Word: Block Grant
Definition: A block grant is a type of financial aid given by the federal government to state or local governments. This money is used to support various programs, especially those that help people, like healthcare, education, and housing. Unlike specific grants that have strict rules on how to spend the money, block grants give more freedom to the states on how to use the funds.
Usage Instructions: You can use "block grant" in sentences when discussing government funding, social programs, or financial aid. It is usually used in a political or economic context.
Example: "The city received a block grant to improve its public transportation system, allowing them to decide how best to use the funds."
Advanced Usage: In more complex discussions, you might encounter terms like "entitlement programs," which refer to government programs that provide financial benefits to eligible individuals. Block grants can impact how these programs are funded and managed at the state level.
Word Variants: - Block (noun): a solid piece of material or a section of something. - Grant (noun): a sum of money given by an organization for a specific purpose.
Different Meanings: - "Block" can also refer to obstructing something (e.g., "block the road"). - "Grant" can mean to give someone something (e.g., "to grant permission").
Synonyms: - Funding - Financial aid - Subsidy
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - While there are no specific idioms directly related to "block grant," you might encounter phrases like "to grant someone a favor," which relates to giving help or assistance. - A related phrasal verb could be "to hand out," as in distributing funds or resources, though it is not directly synonymous with block grants.