The difference between provided and providing (grammar lesson)


Grammar Lessons \| Grammar Tests \| Common Grammar Errors \| Grammatical Terms \| Easily Confused Words \| Free Grammar Checker \| Search \| Contact Us provided and providing - the difference

The words 'provided' and 'providing' are interchangeable when used to mean 'on condition that'.

Provided and Providing

The words 'provided' and 'providing' are interchangeable when used to mean 'on condition that'.

Examples:

Provided that the weather is fine, we'll have a picnic on Saturday.

Providing that the weather is fine, we'll have a picnic on Saturday.

Tony will attend provided that Sarah is not chairing the meeting.

The newspaper did not publish the photographs because they were given by a confidential source who did so provided that we not release them before the elections.

No Need for That

The word 'that' can be omitted.

Examples:

Provided the weather is fine, we'll have a picnic on Saturday.

Providing the weather is fine, we'll have a picnic on Saturday.

PROVIDED IS MORE FORMAL

Some writers maintain that 'provided' is preferable to 'providing' as a conjunction meaning 'on condition that'.

Both are acceptable. However, as some of your readers may prefer 'provided', it is safer to choose this option.