braced for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "braced for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate preparation for something challenging or difficult that is expected to happen. Example: "The team was braced for the storm that was forecasted to hit the coast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They braced for blowback.

The New York Times

I braced for trouble.

The New York Times

We braced for our beheading.

The New York Times

Hayes braced for a confrontation.

The New Yorker

I braced for the worst.

The New York Times

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

I was, I admit, braced for disaster.

The New Yorker

Operators are braced for a walloping.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "braced for" when you want to emphasize that someone is not just prepared, but also anticipates something challenging or unpleasant.

Common error

Avoid using "braced for" when simply stating a fact of preparedness. It's more appropriate when an element of adversity or potential negative outcome is involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "braced for" functions as a phrasal verb indicating anticipation and preparation, often in the face of something challenging or negative. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "braced for" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that conveys a sense of anticipation and preparation, especially when facing something challenging or negative. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its primary usage is in News & Media, with a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts where the expectation of adversity needs to be communicated effectively. Consider using synonyms like "prepared for" or "ready for" to add nuance when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bracing oneself for

A reflexive form, emphasizing personal preparation.

prepared for

Focuses on the action of getting ready, less emphasis on the potential negativity.

ready for

Indicates a state of being equipped to handle something, lacking the nuance of anticipating something difficult.

expecting

Highlights anticipation but might not convey the same level of readiness or apprehension.

anticipating

Similar to expecting, but can sometimes carry a stronger sense of foreknowledge.

gearing up for

Emphasizes the process of preparing, often for a specific event or challenge.

steeling oneself for

Implies a mental and emotional preparation to face something unpleasant or difficult.

fortifying oneself for

Suggests strengthening oneself to withstand something.

making preparations for

Focuses on the practical steps taken to get ready.

getting ready for

A more general and less formal way of expressing preparation.

FAQs

What does "braced for" mean?

"Braced for" means preparing oneself mentally or physically for something difficult or unpleasant that is expected to happen.

What can I say instead of "braced for"?

You can use alternatives like "prepared for", "ready for", or "expecting" depending on the specific context.

How to use "braced for" in a sentence?

Example: "The company was "braced for" a decline in sales due to the economic downturn."

What's the difference between "braced for" and "preparing for"?

"Braced for" often implies anticipating something negative or challenging, while "preparing for" is a more general term for getting ready for something, regardless of its nature.