I began preparing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I began preparing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating the start of an action related to getting ready for something, such as an event or task. Example: "I began preparing for the presentation a week in advance to ensure everything was perfect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"What do we think about dessert wines?" Jennifer started as I began preparing the meatloaf.

The New York Times - Magazine

I began preparing the soil in autumn for the 14 bushes I had planned to plant in the spring.

The New York Times

At home I began preparing this dodgy feast.

Vice

As she told the Australian Women's Weekly in 1978: "When Neville Chamberlain came back from Munich and said 'Peace in our time' [sic], I began preparing for war".

Wikipedia

Corey Ferrugia Artist | Social Entreprenuer Los Angeles, California @coreyferrugia (TWhener, IG).

Huffington Post

"How were you able to persuade an employer to hire you while you were still locked up?" "I began preparing for my release the day I got convicted," I replied.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In that spirit, before I recently began preparing a dinner from the new "Franny's Simple Seasonal Italian Cookbook" I read the recipes all the way through, learning that I could not begin the pizza dough the day of cooking — it rises in the fridge for forty-eight hours and must be reshaped, re-cooled, then warmed up in order to take on crust-like qualities.

The New Yorker

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet In that spirit, before I recently began preparing a dinner from the new "Franny's Simple Seasonal Italian Cookbook" I read the recipes all the way through, learning that I could not begin the pizza dough the day of cooking — it rises in the fridge for forty-eight hours and must be reshaped, re-cooled, then warmed up in order to take on crust-like qualities.

The New Yorker

For ten years my job was the best airline job in the world, but as circumstances began to change and Pan Am's decline became more evident, I unconsciously began preparing myself for its death, with a strong feeling of déjà vu.

Huffington Post

I boiled water for corn, began preparing the fish and handed my daughter Rikki, 21, the phone, with orders to find something to do with the potatoes that had begun boiling.

The New York Times - Tech

I took off my shoes, got on the heavy, metal hospital bed and began preparing," Hurt wrote.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I began preparing", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are preparing for. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I began preparing" without specifying the object or goal of the preparation. This can leave the reader wondering what exactly is being prepared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I began preparing" functions as an intransitive verb phrase indicating the initiation of an action. Ludwig confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

16%

Huffington Post

9%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I began preparing" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the commencement of getting ready for something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent usage across various sources, particularly in news and media. While simple and direct, it's essential to provide context about what is being prepared for, avoiding vagueness. Alternatives like "I started to prepare" or "I commenced preparation" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. Remember, clarity and context are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I started to prepare

Uses a more common verb, "started", instead of "began", and "to prepare" instead of "preparing", which is a slight shift in grammatical structure.

I started getting ready

Combines the simpler verb "started" with the more casual phrase "getting ready".

I commenced preparation

Replaces the verb phrase with a more formal noun phrase, using "commenced" instead of "began" and "preparation" instead of "preparing".

I initiated preparations

Similar to "commenced preparation" but uses "initiated", implying a more proactive start to the process.

I set about preparing

Implies a determined or intentional commencement of the preparation process.

I undertook preparations

Uses a more formal verb, "undertook", suggesting a deliberate and possibly significant effort in preparing.

I got ready

Simplifies the sentence using a more informal and direct expression, focusing on the result of the preparation.

I turned my attention to preparing

Indicates a shift in focus towards the act of preparing, rather than just the start of it.

I made a start on preparing

Emphasizes the initial action of preparing, suggesting the task may be ongoing.

My preparation began

Shifts the focus to the preparation itself, stating that it started, rather than focusing on the person doing the preparing.

FAQs

What does "I began preparing" mean?

The phrase "I began preparing" means that someone has started the process of getting ready or making arrangements for something. It indicates the initiation of a task or activity aimed at achieving a specific goal.

What are some alternatives to "I began preparing"?

You can use alternatives like "I started to prepare", "I commenced preparation", or "I initiated preparations depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I began preparing for"?

Yes, it is correct to say "I began preparing for". This phrase is often followed by the specific event, task, or situation that one is getting ready for (e.g., "I began preparing for the exam").

How can I use "I began preparing" in a sentence?

You can use "I began preparing" in a sentence to indicate the start of a preparatory action. For example, "I began preparing dinner as soon as I got home" or "I began preparing for the interview weeks in advance".