grants: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Academic, Business, Governmental
Quick answer
What does “grants” mean?
Sums of money given by an organization, especially a government, for a particular purpose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Sums of money given by an organization, especially a government, for a particular purpose.
The act of formally giving or allowing something; also, legal transfers of property rights.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Spelling and core meaning are identical. 'Research grants' is slightly more common in UK academic contexts; 'federal grants' is more specific to US government funding.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes formal, often competitive application processes and specific conditions for use.
Frequency
Very high frequency in academic, bureaucratic, and non-profit sectors in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “grants” in a Sentence
[Organization] grants [something] to [recipient][Recipient] receives grants from [source] for [purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grants” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council grants permission for the new development.
- She grants him access to the archives.
American English
- The foundation grants awards to five scientists each year.
- The judge grants the motion to dismiss.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A for 'grants'. The related adjective is 'grant-funded'.
American English
- N/A for 'grants'. The related adjective is 'grant-supported'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Funding for start-ups or innovation projects.
Academic
Financial awards for research from foundations or councils.
Everyday
Discussing university funding or community project support.
Technical
Legal conveyance of property or right; specific budgetary allocations in public finance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grants”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grants”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grants”
- Using as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'We need more grant' – incorrect; should be 'more grant money' or 'more grants'). Confusing 'grant' with 'loan'. Incorrect preposition: 'grants on' instead of 'grants for' a project.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily the plural form of the noun 'grant'. It is also the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'to grant' (e.g., He grants a wish).
A scholarship is a type of grant specifically for educational purposes, often based on merit or need. 'Grants' is a broader term covering research, arts, community projects, etc.
Yes. To 'grant' something means to agree to give or allow it, often formally (e.g., grant a request, grant permission).
It is an idiom meaning: 1) to fail to properly appreciate someone or something, or 2) to assume something is true without questioning it.
Sums of money given by an organization, especially a government, for a particular purpose.
Grants is usually formal, academic, business, governmental in register.
Grants: in British English it is pronounced /ɡrɑːnts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡrænts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take for granted (to fail to appreciate; to assume is true).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GRANTS = Government Resources Allocated for New Tasks & Studies.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/INNOVATION IS A CROP (grants provide the seed money to grow it).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common meaning of 'grants' in an academic context?