brace yourselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brace yourselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to prepare someone for an upcoming event or situation that may be challenging or surprising. Example: "Brace yourselves, everyone; the storm is about to hit our area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some of those fans were overcome with emotion when the bus carrying the message "Brace Yourselves!

The Guardian - Sport

Brace Yourselves for Greek Orthodox Fashion Week.

Vice

Brace yourselves.

The New York Times

"Brace yourselves," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

Brace yourselves, Bats.

The New York Times

Okay purists, brace yourselves..

The Guardian - Tech

Brace yourselves, mateys!

The Guardian - Music

BRACE yourselves, parents.

The New York Times

Brazil Brace yourselves!

The Guardian - Sport

Brace yourselves for this headline.

The New York Times

Now brace yourselves, stereotype fans.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brace yourselves" when you want to alert an audience to an impending event that may be difficult, surprising, or impactful. It's most effective when the audience has some awareness, but may not be fully prepared for the details.

Common error

While "brace yourselves" can be impactful, avoid using it too frequently. Overuse can diminish its effect and make your writing sound overly dramatic. Consider alternatives like "get ready" or "be prepared" for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brace yourselves" functions as an imperative, urging the audience to prepare themselves mentally and emotionally for an impending event or revelation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct. The examples show it used to preface announcements ranging from difficult news to exciting developments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brace yourselves" is a versatile and widely used phrase that functions as an imperative, urging preparation for an impending event or revelation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, with a prevalence in news and media. While effective, overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "prepare for impact" or "get ready" for variety. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "brace yourselves" to prepare your audience for what's to come.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepare for impact

Emphasizes the impending collision or significant event. More direct and forceful.

get ready

A general call to readiness, lacking the specific anticipation of difficulty.

prepare for what's coming

Highlights the inevitability of an approaching event, focusing on mental and emotional preparation.

steel yourselves

Suggests mental and emotional fortification, implying resilience in the face of adversity.

hunker down

Implies seeking shelter or protection, preparing for a period of difficulty or challenge.

batten down the hatches

Evokes a sense of securing oneself against a storm, implying preparation for significant disruption.

take cover

Suggests seeking physical safety, often in response to an immediate threat.

hold on tight

Implies bracing for a turbulent or unsteady experience.

expect the unexpected

Focuses on the unpredictability of future events, preparing for surprises.

be prepared

A general encouragement to readiness, less specific in its implication of adversity.

FAQs

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

You can use "brace yourselves" to prepare an audience for news or events that may be shocking or difficult. For example, "Brace yourselves, the test results are in." It typically precedes the announcement of something significant.

What does "brace yourselves" mean?

"Brace yourselves" means to prepare for something difficult, challenging, or surprising. It's an idiomatic expression that suggests a need for mental or emotional readiness.

Are there any synonyms for "brace yourselves"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "prepare for impact", "get ready", or "steel yourselves" depending on the context. These phrases all convey a similar sense of preparing for something potentially difficult.

Is "brace yourselves" formal or informal?

"Brace yourselves" is generally considered to be neutral in tone. While not overly formal, it is also not strictly informal and can be used in various contexts, including news reports and casual conversations.