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Provide someone with something ... is the "with" madatory?

Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2012 2:22 am
by Nami Nami
Dear teacher,

Below is from a dictionary:
"We have concerns about whether the government will be able to provide poorer families with viable social services."

My questions are:
1. Is "with" madatory here?
2. If no, what is the difference between with and without the "without"?

I found a lot senteces on the Internet that are constructed without a "with", e.g.
I will provide you the Best Job Hunting book for $10
I will provide you the secret sauce needed
I will provide you the easiest Folder Lock for $4

Thanks.

Re: Provide someone with something ... is the "with" madator

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 8:26 am
by Alan
It is required in BrE, but not in AmE, where the verb is treated as a simple ditransitive.