get things ready

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'get things ready' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts to describe the process of preparation for a desired outcome. For example, "We need to get things ready for the party by tomorrow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Would you come up and wait with me and get things ready just in case?

The New Yorker

Lai used Fifa grants to get things ready off the pitch and just needed the right coach.

The Guardian - Sport

"I visualise the show, get things ready for him, decide on materials, coordinate the teams and liaise with suppliers," she said in 2017.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To get things ready, the mayor let the group dig up the lawn in front of City Hall and plant a quarter-acre garden.

The New York Times - Food

To help the roustabouts get things ready someone had to spend many hours above the arena ceiling rigging ropes, pulleys, cables and guy wires for the performers Whenever there is rigging to be done at the Garden he is involved.

The New Yorker

What should I do to be able to concentrate more as he's always finding something to yell at me about and I only have a month to get things ready for the driving test?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In the meantime, campaign workers have been busy behind the scenes getting things ready for what they consider the Truly Important Primary.

The New York Times

"We are getting things ready," one explained, pointing at a half-packed suitcase.

The Guardian

But 4 o'clock finds him at the bar, Annie Mae's, getting things ready for the night.

The New York Times

Then I start focusing on getting things ready for the morning.

The New York Times

My place'd be home anyhow, getting things ready, he knows that.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get things ready", specify what "things" are to provide clarity and context. For example, "get the presentation ready" instead of just "get things ready".

Common error

Avoid using "get things ready" without specifying what needs to be prepared. This can lead to confusion and lack of clarity for the reader. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get things ready" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of preparing or arranging items or tasks. It is commonly used to describe the process of making necessary preparations for an event, task, or situation, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

17%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get things ready" is a versatile and frequently used expression for describing preparation, suitable for various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its informal tone makes it appropriate for general conversation and news media, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "prepare everything". When employing this phrase, specificity is key to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig examples demonstrates the phrase's application across many sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepare everything

Focuses on the comprehensive nature of the preparation.

make preparations

Emphasizes the act of preparing.

arrange matters

Highlights the organizational aspect of getting ready.

set things up

Suggests a more practical setup or arrangement.

organize everything

Stresses the organizational element of preparing.

get everything in order

Focuses on bringing order to the preparations.

gear up

Implies preparing for an event or activity with enthusiasm.

make ready

A more formal or archaic way of saying "get ready".

ready the equipment

Specifically refers to preparing equipment or supplies.

prepare the necessary items

Focuses on preparing specific items or materials.

FAQs

How can I use "get things ready" in a sentence?

You can use "get things ready" to describe preparing for an event, task, or situation. For example, "We need to "get things ready" for the meeting" or "She's "getting things ready" for her trip".

What are some alternatives to "get things ready"?

Alternatives include "prepare everything", "make preparations", or "set things up", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "get things ready" or "prepare things"?

Both "get things ready" and "prepare things" are correct, but "get things ready" is often more informal. The best choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

How formal is the phrase "get things ready"?

"Get things ready" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "prepare everything" or "make the necessary arrangements".