be braced for

USAGE SUMMARY

"be braced for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the idea that something is likely to happen or occur, and that the speaker or writer is preparing themselves for it. For example, "We should be braced for a heavy snowfall later this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

He will be braced for a punishment.

The New York Times

Staff have been told to be braced for heavy criticism.

The Guardian

They will be braced for a good kicking.

The Guardian - Sport

Lewis appears to be braced for a tough Christmas.

The Guardian - Business

And with that, cash machines across Britain should be braced for extra demand.

Independent

We should be braced for one that offers scant comfort to the middle class.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

YEASAYER is braced for a backlash.

The New York Times - Arts

The company is braced for a fight.

The Economist

The market is braced for bad news.

The Economist

"I was braced for much more opprobrium".

The New Yorker

Operators are braced for a walloping.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be braced for" when you want to convey the sense of preparing for something challenging or unpleasant that is likely to occur. For example, "The company should be braced for increased competition next year."

Common error

Avoid using "be braced for" in highly formal or academic writing where more neutral terms like "expect" or "anticipate" might be more appropriate. This phrase carries a tone of impending adversity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be braced for" functions as a verbal phrase indicating preparation for an impending event, typically one that is difficult or negative. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and the examples show its prevalence in contexts where anticipation of challenges is central.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be braced for" is a commonly used verbal phrase to prepare for an impending event, often of a challenging or negative nature. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to warn and encourage proactive preparation. Related phrases include "prepare for" and "get ready for", although they lack the specific implication of impending adversity that "be braced for" conveys. When writing, use it to emphasize the need to prepare for something difficult, but be mindful of its slightly formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brace yourself

This alternative is more direct and often used as an imperative.

be prepared for

This alternative is highly similar, but it has a wider context. "Be braced for" more specifically implies something adverse.

prepare for

This alternative is more general and lacks the specific sense of impending impact or difficulty.

steel oneself for

This alternative emphasizes mental and emotional preparation for something difficult.

get ready for

This alternative is less formal and suggests a more casual preparation.

fortify oneself for

This alternative suggests strengthening oneself to withstand something.

anticipate

This alternative focuses on expecting something, without necessarily preparing for it.

be ready to deal with

This option specifies the need to handle a situation, rather than just anticipate it.

expect

This is a broader term that simply means to believe something will happen, lacking the proactive element of bracing.

face up to

This alternative focuses on confronting something directly, rather than preparing for its impact.

FAQs

How can I use "be braced for" in a sentence?

Use "be braced for" to indicate preparation for something challenging or negative. For instance, "The market should "be braced for" increased volatility" or "Residents need to "be braced for" power outages."

What's a less formal way to say "be braced for"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider using phrases like "get ready for" or "prepare for", which convey a similar meaning without the same sense of impending adversity.

What does it mean to "brace yourself"?

To "brace yourself" is to prepare mentally and physically for something unpleasant or difficult. It's similar to ""be braced for"", but it's often used as a direct command or personal declaration.

Which is more appropriate, "be prepared for" or "be braced for"?

While both phrases indicate readiness, "be prepared for" is more general. "Be braced for" suggests anticipating something specifically difficult or negative, adding an extra layer of urgency or concern.