How to use "the link is provided below"

What Does "the link is provided below" Mean?

The phrase "the link is provided below" is a common way to indicate that a hyperlink or URL relevant to the preceding information can be found further down in the current document, web page, or message. It serves as a clear and concise direction for the reader to locate the resource being referenced.

The meaning is compositional; each word contributes its individual meaning to the overall sense of the phrase. "Link" refers to the hyperlink, "provided" indicates that it has been made available, and "below" specifies its location.

The register is generally neutral to slightly formal, suitable for professional, academic, and informative contexts.

How to Use It

The grammatical pattern is a passive construction: "the link" (subject) + "is provided" (verb phrase) + "below" (adverbial of location). It can also appear in plural form: "links are provided below".

The phrase typically doesn't take any further objects or complements. The word "below" is essential for specifying the location. Other possible variations might include specifying a section, e.g., "the link is provided in the sources section below."

The components of the phrase should not be separated. It's a fixed expression that works best as a whole.

It would sound unnatural to use a different preposition (e.g., "the link is provided above") if the link is indeed located below the text. Using an active voice construction would also be less common in this context (e.g., "I provide the link below" is grammatically correct but less frequently used).

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from the link is provided below on Ludwig.guru.

"A good website to start with is that of the Australian Museum; the link is provided below." — WikiHow

"A quick link is provided below which will take you directly to the correct page for the reporting of street light outages." — WikiHow

"If you are in Britain and hungry for pizza, a link is provided below." — TechCrunch

"Three links are provided below." — TechCrunch

"A link is provided in the sources section below." — WikiHow

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/the+link+is+provided+below

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase Context
You can find the link below More informal, active voice.
The link is available below Similar meaning, slightly more formal.
See the link below More direct and concise, slightly less formal.
Please find the link below More polite and formal.
The following link is provided More formal, often used when introducing a series of links.
Refer to the link below Slightly more academic or technical.
The URL is provided below More specific, using "URL" instead of "link."

Common Mistakes

  • Learners might incorrectly use a different verb such as 'give' or 'offer' instead of 'provide' when referring to a digital link. It's more appropriate to say "the link is provided below" than "the link is given below."
  • Using the wrong preposition, such as "the link is provided above" when the link is actually below the text, is a common error. Always ensure the preposition matches the actual location of the link.
  • Incorrect word order, such as "provided the link is below" sounds very unnatural and should be avoided.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression Meaning Grammatical Pattern Register
the link is provided below A hyperlink is located further down in the text. Subject + passive verb phrase + adverbial of location Neutral to slightly formal

FAQs

Can the parts of "the link is provided below" be separated, or must they stay together?

No, the parts of "the link is provided below" should not be separated. It functions as a fixed expression. While variations like adding an adjective (e.g., "the relevant link is provided below") are possible, breaking up the core phrase significantly changes the meaning and sounds unnatural.


What's the difference between "the link is provided below" and "you can find the link below"?

"The link is provided below" is a passive construction, making it slightly more formal and objective. "You can find the link below" is an active construction, which is more informal and direct. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.


Is it correct to say "the link is given below" instead of "the link is provided below"?

While "given" isn't grammatically incorrect, "provided" is the more standard and preferred verb in this context. "Provided" implies a deliberate act of making the link available, which is the common intention when using this phrase. Using "given" can sound slightly awkward or less precise.

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