Which is Grammatically Correct: Provided vs Assuming

Both provided and assumming (assuming) are used in English to express conditions or stipulations. However, they carry slightly different nuances and implications. Understanding the correct usage of these phrases is crucial for effective communication and ensuring your writing or speech is clear and grammatically accurate.

The Role of Provided

Provided is commonly used to indicate a condition or stipulation. It suggests that something will happen only if the condition is met. The phrase provided is often used in both positive and negative sentences, giving a sense of conditional future possibilities.

For example, consider the following sentences:

Provided you are respectful to the elders, I won’t have anything to do with you.

Provided I can do it, I don’t see why you would object.

In these sentences, the use of provided clearly indicates that the subsequent actions are conditional based on the fulfillment of the specified conditions.

Understanding Assuming

Assuming, on the other hand, can imply a more active role in ensuring that something happens. It often suggests that you are making arrangements or planning based on the condition. However, while both phrases can be used in similar contexts, the connotations and grammatical structures differ slightly.

For instance:

Assuming I can do it, let’s start now.

Provided I can do it, let’s start now.

In these examples, the sentence starting with provided is more commonly used and sounds more natural, as it clearly conveys the conditional nature of the sentence.

Grammatical Differences

From a grammatical perspective, both provided and assuming can begin a sentence with the present participle form. However, provided is often considered more formal and is the preferred choice in most contexts. The confusion often arises because both phrases can be followed by a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing).

Here’s a more detailed look at the grammatical construct:

Provided/Providing that I can do it, we can proceed.

Providing I can do it, let’s start now.

While the use of the present participle in provided is common, the inclusion of “that” in the full expression “provided that” makes the condition more explicit and formal.

Common Misconceptions

Another common misconception is that providing (in its gerund form) is derived from provide. In reality, providing is not the gerund form of provide and cannot be used as if it were. For example, the following sentence is incorrect in standard English:

Providing you with the ability to do it is not as straightforward as it might seem. Since nobody (not even Providence) can provide you with the ability to do it, the correct sentence would be:

Provided I can do it, let’s start now.

This sentence clearly indicates that the condition must be met for the subsequent action to occur.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct usage between provided and assuming hinges on the context and the desired implication. Provided is the more commonly used and preferred form, especially in formal writing and speech. Understanding the distinctions between these phrases can significantly improve the clarity and effectiveness of your communication.