b supply
B1Neutral (used in all registers from informal to formal)
Definition
Meaning
to provide or make available something that is needed or wanted.
To furnish or equip with necessary provisions; to satisfy a demand or requirement. Also refers to the stock or amount of something that is available for use.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, it focuses on the action of providing. As a noun, it focuses on the quantity or stock provided. Often implies a systematic or ongoing provision of goods/services.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in derived forms (e.g., supplier vs. supplier—same spelling). 'Supply teacher' (UK) vs. 'substitute teacher' (US). The phrase 'in short supply' is common in both.
Connotations
Largely identical. In both, 'supply' can imply a logistical, commercial, or industrial context. The noun 'the supply' can refer to the provision of utilities (water/gas/electricity).
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties with negligible difference.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
supply somebody with somethingsupply something to somebodysupply somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in short supply”
- “supply the demand”
- “supply one's own”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the provision of goods, materials, or services within a commercial chain. E.g., 'We supply components to major manufacturers.'
Academic
Used in economics (supply curve), history (supply lines), and sciences (blood supply).
Everyday
Common for discussing shopping, utilities, and availability. E.g., 'The shop supplies all our basic needs.'
Technical
In engineering/IT: 'power supply unit (PSU)'; in logistics: 'supply chain management'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The company supplies parts to the automotive industry.
- Can you supply me with the relevant documents?
- The lake supplies water to the entire region.
American English
- The farm supplies fresh produce to local markets.
- The government supplied aid to the disaster zone.
- We need to supply our own materials for the workshop.
adjective
British English
- She works as a supply teacher at the primary school.
- The supply route was secured by the military.
American English
- He took a job as a supply teacher during the shortage. (Note: 'substitute teacher' is more common in US)
- Check the supply line for any blockages.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The shop supplies bread.
- We have a good supply of water.
- Supply the paper for the lesson.
- The factory supplies car parts to Germany.
- The blood supply at the hospital is low.
- They couldn't supply enough chairs for everyone.
- The disruption to the supply chain caused significant delays.
- The agreement guarantees a steady supply of raw materials.
- The organization is supplied with funds from private donors.
- Critics argue that the current policy will constrict the money supply.
- The army was supplied via an intricate network of aerial drops.
- Innovations in logistics have transformed global supply dynamics.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SUPER market that PLYs you with everything you need. SUPER + PLY = SUPPLY.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPLY IS A FLOW / CONDUIT (e.g., 'channel supplies', 'cut off the supply').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'supply' as 'supply' in Russian (поставка) for all contexts. In 'power supply', it's 'источник питания'. For 'water supply', it's 'водоснабжение'. The verb often corresponds to 'обеспечивать', 'снабжать', 'поставлять'.
Common Mistakes
- *I supplied him a book. (Correct: I supplied him with a book / I supplied a book to him.)
- Confusing 'supply' (noun) with 'provider' (which is a person/company).
- Using 'supply' as a countable noun for utilities (usually uncountable: 'The electricity supply was cut').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct valency pattern for the verb 'supply'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is regular: supply - supplied - supplied.
They are often interchangeable, but 'supply' often implies a large-scale, systematic, or commercial provision of goods/materials, while 'provide' is broader and can include abstract things like information, help, or opportunities.
Yes, though less common. You can 'supply information', 'supply answers', or 'supply hope'. However, for abstract support like emotional help, 'provide' is more typical.
It can be both. As a general concept (e.g., 'water supply') it is often uncountable. When referring to specific amounts or stocks (e.g., 'supplies of food'), it is countable.