providing
Providing (conj) means on the condition that; provided that. Example: “You may leave early, providing your work is finished.”
How to Use Providing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsed the same way as "provided" to attach a condition to a statement.
Word Forms
providings plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
You may leave early, _____ your work is finished.
Related Words
Rhymes for providing
See all rhymes for providing →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “providing” mean?
The word “providing” means on the condition that; provided that. In plain terms, used the same way as "provided" to attach a condition to a statement.
How do you pronounce “providing”?
“Providing” is pronounced pruh-VEYE-dihng (/pɹəˈvaɪdɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “providing” in a sentence?
Here is “providing” used in a sentence: “You may leave early, providing your work is finished.”
What part of speech is “providing”?
“Providing” is a conjunction.
Is “providing” a common word?
“Providing” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between providing and provided?
As conjunctions meaning "on the condition that," they are interchangeable — "providing you pay by Friday" or "provided you pay by Friday." "Provided" is slightly more formal and common in writing; "providing" feels a touch more conversational. Both are often followed by "that." Note that "provided" is also the past tense of the verb provide.
What does providing mean as a conjunction?
Used as a conjunction, "providing" introduces a condition that must be met, meaning "as long as" or "if and only if." For example, "You can go out, providing you finish your homework" means that going out depends on the homework being finished first. It sets a requirement on what follows.
Can you start a sentence with providing?
Yes. "Providing you arrive on time, we'll get good seats" is correct, placing the condition first. Whether it opens or joins the sentence, "providing" introduces the requirement. Some formal writers prefer "provided that" at the start, but "providing" is widely accepted in this position.