are preparing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are preparing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is in the process of getting ready for something. Example: "The team are preparing for the upcoming presentation next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We are preparing for that".

The New York Times

Farmers are preparing their fields.

The New York Times

They are preparing to begin.

Independent

Others are preparing for death.

The New York Times

House members are preparing for the worst.

The New York Times

The police, at least, are preparing themselves.

The Economist

Many are preparing to do so already.

The Economist

We are preparing to do just that".

The New York Times

The police are preparing criminal charges.

The Economist

They are preparing for the worst case.

The New York Times

Both sides are preparing for the worst.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "are getting ready" or "are making arrangements" for variety in your writing, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "are preparing" when the action of preparing is already completed. Use the past tense "prepared" instead to indicate a finished action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are preparing" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present continuous tense form. It indicates an ongoing action or a process of getting ready for something, as seen in Ludwig's examples where teams "are preparing" food bags or people "are preparing" for war.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are preparing" is a grammatically sound and very common verb phrase used to indicate an ongoing action of getting ready for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily in the News & Media domain. While generally neutral in register, its usage should be contextually specific to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "are getting ready" or "are making arrangements" offer alternatives depending on the intended nuance. Remember to use the correct tense and ensure subject-verb agreement when incorporating "are preparing" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are getting ready

Emphasizes the process of becoming ready, often implying a more immediate or imminent state of preparedness.

are making preparations

Highlights the specific actions taken to get ready, often involving concrete steps and measures.

are making arrangements

Focuses on the organizational aspect of preparation, highlighting the act of planning and coordinating.

are gearing up

Suggests a build-up of energy and resources in anticipation of a significant event or activity.

are setting up

Highlights the act of configuring or establishing something in advance of its use.

are arranging

Focuses on the planning and organization aspect, often used when preparing for events or meetings.

are equipping themselves

Focuses on gathering necessary tools, skills, or resources to be ready for a challenge or task.

are laying the groundwork

Implies establishing the necessary foundations or conditions for a future endeavor.

are steeling themselves

Suggests fortifying oneself emotionally and mentally for an upcoming challenge or difficult situation.

are bracing themselves

Indicates mental and emotional preparation for something potentially difficult or unpleasant.

FAQs

How do I use "are preparing" in a sentence?

The phrase "are preparing" indicates an ongoing action of getting ready for something. For example, "They "are preparing" for the upcoming marathon" shows they are currently in the process of training.

What can I say instead of "are preparing"?

You can use alternatives like "are getting ready", "are making arrangements", or "are gearing up" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is preparing" instead of "are preparing"?

No, "is preparing" is for singular subjects, while "are preparing" is for plural subjects or when used with "you", "we", or "they". For example, "He is preparing" vs. "They "are preparing"".

What's the difference between "are preparing" and "will prepare"?

"Are preparing" indicates an action happening now or in the near future, while "will prepare" indicates a future action. For example, "They "are preparing" dinner now" vs. "They "will prepare" dinner tomorrow".