What is subsidy? Pronunciation and usage in English

subsidy means . Learn how to pronounce and use subsidy through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of subsidy

subsidynoun

/ˈsʌbsədi//ˈsʌbsədi/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "subsidy." It can be a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "subsidy" is broken into three syllables:

  • sub - as in "subway"
  • sid - as in "side"
  • -y - as in "busy" (a short "i" sound)

2. Phonetic Breakdown (Approximate):

  • ˈsʌbˌsɪd i (Using International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA)

3. How to Say It (Step-by-Step):

  • Start with "sub": Say "sub" like the word "subway."
  • Add "sid": Now say "sid" like the word "side."
  • Finish with "-y": Finally, add a very short, quick "i" sound, almost like you're saying "ee" but very briefly. It’s a short, almost silent “i” sound. Think of it like a barely-there "i."

4. Putting it all together:

It sounds something like: “Sub-sid-ee” (with a very quick “ee” at the end)

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Focus on the "sub" part: This is the most distinctive part of the word.

  • Don't overemphasize the "y": The "-y" sound is subtle and quick.

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken correctly. Here are some resources:

    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce subsidy" on Google. You'll find audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/subsidy/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word in different accents.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word subsidy in English

Let's break down how to use the word "subsidy" effectively in English.

1. What is a Subsidy?

A subsidy is essentially a financial aid or support provided by a government (or sometimes an organization) to a business, industry, individual, or sector. It’s designed to encourage certain behaviors, activities, or production. Think of it as a helping hand to make something cheaper, more accessible, or more competitive.

2. Common Ways to Use "Subsidy"

Here's a breakdown of how you can incorporate "subsidy" into sentences, with examples:

  • Referring to Government Support: This is the most common usage.

    • “The government offers a subsidy to farmers to help them cover the cost of fertilizer.”
    • “The aviation industry relies heavily on subsidies to keep airfares low.”
    • “Critics argue that subsidies for renewable energy distort the market.”
    • “The European Union provides subsidies to agricultural regions to prevent rural decline.”

  • Referring to Support from an Organization (Less Common, but still valid):

    • “The charity offered a subsidy to cover the participant’s travel expenses.”
    • “The company provided a subsidy to help local artists with studio rent.”

  • As a Noun (often used with "program"): You’ll often hear “subsidy program.”

    • “The food subsidy program ensures that low-income families have access to nutritious food.”
    • “The government is investing in a new subsidy program for electric vehicle purchases.”

  • In Phrases:

    • Provide a subsidy: “The government provides a subsidy to small businesses.”
    • Offer a subsidy: “The university offers a subsidy to students pursuing graduate degrees.”
    • Receive a subsidy: “Farmers receive a subsidy for their crops.”
    • Cut subsidies: “The government cut subsidies for coal mining.”
    • Increase subsidies: “Economists are calling for increased subsidies to address climate change.”

3. Nuances and Related Terms

  • Agricultural Subsidies: Specifically refers to support for the agricultural sector (e.g., price supports, direct payments). This is a particularly contentious topic.
  • Price Support: A common type of subsidy that guarantees a minimum price for a product.
  • Direct Payment: A subsidy paid directly to producers.
  • Negative Consequences of Subsidies: It’s important to acknowledge that subsidies can have drawbacks:
    • Market Distortion: They can interfere with the natural forces of supply and demand.
    • Inefficiency: They can encourage wasteful production.
    • Cost to Taxpayers: Subsidies are funded by taxpayer money.

4. Synonyms (to vary your language)

  • Assistance
  • Grant
  • Funding
  • Support
  • Allowance
  • Payment

5. Example Sentences Combining Different Aspects

  • "The country’s massive agricultural subsidy program has led to overproduction of corn, causing prices to plummet."
  • “Many argue that subsidies distort the market and unfairly benefit certain industries.”
  • “The government is exploring the possibility of offering a subsidy to encourage the adoption of solar panels.”

Resources for further learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What is the context in which you want to use the word "subsidy"? (e.g., are you writing an essay, having a conversation, etc.?)
  • Are there any specific aspects of subsidies you’re interested in (e.g., agricultural subsidies, environmental subsidies)?

Synonyms for the word subsidy

Practice with vocabulary subsidy

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To encourage sustainable practices, the government introduced a substantial financial _______ for organic farming initiatives.
  2. University students can apply for a special _______ to cover living expenses during their unpaid internships.
  3. Without a significant government _______, many renewable energy startups would struggle to cover their initial research and development costs.
  4. The annual budget report highlighted a significant _______ in revenue compared to the previous fiscal year.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms refers to financial assistance provided by a government or organization to support an industry, keep prices low, or promote a public good? A) Tariff B) Subsidy C) Levy D) Embargo

  2. A national airline might receive a government _______ to operate routes that are not commercially viable but are considered essential for regional connectivity. A) Penalty B) Subvention C) Subsidy D) Sanction

  3. What type of financial support is often provided to consumers or businesses to lower the cost of a specific product or service, like solar panel installation? A) Bond B) Dividend C) Subsidy D) Premium

  4. Companies often provide their employees with a travel _______ to cover expenses incurred during business trips. A) Bonus B) Allowance C) Gratuity D) Royalty

  5. For large-scale infrastructure projects, governments often secure significant international _______. A) Endowment B) Funding C) Stipend D) Collateral

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The government gives financial support to local businesses to help them stay competitive. Rewrite the sentence using "subsidy".
  2. Without state financial assistance, the public transport network would not be able to offer such low fares. Rewrite the sentence using "subsidy".
  3. The company received a large sum of money from the foundation to develop its new educational software. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word instead of "subsidy".

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. subsidy
  2. stipend
  3. subsidy
  4. decline

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) Subsidy
  2. B) Subvention, C) Subsidy
  3. C) Subsidy
  4. B) Allowance
  5. B) Funding

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The government provides a financial subsidy to local businesses to help them stay competitive.
  2. Without a state subsidy, the public transport network would not be able to offer such low fares.
  3. The company received a large grant from the foundation to develop its new educational software.

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