brace them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brace them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when advising someone to prepare or support others for something challenging or difficult. Example: "Before the storm hits, we need to brace them for the potential impact on our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"It will brace them up to know that they're wearing some color," he explained.

The New Yorker

There was some speculation that an extra male, or males, held the mating pair together to brace them for mating.

The New York Times - Science

Security forces on the highest alert, with intelligence officers placed at checkpoints to brace them up, have failed to stop the carnage.

The Economist

Workers were busy constructing yukitsuri — thick ropes tied to fragile tree branches, intended to brace them against heavy snowfalls — in dramatic pyramids that soar over the gnarled wood.

The New York Times - Travel

In California, engineers have wrapped steel bridge supports in carbon fiber, to brace them against earthquakes, without adding much weight to the structures.

The New York Times - Science

Strainer arches had to be added between the piers to brace them against buckling; this was apparently the first time that stone columns were slender and heavily loaded enough to be observed to bend or buckle later, such action would be a major concern in the design of metal columns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The fragile slices are best lifted by bracing them between two knives.

The New York Times

The stems of the Japanese tobacco were leaning toward the ground, so I braced them with bamboo stakes.

The New York Times

Helping them get in and out of the car, or bracing them under the arm as they negotiate a bumpy sidewalk, can be an affront.

The New York Times

Election-year nervousness is evident among some supporters, but Speaker Nancy Pelosi braced them last week with a flat prediction that don't-ask "will be a memory by the end of this year".

The New York Times

While the first guy is holding the front leg, another cowboy slides in and spreads the calf's hind legs, bracing them apart with his knees.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "brace them", ensure the context clearly indicates what they are being prepared for, whether it's an emotional shock, physical impact, or challenging situation.

Common error

Avoid using "brace them" without specifying what the subject is being braced for. Vague usage weakens the impact and leaves the reader wondering what exactly is the threat or challenge. Always clarify the context.

Linguistic Context

Brace them functions as a transitive verb phrase. It requires a direct object (the 'them') and implies an action performed on that object, preparing it for something challenging or difficult. As shown by Ludwig examples, it can be used both literally and figuratively.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brace them" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that advises preparing or supporting individuals for challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and usable in various contexts, most frequently in news and media. To maximize clarity, be sure to provide the specific context for what the subject is being prepared for. Related phrases such as "prepare them" or "support them" can be used to similar effect, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepare them

Focuses on making someone ready for a future event, rather than providing immediate support.

support them

Emphasizes providing aid and assistance, rather than necessarily preparing for something specific.

steady them

Implies providing physical or emotional support to maintain balance or composure.

fortify them

Suggests strengthening them to withstand difficulties.

strengthen them

Focuses on increasing their resilience or power.

steel them

Implies mentally preparing them for something unpleasant or difficult.

nerve them

Means to give courage or fortitude.

bolster them

Highlights the act of encouraging or supporting, boosting morale.

shore them up

Implies providing additional support to prevent collapse or failure.

prepare them for impact

Specifically addresses preparing someone for the consequences of an event.

FAQs

How can I use "brace them" in a sentence?

You can use "brace them" to indicate preparing someone for a difficult or challenging situation. For example, "We need to "prepare them" for the news" or "We must "support them" during this difficult time".

What does "brace them" mean?

"Brace them" means to prepare or "steady them" for something difficult, shocking, or challenging. It implies providing support and mental fortitude.

What's a good alternative to "brace them"?

Alternatives include "fortify them", "strengthen them", or "steel them", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "brace them" formal or informal?

"Brace them" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally considered more neutral. The formality depends on the surrounding language and the specific situation.