at the ready

USAGE SUMMARY

'at the ready' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone or something is prepared and ready for action. For example: The troops stood at the ready, awaiting orders from their commanding officer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wallets at the ready!

Independent

Earplugs at the ready.

Independent

Chokers at the ready.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Webcams at the ready, everyone.

Independent

Pens at the ready.

The Guardian

Mallets at the ready.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wands at the ready.

The Guardian

Scissors at the ready.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hankies at the ready.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Cameras at the ready!

The Guardian

How at the ready?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the ready" to convey a sense of immediate preparedness and anticipation. It's stronger than simply saying 'ready'.

Common error

Avoid using "at the ready" to describe things that are generally available or present. This phrase implies a state of active preparation, not just existence. For example, saying 'Information was at the ready on the website' is less effective than 'Information was available on the website'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the ready" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something or someone is in a state of preparation or immediate availability. Ludwig examples show it describing soldiers, tools, and even abstract concepts like articles or skills being readily available.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the ready" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a state of preparedness and immediate availability. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys very common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "at the ready", remember that it implies active preparation rather than mere existence, avoid misusing it in static contexts. Consider synonyms such as "prepared" or "in readiness" for slight variations in meaning or formality. Be prepared and keep your writing at the ready!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepared

This is a more general term indicating readiness for something, lacking the sense of immediate action.

in readiness

Similar in meaning but more formal and often used in official contexts.

standing by

Implies waiting for a signal or instruction to begin action.

on standby

Indicates a state of readiness to respond or intervene if needed.

all set

Informal way to express that everything is prepared and ready.

set to go

A simple and direct way to indicate that something is ready to begin or be used.

poised

Suggests a graceful and balanced readiness, often in anticipation of an event.

geared up

Specifically implies having the necessary equipment or resources ready.

on deck

Means next in line and ready to proceed or take action.

at the starting gate

Suggests readiness to begin a race or competition.

FAQs

How can I use "at the ready" in a sentence?

You can use "at the ready" to describe a state of preparedness. For instance, "The paramedics stood "at the ready", awaiting the arrival of the ambulance".

What does "at the ready" mean?

"At the ready" means prepared and in position for immediate action or use.

Which is the difference between ""at the ready"" and "ready"?

"At the ready" implies a more active and immediate state of preparedness than simply being "ready". It suggests a poised and expectant stance.

Can I use "at the ready" in formal writing?

Yes, "at the ready" can be used in formal writing, especially when conveying a sense of alertness and preparedness. However, consider more formal synonyms like "in readiness" if a more elevated tone is desired.