getting things ready

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting things ready" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of preparing or organizing items or tasks for a specific purpose or event. Example: "Before the guests arrive, we need to start getting things ready for the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

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

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

The Guardian

Was that to do with the speed of getting things ready?

The Guardian

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 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

From early April to mid-May, Michael Decker, the superintendent, and staff of three full-timers and three seasonal workers, are deep into the rush to get things ready.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for global audiences, consider local cultural norms regarding celebrations and preparations for events to ensure your content resonates appropriately.

Common error

While "getting things ready" is widely understood, it might sound too informal for academic papers or formal business reports. Opt for phrases like "preparing arrangements" or "making preparations" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting things ready" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun within a sentence. Ludwig AI shows that the expression usually acts as the subject or object of a verb, describing an action in progress. For instance, "He was in charge of getting things ready..."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "getting things ready" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of preparing or organizing for an event or task. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that while generally acceptable across various contexts, it leans towards a neutral to informal register. For formal settings, consider alternatives such as "preparing arrangements" or "making preparations". The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Academia and Wiki sources, according to Ludwig's data.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arranging things

Focuses on the act of organizing items.

getting organized

Highlights the process of becoming organized as part of the preparation.

making preparations

Similar to "preparing arrangements" but with a slightly broader scope.

organizing preparations

Emphasizes the organizational aspect of getting ready.

preparing arrangements

More formal and emphasizes structured preparation.

setting up

More informal and implies a physical setup.

gearing up

Implies excitement and anticipation for an event.

making ready

Somewhat archaic but retains the core meaning.

laying the groundwork

Focuses on foundational preparations.

priming the pump

Idiomatic expression suggesting initial actions to start something.

FAQs

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

You can use "getting things ready" to describe the act of preparing or organizing items or tasks for a specific purpose or event. For example, "We are "getting things ready" for the party tonight".

What are some alternatives to "getting things ready"?

Some alternatives include "preparing arrangements", "making preparations", or simply "arranging things".

Is "getting things ready" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "getting things ready" is generally considered informal. In formal contexts, it's better to use phrases like "preparing everything" or "making arrangements".

What is the difference between "getting things ready" and "getting ready"?

"Getting things ready" refers to preparing specific items or tasks. "Getting ready" usually refers to preparing oneself, as in "getting ready" to go out.