getting ready to leave

USAGE SUMMARY

"getting ready to leave" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's preparations before leaving a place. For example: "Sue is getting ready to leave the office for the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The BP cleanup boats were getting ready to leave.

The New York Times

Later, Nancy was getting ready to leave her hotel.

The Guardian

She was getting ready to leave: high school, her friends, this house.

The New Yorker

"She was getting ready to leave the hospital," Ms. Laing said.

The New York Times - Health

As they were getting ready to leave her family returned from church.

The New Yorker

She was a hospital visitor, the daughter of a patient getting ready to leave.

The New York Times

The band's bassist, Jason Newsted, was getting ready to leave the band.

The New York Times

Plan ahead so that you're not up late getting ready to leave.

The New York Times - Health

The rest of the Americans are napping on the couch or getting ready to leave.

The New York Times

They've got a lot going on right now, getting ready to leave their families.

The New York Times - Sports

She is implying that the Browns are getting ready to leave.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, use "getting ready to leave" to indicate the active preparation phase before the actual departure. For example, "She's getting ready to leave for her trip, making sure she has everything packed."

Common error

Avoid using "getting ready to leave" without specifying a destination or purpose. For example, instead of "He was getting ready to leave", specify "He was getting ready to leave for the airport" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting ready to leave" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun within a sentence. It describes the process or activity of preparing for departure. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in various narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting ready to leave" is a versatile and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of preparing for departure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. Its frequency in news and media, formal business contexts, and general narratives underlines its widespread application. To use it effectively, ensure you specify a destination or purpose to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "preparing to depart" or "about to go" offer variations in formality and immediacy. Whether you're packing your bags or finalizing departure plans, mastering the nuances of this phrase will enhance your writing's clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preparing to depart

More formal alternative, suitable for official announcements or written communication.

getting set to go

Similar in meaning, but slightly more informal.

about to go

Less formal and more immediate, suggesting an imminent departure.

arranging to leave

Focuses on the planning and logistics involved in leaving.

making preparations for departure

Highlights the act of making arrangements before leaving.

finalizing departure plans

Emphasizes the last steps taken before leaving.

packing up to leave

Emphasizes the physical act of packing belongings.

readying oneself for exit

More reflective and formal, emphasizes personal preparation.

gearing up to exit

Implies a process of preparing and organizing oneself for leaving, potentially in a professional context.

on the verge of leaving

Indicates an impending departure, close to the moment of leaving.

FAQs

How can I use "getting ready to leave" in a sentence?

You can use "getting ready to leave" to describe the act of preparing for departure. For example: "They were "getting ready to leave" when the phone rang."

What are some alternatives to "getting ready to leave"?

Some alternatives include "preparing to depart", "about to go", or "making preparations for departure", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "getting ready to leave" and "about to leave"?

"Getting ready to leave" implies preparation, while "about to leave" suggests the departure is imminent. For example, you might be "getting ready to leave" an hour before you are "about to leave".

Which is correct, "getting ready to leave" or "getting ready for leaving"?

"Getting ready to leave" is the more common and natural phrasing. "Getting ready for leaving" is grammatically correct, but less frequently used and can sound awkward. Use "getting ready to leave" in most contexts.