it was preparing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was preparing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that was in progress in the past, often referring to something being readied or set up. Example: "As the event approached, it was preparing to welcome a large number of guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Second, Pakistan seemed to send multiple signals that it was preparing its nuclear weapons, in case the crisis exacerbated.

The Washington Post

Jersey Water said it was preparing its desalination plant because little rain was forecast for the "foreseeable future".

BBC

On Tuesday, it said it was preparing to launch its Kwangmyongsong-2 satellite atop its Eunha rocket.

The New York Times

He chose the latter course: on March 17th TUI said it was preparing to separate its shipping division.

The Economist

On Tuesday, the government said it was preparing to release its first regulation on nationwide food recalls.

The New York Times

The company also said it was preparing further announcements on its greening efforts in the weeks ahead.

The Guardian

The West denied it was preparing a ground invasion.

The Economist

Fiat S.p.A. immediately stated that it was preparing a counteroffer.

The New York Times

It was preparing to launch when it entered JLab.

The Guardian

Nokia recently announced that it was preparing to launch a handset with a hard drive.

The Economist

Others welcomed the signals from the administration that it was preparing to take action.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was preparing" to describe a state of readiness or anticipation, especially when referring to organizations or entities making arrangements for future events or actions. For instance, "The company was preparing for the product launch."

Common error

Avoid using "it was preparing" when referring to a person's direct action; instead, use "he/she was preparing" or rephrase for clarity. For example, instead of "It was preparing dinner", write "She was preparing dinner."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was preparing" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action in progress in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and used to describe a state of readiness or anticipation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was preparing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase, particularly in news and media contexts, to describe an ongoing action of getting ready for a future event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and suitable for various informative content. While versatile, be mindful of pronoun agreement and ensure "it" refers appropriately to an entity or organization. For personal actions, rephrase using "he/she was preparing" for greater clarity. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "it was preparing" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was getting ready

Focuses more on the process of becoming ready, emphasizing the action of preparing.

it was making arrangements

Highlights the act of organizing or planning necessary steps for something.

it was in the process of preparing

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the preparation, adding a sense of duration.

it was setting up

Suggests the arrangement or assembly of components needed for an event or activity.

it was gearing up

Implies an increase in effort or intensity to prepare for something significant.

it was bracing itself

Indicates preparing for something difficult or challenging, often with a defensive connotation.

it was laying the groundwork

Focuses on establishing the necessary foundation or preconditions for future success.

it was paving the way

Similar to laying the groundwork, but suggests creating a path or opportunity for future actions.

it was making provisions

Highlights the act of supplying or equipping oneself with what is needed.

it was anticipating

Focuses on expecting and preparing for something before it happens.

FAQs

How can I use "it was preparing" in a sentence?

You can use "it was preparing" to describe an entity or organization making arrangements or getting ready for a future event or action. For example, "The government was preparing for the upcoming election."

What are some alternatives to "it was preparing"?

Alternatives to "it was preparing" include "it was getting ready", "it was making arrangements", or "it was gearing up", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it was preparing" versus "he/she was preparing"?

"It was preparing" is generally used for organizations, governments, or inanimate subjects, while "he/she was preparing" is used when the subject is a person. For instance, "The company was preparing a statement" versus "She was preparing her presentation."

What's the difference between "it was preparing" and "it had prepared"?

"It was preparing" indicates an ongoing action in the past, while "it had prepared" indicates a completed action in the past. For example, "It was preparing the report" (the report was being prepared), versus "It had prepared the report" (the report was already prepared).