what provides

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what provides" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when asking about the source or cause of something. Example: "What provides the necessary energy for this process?" Alternative expressions include "what gives," "what supplies," and "what offers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

What provides all the fuel for this comment?

The Guardian

That is what provides the tension, the plot line, for the "Biography" program.

The New York Times

And yet his frenetic pacing is not what provides this director's marquee innovation.

The New York Times

What provides the other seven parts, and what I really adore, is the place.

Independent

If Occupy continues without occupations, what provides continuity with those people in Zuccotti Park?

The New York Times

Because that's obviously the key; that is what provides the complexity of human relationships in the real world.

The Guardian - Tech

Much of what provides the punch to this heartbreaking finale is the last thing you would expect to notice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

For mass murders, life sentences should mean life, no matter what: provided the conviction is secure.

The Guardian

The NAEP results offer an intriguing hint of what providing more resources could accomplish.

Science Magazine

(That is what provided the basis for premise 2 in the general argument for CP).

SEP

That's what provided the inspiration for the lyrics".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what provides", ensure that the sentence clearly identifies both the provider and the recipient or beneficiary. For instance, "What provides the fuel for this engine?" clarifies the source and the entity receiving the benefit.

Common error

Be careful not to use "what provides" in overly complex sentences where the subject or object is unclear. Ambiguity can confuse the reader and weaken your message. Instead, simplify the sentence or rephrase it to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what provides" functions as an interrogative phrase or a relative clause depending on the sentence structure. As Ludwig AI suggests, it serves to inquire about or identify the source, means, or cause of something. The examples show it in action across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

36%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what provides" is a versatile phrase used to inquire about or identify the origin, source, or means of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news and scientific domains. While alternatives such as "what supplies" or "what offers" exist, "what provides" maintains a neutral to formal tone suitable for various communication settings. Ensure clarity when using it to avoid ambiguity, and leverage its strength in eliciting information or defining causal relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what supplies

Replaces "provides" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of furnishing or making available.

what offers

Substitutes "provides" with "offers", focusing on the act of presenting or making something accessible.

what furnishes

A more formal synonym for "provides", suggesting a complete or abundant supply.

what contributes

Shifts the focus to the act of adding to or helping to cause something.

what gives

An informal alternative emphasizing the cause or reason for something.

what yields

Highlights the result or output of something, implying a process or action that produces a specific outcome.

what brings

Focuses on the act of causing something to exist or occur.

what fosters

Implies nurturing or promoting the growth or development of something.

what generates

Emphasizes the creation or production of something.

what triggers

Highlights the initiating event or cause of a particular action or process.

FAQs

How can I use "what provides" in a sentence?

You can use "what provides" to inquire about the source, cause, or means by which something is supplied or made available. For example, "What provides the city with its clean water supply?"

What are some alternatives to "what provides"?

Alternatives include "what supplies", "what offers", or "what furnishes", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "what provides" and "what gives"?

"What provides" is generally more formal and direct, while "what gives" can be more informal and imply a reason or explanation, often in response to a problem or unexpected situation.

Which is correct, "what provides" or "that provides"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they function differently. "What provides" is used as a question to inquire about a source or cause, while "that provides" introduces a relative clause to describe something that supplies or makes available. For example: "The technology that provides clean energy is essential."