which provides for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which provides for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to an arrangement that makes something possible or available. For example, "This legislation which provides for free college tuition will make higher education available for everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Apartheid" refers to the system in South Africa which provides for separate development of the races.

The New Yorker

Solar lighting makes the schedule flexible, which provides for additional educational programs in the evening.

The Guardian

The mayor-council plan, which provides for separation of executive and legislative powers, is most favoured.

Britannica

The stimulus bill, which provides for tax credits for both, could make a real difference.

MIT Technology Review

Until recently, he supported repealing the 17th Amendment, which provides for direct election of senators.

The New York Times

The reform, which provides for gay couples to adopt children, has split the country.

Independent

Every constitution and human rights treaty contains a clause which provides for equality.

Columbia University

Both sides had agreed on the financial terms of the new contract, which provides for salary and pension increases.

The New York Times

To find a way which provides for efficiency in the knowledge economy, and ensuring that everyone feels its benefit.

The Guardian

It's the German who points out that a "sutler" is "a person or company which provides for the military".

The Guardian - Books

The suit seeks an unusual application of the Federal Racketeering Influence and Corrupt Organization law, which provides for triple damages.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which provides for", ensure the clause clearly and directly relates to the noun it modifies to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid separating "which provides for" too far from the noun it modifies. This can create confusion about what the phrase is intended to describe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which provides for" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun and adding information about how it enables or allows something. It's used to specify the function, purpose, or features that a thing, system, or law offers. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widespread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which provides for" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to introduce a relative clause that describes how something enables or allows for a specific outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase functions to specify the features, purpose, or capacity of a system, rule, or object. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Academia" sources, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal register. When using "which provides for", ensure clarity by keeping the clause close to the noun it modifies and choose other alternatives such as "that allows for" when you need to rephrase it. Remember that "which" is nonrestrictive (adding extra information).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that allows for

Uses "allows" instead of "provides", focusing on permission or possibility.

which facilitates

Emphasizes making something easier or more likely to happen.

that enables

Highlights the capacity or ability to do something.

that makes possible

Directly states the creation of possibility.

that gives rise to

Focuses on the consequence or outcome that results.

which sets the stage for

Implies preparation or creating a foundation for something else.

that paves the way for

Suggests clearing obstacles to allow progress.

which is conducive to

Highlights favorable conditions or contributing factors.

that is instrumental in

Emphasizes the importance or essential role in achieving something.

that is responsible for

Focuses on cause and effect, attributing a result to something.

FAQs

How can I use "which provides for" in a sentence?

Use "which provides for" to introduce a relative clause that describes how something enables or allows for a particular outcome. For example, "The new law, "which provides for" tax credits, will stimulate the economy."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "which provides for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that allows for", "that enables", or "that makes possible". For instance, instead of saying "a system "which provides for" separate development", you could say "a system "that allows for" separate development".

Is it correct to say "that provides for" instead of "which provides for"?

While both "that provides for" and "which provides for" can be grammatically correct, "which" is generally used for nonrestrictive clauses (adding extra information), and "that" is used for restrictive clauses (essential information). Therefore "which provides for" can be more appropriate to add additional but not essential context.

What's the difference between "which provides for" and "which accounts for"?

"Which provides for" suggests enabling or allowing something, while "which accounts for" implies explaining or constituting a portion of something. "The budget "which provides for" record receipts..." enables spending, while "The expenses, "which accounts for" 60% of the total..." explains a percentage.