Eimai_Anglos  +  777188 Fri, 12 Jun 09 09:10 AM "Providing he uses his brain." I know this phrase should be "provided (that) he uses his brain" but can somebody please explain why, in terms of parts of speech? As a native English speaker I usually know intuitively what is right but I can't always explain why! Martin Eimai_Anglos Joined on Thu, Jun 23 2005 Regular Member 509 Martin - native English speaker and technical author. Countries, United Kingdom, Great Britain, Speaking, Speeches, Languages

	Cool Breeze  +  777203 Fri, 12 Jun 09 09:21 AM Both providing and provided seem correct to me and the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary: providing: on the condition or understanding (that); provided: He can stay here providing he works. CB Cool Breeze Joined on Fri, Apr 7 2006 Senior Member 3,979 "I hope you'll all live to be 150 years old - and the last voice you hear is mine!" Frank Sinatra on stage in Oslo, Norway, 28 September 1991

	Goodman  +  777207 Fri, 12 Jun 09 09:31 AM Hi Martin, Based on my 20 years of studying the language, I have learned that both are correct, providing a proper context is given.  I agree though "provided" seems to be used more often as people tend to believe it's more formal.    Goodman Joined on Mon, Nov 7 2005 Senior Member 3,816 The name says it all! Context, Languages

	Eimai_Anglos  +  777833 Fri, 12 Jun 09 08:46 PM I agree that "providing" is in common usage but it still seems incorrect to me. "He will be providing food for his family provided that he works hard." Eimai_Anglos Usages

	AlpheccaStars  +  777865 Fri, 12 Jun 09 09:21 PM Miriam-Websters has a separate entry for "providing" - it is a conjunction. conj. On the condition; AlpheccaStars Joined on Sun, Oct 12 2008 Senior Member 3,508 The pen is mightier than the sword. Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873)

	Yoong Liat  +  797843 Sat, 27 Jun 09 02:05 PM Something that can happen providing or providing that, or provided or provided that something else happens or cannot happen unless the second thing does. (Times-Chambers Essentail English Dictionary) Yoong Liat Joined on Mon, Sep 4 2006 Veteran Member 6,757 Countries, United Kingdom, Great Britain, Languages