English Reference
verb · conjunction · noun

providing

v. · conj. · n.
US /pɹəˈvaɪdɪŋ/ UK /pɹəvˈaɪdɪŋ/ pro·vid·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.the act of giving something that people need or want.

    v.the present participle of 'provide', describing the act of supplying or making something available for use.

    Simple

    The charity is providing clean water to the families in the village.

    In context

    The government is currently providing financial incentives to small businesses that adopt green energy solutions before the end of the fiscal year.

    Usage

    Often takes the preposition 'with' for the recipient or 'for' for the beneficiary.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    conj.you use this to say that something will happen only if something else happens first.

    conj.a subordinating conjunction used to introduce a condition that must be met for a statement to be true.

    Simple

    We can have the party outside, providing it doesn't rain.

    In context

    The merger will proceed as scheduled, providing that the regulatory board approves the final terms of the agreement by Friday.

    Usage

    Can be used with or without 'that' to introduce the clause.

    Pitfall
    I will go providing that you will come. I will go providing that you come.

    In the conditional clause after 'providing', use the present simple tense rather than 'will'.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the process of making sure something is available.

    n.the gerund form used as a noun to describe the act or process of provision.

    Simple

    The providing of high-quality healthcare is a priority for the city.

    In context

    The consistent providing of accurate data is essential for the research team to reach a valid conclusion.

    Usage

    Often replaced by the noun 'provision' in modern formal writing.

Usage providing support · providing additional · providing new

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated