make ready

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make ready" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used in the sense of taking action to prepare for something. For example, "Before the performance, the theater crew had to make ready the stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Sochi 2014 also has been stashing snow, and is ready to deploy an army of energy-intensive earth-movers and snow-making systems to make ready for the games.

The Guardian

Make ready, aim, fire!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mrs Gray uses her free range chicken to make ready meals.

The Guardian

After that, it's pack all your game plans in your old (Browns) garment bag, enroll in ESPN's talent-development program, and make ready to join in the cacophony.

The New Yorker

He had raced from the Wednesday meeting with a message to every ship he could find "to make ready to sail in 48 hours".

The Guardian

I make sure the kitchen is tidy, and I make ready the same food every year, because this is a ritual.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

U.S. Concrete, based in Houston, operates 41 plants that make ready-mix concrete.

The New York Times

Some of these homes make ready-made slums for the African migrants to live in.

The Guardian - Opinion

They make ready-to-drink vanilla chai and mocha chai for us and distribute them on the East Coast.

The New York Times

But American companies make ready-to-use therapeutic foods, like a paste of peanuts with nutrients that has proven miraculous at reviving children suffering from even severe malnutrition.

The New York Times

The New Yorker, May 30 , 1925P. 1 Kaskel & Kaskel make ready-tied four-in-hands for Peter A. B. Widener, 2nd.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make ready" to add a slightly formal or archaic tone to your writing, suggesting a deliberate act of preparation.

Common error

Avoid using "make ready" in very casual conversations or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or old-fashioned. Opt for simpler alternatives like "get ready" or "prepare" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make ready" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of preparing or getting something ready. It is often used to describe a process of organization or arrangement before an event or activity, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "make ready" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action of preparing or getting something ready. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's worth noting that it carries a slightly formal tone. Usage analysis indicates it is commonly found in "News & Media" and scientific contexts. When writing, consider whether a more common alternative like "get ready" or "prepare" might be more appropriate for your audience. Overusing "make ready" could make your writing sound affectedly formal. In conclusion, understand when and where to deploy the phrase to achieve desired effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepare

Single word alternative focusing on the action of getting something ready.

get ready

A more common and versatile way of saying to prepare.

ready oneself

Emphasizes preparing oneself for an event or action.

make preparations

Focuses on the act of making the necessary arrangements.

gear up

An informal phrase meaning to prepare for something, often a challenge.

set up

Alternative way to say it for a task.

arrange

Alternative way to say it for a task.

equip

Emphasizes providing necessary equipment or resources.

mobilize

Suggests gathering and organizing resources or people for a specific purpose.

put in order

Focuses on organizing or arranging something.

FAQs

How can I use "make ready" in a sentence?

You can use "make ready" to describe preparing something for a specific purpose. For example, "The stage crew had to make ready the set before the play began."

What is a more common alternative to "make ready"?

A more common alternative is "get ready", which is less formal and more frequently used in everyday language.

When is it appropriate to use "make ready" instead of "prepare"?

"Make ready" is suitable when you want to convey a sense of formality or tradition, while "prepare" is a more neutral and versatile option.

Is "making ready" grammatically correct?

Yes, "making ready" is grammatically correct as a present participle phrase, such as in the sentence, "The team was "making ready" for the competition."