be at the ready

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be at the ready" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is prepared and ready for action or to respond to a situation. Example: "The emergency services must be at the ready in case of any unforeseen incidents during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The idea that women are going to be armed to the teeth to fend off people they know is absurd, and places the onus on the victim to be "at the ready" at all times.

Huffington Post

Military personnel and equipment will be at the ready.

The New York Times

"General Fahim has told me to collect all my soldiers and to be at the ready.

The New Yorker

But she is going to be at the ready just in case.

The New York Times

A rig would be at the ready to drill a relief well if needed.

The New York Times

Helicopters, fighter jets and bomb-disposal units will be at the ready.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

When you need a light, it's at-the-ready.

WikiHow

The search teams are at the ready.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The African cuisines are at the ready.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The faux rigging is at the ready.

The New Yorker

But Mr. Rendell is at the ready.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: this phrase is suitable for formal and semi-formal writing but might sound overly dramatic in very casual settings.

Common error

Avoid using "be at the ready" in extremely informal conversations; simpler phrases like "be ready" or "be prepared" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be at the ready" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of preparedness or readiness for immediate action. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is usable in written English, suggesting it adheres to grammatical norms. Examples show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be at the ready" is a correct and usable English idiom indicating preparedness and immediate availability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts and carries a semi-formal to neutral tone. While not exceedingly common, understanding its nuances—especially the difference between it and simpler phrases like "be ready"—can add precision and color to your writing. Remember to use it judiciously, considering the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be prepared

General term for readiness; lacks the idiomatic flavor of "be at the ready".

be on standby

Implies waiting for a specific call or trigger to become active.

be standing by

Similar to "be on standby", emphasizing the act of waiting.

stand by

A shorter, more direct command to be ready.

be in a state of readiness

More formal and technical; often used in military or emergency contexts.

be on alert

Highlights the aspect of vigilance and potential danger.

be vigilant

Focuses on the act of watching and being attentive to potential threats.

be available

Indicates accessibility but not necessarily preparedness for a specific task.

be poised

Suggests a refined and balanced readiness, often for a planned action.

be all set

Informal way of saying prepared, less emphasis on being on alert.

FAQs

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

You can use "be at the ready" to indicate that someone or something is prepared and available for immediate action. For example: "The medical team will "be at the ready" during the marathon."

What are some alternatives to "be at the ready"?

Alternatives include "be prepared", "be on standby", or "be vigilant", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be at the ready" formal or informal?

"Be at the ready" falls in the semi-formal to formal register. While not overly stiff, it is more elevated than simple alternatives like "be ready".

What's the difference between "be at the ready" and "be ready"?

"Be ready" is a general statement of preparedness. "Be at the ready" implies a state of active, immediate availability and often suggests an element of anticipation or potential action.