Have you ever wondered about the difference between the words provision and provisional? While they may sound similar, they have distinct meanings that are important to understand.
Provision is the proper word when referring to something that has been provided or supplied. It can also refer to a clause or condition in a legal document or agreement. On the other hand, provisional is used to describe something that is temporary or subject to change. It can also refer to a temporary arrangement or measure that is put in place until a permanent solution can be found.
Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between provision and provisional in more detail, so that you can use these words correctly and confidently in your writing.
Define Provision
Provision is a term that refers to the act of providing or supplying something that is needed or required. In a legal context, provision can also refer to a clause or section in a contract or agreement that outlines a specific requirement or condition.
Provision can also be used in a financial context, where it refers to the setting aside of funds or assets for a specific purpose or contingency. For example, a company may make a provision for bad debts, which involves setting aside funds to cover potential losses from customers who are unable to pay their debts.
In a broader sense, provision can also refer to the act of making arrangements or preparations for something that is expected or anticipated. For example, a family may make provisions for a potential natural disaster by creating an emergency kit and evacuation plan.
Define Provisional
Provisional is an adjective that refers to something that is temporary or subject to change. In a legal context, provisional can refer to a temporary order or decision that is made until a final decision can be reached.
Provisional can also be used in a scientific context, where it refers to a hypothesis or theory that is subject to further testing and refinement. In this sense, provisional can be seen as a stepping stone towards a more complete understanding of a particular phenomenon or process.
In a general sense, provisional can refer to anything that is not yet fully established or confirmed. For example, a provisional diagnosis in medicine is one that is made based on preliminary information and may be subject to change as more information becomes available.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Proper usage of words is essential in written communication. The words provision and provisional, although similar, have different meanings and should be used in the appropriate context.
How To Use Provision In A Sentence
The word provision refers to the act of supplying or providing something. It can also refer to a condition or requirement in an agreement or law. Here are some examples of how to use provision in a sentence:
- The company made a provision for the new employees’ training.
- The contract had a provision that the project must be completed within six months.
- The government made a provision for the refugees’ basic needs.
In each of these examples, provision is used to indicate the act of supplying or providing something or a condition or requirement in an agreement or law.
How To Use Provisional In A Sentence
The word provisional refers to something that is temporary or subject to change. Here are some examples of how to use provisional in a sentence:
- The team’s provisional plan was to finish the project by the end of the month.
- The provisional results of the experiment showed promising results.
- The company provided a provisional offer to the candidate until they could finalize the details.
In each of these examples, provisional is used to indicate something that is temporary or subject to change.
More Examples Of Provision & Provisional Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between provision and provisional, let’s take a look at some more examples of these words used in sentences.
Examples Of Using Provision In A Sentence
- The company made a provision for bad debts in their financial statements.
- He was given a provision of food and water for his journey.
- The law includes a provision for mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes.
- The contract includes a provision for termination if either party breaches the agreement.
- The school has a provision for students with disabilities to receive accommodations.
- The company’s employee handbook includes a provision for paid time off.
- The government made a provision for emergency funding in case of a natural disaster.
- The will included a provision for the distribution of assets among family members.
- The budget includes a provision for the purchase of new equipment.
- The insurance policy has a provision for coverage of pre-existing conditions.
Examples Of Using Provisional In A Sentence
- The team’s provisional roster includes several new players.
- The provisional results of the election will be announced tomorrow.
- The company’s provisional patent application was approved by the patent office.
- The provisional agreement between the two countries is a step towards peace.
- The provisional government was established after the overthrow of the previous regime.
- The provisional driver’s license is valid for six months.
- The provisional plan for the project was presented to the stakeholders for feedback.
- The provisional schedule for the conference is subject to change.
- The provisional diagnosis was later confirmed by further testing.
- The provisional admission to the university is contingent upon the student’s final grades.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the terms provision and provisional, there are some common mistakes that people make. Here are a few examples:
Using Provision Instead Of Provisional
One common mistake is using the term provision instead of provisional. While these words are similar, they have different meanings. Provisional means temporary or subject to change, while provision means a clause or condition in a legal document or agreement.
For example, saying “I have a provision driver’s license” is incorrect. The correct statement would be “I have a provisional driver’s license.”
Using Provisional Instead Of Provision
On the flip side, another mistake is using the term provisional instead of provision. This mistake can often be seen in legal documents or agreements. Using provisional instead of provision can lead to confusion and potentially affect the validity of the document or agreement.
For instance, saying “This agreement contains several provisional clauses” is incorrect. The correct statement would be “This agreement contains several provision clauses.”
Not Understanding The Context
Another common mistake is not understanding the context in which these words should be used. It’s important to understand the meaning of each term and use it in the appropriate context.
For example, using the term provision when referring to a temporary or conditional situation is incorrect. It’s important to use the term provisional in this context.
Tips To Avoid Common Mistakes
Here are a few tips to help you avoid making these common mistakes:
- Double-check the definition of each term before using it in your writing
- Read your writing aloud to ensure you’re using the correct term in the appropriate context
- Have someone else review your writing to catch any mistakes you may have missed
By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re using provision and provisional correctly in your writing.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words provision and provisional, context plays a crucial role. Both words have different meanings and usage, and selecting the right word can make a significant difference in the intended message.
Provision
Provision is a noun that means the act of providing or supplying something. It can also refer to a condition or requirement that must be met. In the context of legal documents, provision refers to a clause or section that outlines a specific requirement or condition.
For instance, in a contract, a provision may be included to specify the terms and conditions of the agreement. In this context, provision refers to a particular section of the contract that outlines the details of the agreement.
Provisional
Provisional, on the other hand, is an adjective that means temporary or subject to change. It is used to describe something that is not yet final or complete and may require further modification.
For example, a provisional patent application is a temporary application that is filed to protect an invention while the inventor works on a final patent application. In this context, provisional refers to the temporary nature of the application.
Contextual Examples
The choice between provision and provisional can vary depending on the context in which they are used. Here are a few examples:
- In a legal document, provision would be the appropriate term to use when referring to a specific clause or section of the agreement.
- When describing a temporary solution or a work in progress, provisional would be the more suitable word to use.
- In a business context, provision may be used when referring to a requirement or condition that must be met, while provisional may be used to describe a tentative plan or strategy that is subject to change.
It is essential to consider the context carefully when deciding between provision and provisional to ensure that the intended message is clear and accurate.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using provision and provisional are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to keep in mind. In certain contexts, the meanings of these words can shift or become more nuanced.
Provision As A Verb
One exception to the general rule is when provision is used as a verb. In this case, the word means to supply or provide something. For example:
- The company will provision the new office with all necessary equipment.
- She provisioned the boat for a week-long sailing trip.
In these cases, provision is not being used as an adjective modifying a noun, but rather as an action being taken.
Provisional In Legal Contexts
Another exception to the rule is in legal contexts, where provisional can take on a specific meaning. In this context, provisional refers to something that is temporary or subject to change pending further action or decision. For example:
- The court issued a provisional ruling, which will be finalized after further evidence is presented.
- The company was granted a provisional patent while they finalize their application.
Here, provisional is being used to describe a temporary status or condition that is subject to change or revision.
Provisional As A Noun
Finally, it’s worth noting that provisional can also be used as a noun, in which case it refers to something that is temporary or provisional in nature. For example:
- The team’s success was just a provisional achievement; they still had a long way to go.
- The agreement was only a provisional one, subject to further negotiation and approval.
In these cases, provisional is being used to describe a thing or concept that is temporary or subject to change.
While these exceptions may seem like minor deviations from the standard usage of provision and provisional, they demonstrate the importance of context and the need to carefully consider the specific meanings of words in different situations.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of provision and provisional is through practice exercises. Here are some exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
- The ___________ clause in the contract outlines the terms and conditions of the agreement.
- The company made a ___________ decision to hire a temporary employee until they could find a permanent one.
- Before signing the lease, make sure to read the ___________ carefully to avoid any misunderstandings.
Answer Key:
- provision
- provisional
- provisions
Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- The ___________ plan was put in place to ensure that the project was completed on time.
- provision
- provisional
- provision
- provisional
- provision
- provisional
Answer Key:
- provision
- provisional
- provisional
Exercise 3: Use The Correct Word
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- The ___________ clause in the contract outlines the terms and conditions of the agreement.
- provision
- provisional
- provision
- provisional
- provisions
- provisional
Answer Key:
- provision
- provisional
- provisions
By completing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of provision and provisional in sentences. Remember to always read the context of the sentence and choose the correct word based on its meaning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between “provision” and “provisional” is crucial for anyone looking to improve their grammar and language use.
Key Takeaways
- “Provision” refers to something that is provided or supplied, while “provisional” refers to something that is temporary or subject to change.
- Using these words incorrectly can lead to confusion and miscommunication in both written and spoken language.
- It’s important to pay attention to context and usage when choosing between “provision” and “provisional.”
By keeping these key takeaways in mind, readers can improve their writing and communication skills. However, it’s important to remember that grammar and language use are complex topics that require ongoing learning and practice.
Continuing Education
For those looking to continue their education in grammar and language use, there are many resources available. Online courses, books, and writing workshops can all provide valuable insights and opportunities for practice.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Grammarly | An online writing assistant that checks for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. |
| The Elements of Style | A classic guide to writing by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White. |
| Writing Workshops | Local writing workshops and classes can provide opportunities for feedback and practice. |
By taking advantage of these resources and continuing to learn and practice, readers can become confident and effective communicators in any context.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.