

A more general and direct synonym, applicable in most contexts where "to supply" is used.

to furnish

Implies equipping or outfitting something, often used for rooms or buildings.

to equip

Focuses on providing necessary items for a specific purpose or task.

to provision

Often refers to supplying food or other necessities, especially for a journey or expedition.

to cater

Suggests providing specifically what is needed or desired, often in a service context.

to contribute

Implies giving something as part of a larger effort or supply.

to deliver

Focuses on the act of bringing or conveying something to a specific location.

to allocate

Suggests distributing resources or supplies among different recipients or uses.

to replenish

Specifically means to refill or restore a supply that has been depleted.

to stock

Indicates accumulating a supply for future use or sale.

FAQs

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

Use "to supply" to indicate providing something that is needed or required, like in the sentence, "The organization needs "to provide" adequate resources."

What are some alternatives to "to supply"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like ""to provide"", "to furnish", or "to equip" instead of "to supply".

Is it better to use "to supply" or "to provide"?

While both are similar, "to supply" often suggests a more specific need being met, while ""to provide"" is more general. The best choice depends on the specific context of your sentence.

Can "to supply" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "to supply" is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal writing, although it tends to be more common in formal or professional settings compared to very casual conversation.