not ready

USAGE SUMMARY

"not ready" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is not prepared or that someone is not prepared for something. For example, "I'm not ready to give a presentation yet; I need more time to practice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not ready".

The New Yorker

Alabama's not ready".

The New York Times

It's not ready yet".

The New Yorker

"We're not ready.

The New York Times

— not ready to wait".

The New York Times

Not ready to invest?

The New York Times

"They are not ready".

The New York Times

He is not ready".

Independent

They're not ready.

The New Yorker

It's not ready.

The New Yorker

Not ready for Époisses?

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not ready" to clearly indicate a state of lacking preparation or suitability. Ensure the context clarifies what the subject is not ready for.

Common error

Avoid using "not ready" when a more specific term like "unwilling" or "unable" is more appropriate. "Not ready" implies a lack of preparation, while other terms address willingness or inherent capability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not ready" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, it expresses that something or someone lacks the necessary preparation, willingness, or capability for a particular situation or task. The phrase is often used to describe a current state of incompleteness or unsuitability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not ready" is a common and versatile adjective phrase used to express a lack of preparation, willingness, or suitability. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, this expression serves the communicative purpose of indicating a present state of incompleteness. While generally neutral in register, careful consideration of the context and desired nuance is advised when choosing between "not ready" and more specific alternatives like "unprepared" or "unwilling".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not prepared

A more formal and direct synonym.

unprepared

Focuses solely on the lack of preparation.

ill-equipped

Emphasizes a lack of necessary resources or skills.

not up to the task

Specifies the lack of readiness in relation to a particular task.

unfit

Highlights a lack of suitability or qualification.

not willing

Shifts the focus to a lack of volition rather than capability.

still developing

Highlights that something is in progress and not yet complete.

premature

Indicates that something is happening too early.

in progress

Focuses on the ongoing nature of development or preparation.

under construction

Implies incompleteness and active work in progress.

FAQs

How can I use "not ready" in a sentence?

You can use "not ready" to indicate a lack of preparedness or suitability. For example, "I am "not ready" for the exam" or "The technology is "not ready" for mass adoption".

What's the difference between "not ready" and "unprepared"?

"Not ready" is a more general term implying a lack of preparedness, while "unprepared" specifically emphasizes the absence of preparation. They are often interchangeable, but "unprepared" carries a slightly stronger connotation of negligence.

What are some alternatives to saying "I'm "not ready""?

Depending on the context, you could say "I'm "not prepared"", "I'm "not willing"", "I'm "unable to"", or "I'm "ill-equipped"".

When is it appropriate to use "not ready" in formal writing?

The phrase "not ready" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, consider using more precise alternatives like "insufficiently prepared" or "lacking the requisite" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.