in preparation for

USAGE SUMMARY

"in preparation for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you are doing something in advance of a future event. For example, "I am studying hard in preparation for my exams next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How much data do they collect in preparation for matches?

The Guardian - Sport

I'm always in preparation for the next meal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He said that he tutored students in preparation for exams.

The New Yorker

Have your hair trimmed in preparation for possible TV appearances.

The Guardian

Another flight, too, in preparation for a possible war.

The New York Times

Late afternoons were devoted to napping in preparation for dinner.

The New York Times - Travel

What do you in preparation for the characters?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

How many people did you interview in preparation for writing?

The Guardian - Books

We're doing so now, in preparation for what's to come.

The Guardian

In preparation for its North American premiere of Messiaen's "St.

The New York Times - Arts

Naturally, I read your book in preparation for this interview.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in preparation for", ensure that the subsequent noun phrase is specific and clearly defined. Avoid vague references to ensure clarity.

Common error

While "in preparation for" is useful, avoid overusing it. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "to prepare for" or "in anticipation of" /s/in+anticipation+of to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in preparation for" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the reason or purpose behind an action. It sets the stage for an upcoming event or activity, providing context as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0.1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in preparation for" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase to indicate actions taken to get ready for a future event. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. To avoid repetition, consider using alternatives like "in anticipation of" /s/in+anticipation+of or "to prepare for". Using "in preparation for" can greatly help clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in anticipation of

Emphasizes expecting and being ready for something that is likely to happen.

to prepare for

A more concise and direct way of expressing the act of getting ready.

in readiness for

Highlights the state of being completely ready and available.

with a view to

Focuses on the intention or goal behind the preparation.

in expectation of

Similar to "in anticipation of", but may imply a stronger degree of certainty.

to get ready for

A more informal way of expressing preparation.

preparing for

A shorter, more action-oriented version of the phrase.

in foresight of

Emphasizes the act of foreseeing and preparing accordingly.

against the possibility of

Highlights preparing for something that might happen, but isn't certain.

ahead of

Indicates doing something in advance to be ready when the time comes.

FAQs

How can I use "in preparation for" in a sentence?

Use "in preparation for" to indicate that an action is being taken to get ready for a future event. For example, "The team practiced daily in preparation for the championship game."

What are some alternatives to "in preparation for"?

You can use alternatives like "to prepare for", "in anticipation of" /s/in+anticipation+of, or "ahead of" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "in preparation for" or "to prepare for"?

Both phrases are correct, but "in preparation for" provides slightly more emphasis on the act of preparing as a process, while "to prepare for" is more direct.

What is the difference between "in preparation for" and "in anticipation of"?

"In preparation for" implies a more active effort to get ready, while "in anticipation of" /s/in+anticipation+of suggests a more passive expectation. You prepare for something you know is coming; you anticipate something that might come.