c supply
B1Formal, Business, Academic, Everyday
Definition
Meaning
To provide something that is needed or wanted, or the amount of something available for use.
Refers to the act of providing goods or services, the system or source that provides them, or the quantity or stock available. Can also function as an adverb in nautical contexts meaning 'in a secure or firm manner' (e.g., hold on supply).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun form often relates to economics, logistics, and systems. The verb form implies a continuous, systematic, or contractual provision.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Minor variations in common collocations (e.g., 'power point' vs. 'electrical outlet' within supply contexts) reflect general regional vocabulary.
Connotations
Equally neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English across registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[supply + object + to + recipient] (We supply materials to builders.)[supply + recipient + with + object] (We supply builders with materials.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In short supply”
- “Supply your own”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Central to logistics, procurement, and operations (e.g., 'global supply chain management', 'just-in-time supply').
Academic
Common in economics, engineering, and environmental studies (e.g., 'aggregate supply', 'the supply of public goods').
Everyday
Used for utilities and shopping (e.g., 'The power supply is down.', 'I need to buy art supplies.').
Technical
Precise usage in electronics ('mains supply'), medicine ('oxygen supply'), and military ('supply lines').
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- There is a limited supply of the new graphics cards.
- The water supply was contaminated after the floods.
American English
- The supply of affordable housing is critical.
- We're running low on office supplies.
verb
British English
- The company will supply all the necessary equipment.
- Can you supply references from your previous employer?
American English
- The vendor supplies us with paper quarterly.
- The farm supplies organic produce to local markets.
adverb
British English
- N/A (archaic/nautical use only, e.g., 'The rope was belayed supply.')
American English
- N/A (archaic/nautical use only, e.g., 'The line was made fast supply.')
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The shop supplies bread.
- We have a good supply of water.
- I need school supplies.
- The government supplied food to the refugees.
- The electricity supply was interrupted for two hours.
- The company has a steady supply of raw materials.
- New laws aim to secure the supply of rare earth minerals.
- Disruptions in the global supply chain affected car production.
- The report analyses the supply and demand for renewable energy.
- The city's antiquated water supply infrastructure requires massive investment.
- The treaty obligates the signatory nations to supply intelligence to the central agency.
- Monetarist policies focus on controlling the money supply to manage inflation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SUPERmarket that PLYs (plies) you with all you need. SUPER-PLY = SUPPLY.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPLY IS A CONDUIT / FLOW (e.g., 'cut off the supply', 'the supply dried up').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse the noun 'supply' (поставка, снабжение) with 'supplies' (запасы, материалы).
- The verb 'to supply' (поставлять, снабжать) is more systematic than 'to give' (давать).
- Avoid using 'supply' as a direct translation for предложение in the sense of 'offer'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect verb pattern: 'He supplied me a book.' (Correct: 'He supplied a book to me' or 'He supplied me with a book.')
- Confusing 'supplies' (pl. noun for materials) with 'supply' (sing. noun for the system/act).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'supply' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Supply' often implies a continuous, systematic, or commercial provision of something tangible or a service (e.g., supplying electricity). 'Provide' is broader and can include single acts, intangible things, or care (e.g., provide an answer, provide comfort).
When referring to materials or provisions (e.g., office supplies, medical supplies), it is typically plural. The singular 'supply' refers to the system, amount, or act of providing.
Two main patterns are correct: 1) supply something TO someone/something, and 2) supply someone/something WITH something. Avoid the double-object pattern 'supply someone something'.
It is an idiom meaning 'scarce' or 'not available in large amounts' (e.g., 'Patience was in short supply that day.').