begin to prepare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "begin to prepare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to starting to make preparations for something. For example: I'm beginning to prepare for my final exams.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He added that he would prefer seeing him begin to prepare for the potential playoff rotation.

The New York Times

If it's some place I'm fond of, like an oceanfront, I begin to prepare at home.

The New York Times

In the paper, we conclude that engineers know enough to begin to prepare.

The Guardian

Sinn Fein, however, has shown the leadership to begin to prepare its constituency for compromise.

The New York Times

This week will see both religions begin to prepare for Easter – a key date in the Catholic and Christian calendars.

Independent

"You have to find yourself on the verge of something happening before you can begin to prepare for it.

The New Yorker

Gently prodding both sides, she ordered the lawyers to simultaneously begin to prepare for hearings on the proper remedy.

The New York Times

Beginning today, the Giants will slowly begin to prepare in earnest for their game Sunday at Kansas City.

The New York Times - Sports

The foundations, says Slipman, need clarity about the market so they can begin to prepare five-year plans.

The Guardian

Expectations and suggestion clearly influence behavior, and when we expect to receive medicine our bodies often begin to prepare for it.

The New Yorker

But today, as the Jets begin to prepare for their season opener Sunday at Buffalo, Pennington slips back into Testaverde's shadow.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "begin to prepare" to indicate the initial phase of getting ready for an event, task, or situation. It suggests a gradual and deliberate start to the preparation process.

Common error

Avoid using "begin to prepare" in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "get ready" or "start preparing" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "begin to prepare" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically serving as part of a verb phrase. It indicates the initiation of an action (preparing) and often follows auxiliary verbs like "will", "should", or "can". Ludwig shows the phrase's widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "begin to prepare" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to indicate the commencement of preparatory actions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is widespread across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to choose simpler alternatives like "get ready" in more informal settings. Related phrases include "start preparing" and "commence preparations", each offering slightly different nuances. Remember to use "begin to prepare" to signal the deliberate initial stage of getting ready.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start preparing

A more direct and slightly less formal alternative.

commence preparations

More formal and emphasizes the official start of preparing.

initiate preparations

Similar to "commence preparations" but emphasizes the act of starting.

start getting ready

Combines the directness of "start preparing" with the generality of "get ready".

undertake preparations

A more formal alternative, suggesting a serious and methodical approach.

set about preparing

Indicates the commencement of preparation with a sense of purpose.

get ready

A more casual and general term for preparing.

make arrangements

Focuses on the organizational aspect of preparation.

gear up

Implies preparing for an event that requires effort or energy.

lay the groundwork

Focuses on the initial steps necessary for future preparation.

FAQs

How can I use "begin to prepare" in a sentence?

You can use "begin to prepare" to describe the initial stage of making arrangements or getting ready for something, for example: "The team will "begin to prepare" for the playoffs after this game".

What are some alternatives to "begin to prepare"?

Alternatives include "start preparing", "get ready", or "commence preparations", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When is it best to use "begin to prepare" over "start preparing"?

"Begin to prepare" suggests a more gradual and deliberate start, whereas "start preparing" can imply a quicker or more immediate action. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "begin to prepare" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "begin to prepare" is suitable for formal writing. However, depending on the context, alternatives like "commence preparations" or "initiate preparations" might be even more fitting.