are still preparing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are still preparing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action of preparation is ongoing and has not yet been completed. Example: "The team are still preparing the presentation for the upcoming conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

We are still preparing for trial".

The New York Times

Election officials, even in the east, are still preparing for Ukraine's presidential election on May 25th.

The Economist

It is unclear whether military prosecutors are still preparing a case against him.

The Guardian

"We are still preparing to head down regardless [of the ICJ's decision]," said Jeff Hansen, the organisation's director.

The Guardian

Our main problem is that Aston Villa have been playing good football for a while, while we are still preparing for our first game of the season.

The Guardian - Sport

Questions are no longer being accepted, but we are still preparing answers that address the topics raised most often in the more than 400 comments below.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Indeed, people are still prepared to join a long waiting list for Hermès handbags.

The Economist

Many people are still prepared to give it the benefit of the doubt.

The Economist

That's what's saved me and is why people are still prepared to offer me roles.

The Guardian - Sport

There is no law except the law of the gun but decent people are still prepared to make a stand.

The Economist

It's as much a mystery as why so many people are still prepared to give their lives to Jesus.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are still preparing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being prepared and for what purpose. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "are still preparing" when the preparation is already completed; instead, use past tense forms such as "had prepared" or "were prepared".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are still preparing" functions as a verb phrase in the present continuous tense. It indicates an action of preparing that began in the past and is ongoing at the present time. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are still preparing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase indicating an ongoing preparation process. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is suitable for various contexts, with a prevalent presence in news and media, and science-related articles. Remember to ensure the tense is appropriate and the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are in the process of preparing

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the preparation process.

are actively working on preparations

Emphasizes the active and ongoing effort involved in preparing.

are currently getting ready

Uses a more informal term ("getting ready") while retaining the present continuous tense.

continue to prepare

Highlights the continuation of the preparation action over time.

are underway with preparations

Uses a more formal tone and structure to indicate that preparations are in progress.

are yet to complete preparations

Focuses on the unfinished state of preparations.

haven't finished preparing yet

Expresses the same meaning in a negative form, emphasizing the lack of completion.

are developing their preparations

Emphasizes development aspect of preparations.

are progressing with preparations

Emphasizes the forward movement of preparations.

are arranging things

This is a more informal and generalized alternative that still implies preparation, although less direct.

FAQs

How can I use "are still preparing" in a sentence?

You can use "are still preparing" to describe an ongoing action of getting ready or making arrangements. For example, "The chefs are still preparing the menu for the wedding."

What is a more formal alternative to "are still preparing"?

More formal alternatives include "are in the process of preparing" or "continue to prepare", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

No, use "is still preparing" with a singular subject. For example, "He is still preparing for his exam". "Are still preparing" is used with plural subjects, such as "They are still preparing the stage".

What's the difference between "were still preparing" and "are still preparing"?

"Are still preparing" describes an action happening now, while "were still preparing" describes an ongoing preparation at a specific time in the past.