What is Provide? How to use Provide in English and practice exercises with answers

The verb "provide" serves as one of the most fundamental transitive verbs in English, appearing frequently in academic writing, business communication, and everyday conversation. Understanding how to use Provide in English correctly forms a cornerstone of effective English communication. This comprehensive guide explores the definition, structures, and practical applications of "provide" to help you master this essential verb in both academic and professional contexts.

I. What is Provide?

Provide /prəˈvaɪd/ functions as a transitive verb in English. The core meanings include:

• Primary Definition: To supply someone with something they require or need.

Example: This booklet provides useful information about local services. 

• Secondary Definition: To make arrangements or stipulate something formally.

Example: The new statute provides for life imprisonment without parole. 

II. Provide synonyms in English

Expanding your vocabulary with these synonyms enhances your writing sophistication and prevents repetitive language use. 

III. How to use Provide in English

Master these essential structures to communicate effectively with "provide." Each pattern serves specific communicative functions and appears in distinct contexts, from formal documentation to casual conversation.

1. Provide + with

This structure emphasizes the recipient and the specific resource being supplied, making it ideal for describing detailed service offerings or resource allocation.

Meaning: To supply someone with necessary items or resources.

Structure: 

Subject + provide + someone + with + something

Example:

• The teachers in this room were provided with the handouts. 

• The little girls in this kindergarten will cause no trouble if the teacher provides them with their favourite toys. 

2. Provide + for

This pattern focuses on the beneficiary and suggests ongoing support or future arrangements, commonly used in financial planning and family contexts.

Meaning: To supply necessities like money, food, or essential services.

Structure: 

Subject + provide (something) for + someone

Example:

• Although Lina is not our biological mother of children, she works hard to provide for them.

• The budget of my firm provides a salary increase for each employee after half a year. 

3. Provide against something

This formal structure appears primarily in legal, insurance, and business contexts where risk mitigation becomes paramount.

Meaning: To establish safeguards or preventive measures against potential problems.

Structure: 

Provide against + something

Example:

• Mountain operators don’t have a legal obligation to provide against a astraying or injury. 

• During the 6-month period in question, the consultancy company either wrote off or provided against bad debts of £300,000.

4. Be provided by somebody/something

This passive construction shifts focus to the source of provision, useful when emphasizing the provider's credentials or authority.

Structure:

Subject + verb, provided/providing that + subject + verb

Example:

• The training materials were provided by the company.

• Lunch will be provided by the school. 

5. Provided/Providing that

These conditional structures create sophisticated logical relationships, essential for academic writing and formal agreements.

Meaning: On the condition that; only if certain requirements are met.

Structure: 

Subject + verb, provided/providing that + subject + verb

Example:

• Jim will make sure to tell Joannamy a message, provided that he meets her soon. 

• Lina can drive a motorbike provided that she has a valid licence. 

Note: You can omit "that" without changing the meaning:

• Lina can drive a motorbike provided she has a valid licence. 

IV. Phrasal verbs/words/sentences with Provide in English

Expand your vocabulary with these common expressions containing "provide." These idiomatic uses demonstrate advanced English proficiency and cultural understanding.

V. Exercise on Provide in English with detailed answers

Strengthen your grasp of Provide in English through some targeted practice exercises:

1. Exercise

Exercise 1: Fill in the blank with the appropriate word

1. We provided the mountain landslide victims _________ money and food. 

2. The firm my husband used to work for provides life insurance benefits _________ all of its employees.

3. Team members in this club are provided _________ uniforms and equipment.

4. I will accept this task, provided _________ this CEO helps me.

5. Jessica is unable to provide ________ her family.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences below using the provided word hints

1. If the weather in this town is favorable, the crops of farmers this year will surely flourish.

➡ Provided that ____________________________________.

2. If Charlotte drinks black tea, she will be able to stay up all night to work.

➡ Providing that ____________________________________.

3. I will answer this question only if Harry calls me first.

➡ Providing that ____________________________________.

4. If William studies really hard before the test, he will ace the final test without a doubt.

➡ Provided that ____________________________________.

5. If Henry comes to English class tomorrow, I will give him this DVD.

➡  I will________________, provided that __________________.

2. Answer

This comprehensive overview covers the essential aspects of Provide in English that appear regularly in both conversational English and standardized examinations. Master these patterns to enhance your communication effectiveness and demonstrate advanced English proficiency. Continue following PREP for additional high-quality English grammar resources and practice materials that build your language expertise systematically.