Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding 'Provide For': Meaning, Usage & Mistakes

"One must provide for not only the body’s needs but also the soul’s aspirations to lead a fulfilled life."

📖 Definition

To provide for means to supply what is necessary for someone or something, ensuring that needs are met, including financial or material support.

Examples in context

Parents often work hard to provide for their children's future and education.
Organizations like UNICEF provide for the basic needs of children worldwide.
In emergencies, it's crucial to provide for the people affected promptly.

📖 Definition

To provide for means to supply what is necessary for someone or something, ensuring that needs are met, including financial or material support.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

This phrasal verb cannot be separated by its object.

Neutral

It is used in both formal and informal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

It requires a direct object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	provide for	She tries to provide for her family despite the economic hardships.
Past Simple	provided for	They provided for the community during the natural disaster.
Present Continuous	providing for	He is providing for his younger siblings while studying.
Present Perfect	have provided for	We have provided for the needs of the homeless shelter.

💡 When to Use

Financial support context

Use it when discussing monetary assistance or sustenance to individuals or groups.

Example: "She needs to provide for her children's education."

Fulfilling obligations

Employ it when referring to fulfilling legal or moral obligations.

Example: "The contract ensures that he provides for the workers' safety."

Emergency situations

Use it during crises where supplies and aid are necessary.

Example: "Red Cross volunteers provided for the earthquake victims."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object position

❌ Wrong: Provide his needs for.

✅ Correct: Provide for his needs.

💡 Tip: Always use 'for' after 'provide' to introduce who or what is supported.

Using intransitively

❌ Wrong: He provides for.

✅ Correct: He provides for his family.

💡 Tip: Remember that 'provide for' needs a direct object.

Wrong synonym

❌ Wrong: He sustains his family.

✅ Correct: He provides for his family.

💡 Tip: Ensure the phrasal verb fits the context of support and provision.

Practice

PROVIDE FOR - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Parents often work hard to provide for their children's future and education.
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2
Listen to example

Organizations like UNICEF provide for the basic needs of children worldwide.
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3
Listen to example

In emergencies, it's crucial to provide for the people affected promptly.
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Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

support sustain

Antonyms

neglect

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"Many charities aim to ___ for those in need during crises."

provide

provide for

support

neglect

In Context

In 1940, as World War II raged across Europe, Valerie M. Rensch dedicated herself to provide for the refugees fleeing the occupied Netherlands. She spent months organizing shelters and food supplies, ensuring the safety and well-being of countless displaced families. Her efforts were fundamental in securing a lifeline for those left in dire need, as she worked tirelessly to provide for both their immediate survival needs and their eventual relocation efforts. Throughout this tumultuous time, Valerie collaborated with various aid organizations, pooling resources to provide for children and the elderly, who were especially vulnerable. By arranging safe passage to less affected areas, she provided for the longer-term stability of these uprooted communities. Valerie’s unwavering commitment persisted even as the war's tides turned, and she continued to provide for those affected by subsequent economic and social upheaval. Her legacy remained a testament to the power of compassion and resilience in the face of adversity. After the war, Valerie was honored by multiple organizations for her relentless dedication to humanitarian work. The story of her endeavors serves as an enduring reminder of the ability of one person’s efforts to provide essential support and hope during humanity's darkest hours.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Provide For

What is the origin of provide for?

The term 'provide for' has Latin roots, stemming from 'pro' (for) and 'videre' (to see), evolving through Old French to signify ensuring supply.

Can provide for be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Provide for' is suitable for both formal and informal settings, allowing it to be flexible in professional, legal, and casual conversations.

What is the difference between provide for and support?

While both involve offering help, 'provide for' specifically implies supplying essential needs, whereas 'support' can include emotional or moral assistance.

Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

PROVIDE FOR - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Provide For

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega