on preparing

USAGE SUMMARY

"on preparing" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of getting ready for something, especially when you are talking about it in a general way. For example: "I spent the weekend on preparing for my upcoming trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

See the preparation section for more information on preparing aquarium water.

WikiHow

Another focuses on preparing students for careers in architecture.

The New York Times

Travelers has some advice on preparing for the holiday season.

The New York Times

Tips on preparing for your New Year job applications.

The Guardian

I am more concentrated on preparing the defense".

The New York Times

Before the storm season begins, here are tips on preparing for trouble that may befall you.

The New York Times

Read Nick Paumgarten's Talk of the Town story on preparing for terror attacks.

The New Yorker

Deborah Sweeney offers tips on preparing a business for Small Business Saturday.

The New York Times

Secondary schools still concentrated on preparing students for admission to colleges of arts and sciences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We have to put France behind us and concentrate completely on preparing for the Boks.

Independent

On Sunday morning, though, the Mets went on preparing without him.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on preparing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being prepared for. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "on preparing" in contexts where the focus is on the actual event rather than the preparation itself. Use more direct phrasing to describe the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on preparing" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often introducing a topic or focus related to the actions or considerations involved in getting ready for something. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its validity and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

28%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on preparing" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed prepositional phrase used to introduce the subject of getting ready for something. Ludwig confirms its validity. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific articles and wikis, indicating its versatility. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain academic or professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what is being prepared for to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity. Common errors involve misinterpreting the scope of the preparation, making it vital to focus on the preparatory actions rather than the event itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in preparation for

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the action of getting ready for something specific.

about the preparation of

This is a more direct and general way of indicating the subject matter.

when getting ready for

This alternative focuses specifically on the process of becoming ready.

in the process of preparing

This focuses on the ongoing action of preparing.

for getting ready to

This alternative focuses on the process of becoming ready to

in anticipation of

This suggests a sense of looking forward to something while making preparations.

with regards to preparing

More formal alternative, indicating consideration or discussion of the topic.

regarding the preparation of

More formal; it's about the act of making something ready.

as regards the preparation

This suggests a connection or relevance to the act of preparation.

concerning readiness for

This focuses on the state of being ready.

FAQs

How can I use "on preparing" in a sentence?

You can use "on preparing" to discuss the actions taken to get ready for something. For example, "The article provides tips on preparing for a job interview".

What are some alternatives to "on preparing"?

Some alternatives include "in preparation for", "getting ready for", or "in anticipation of", depending on the context.

Is "on preparing" formal or informal?

"On preparing" is generally neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "in preparation for" might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

How does "on preparing" differ from "preparing for"?

"On preparing" typically introduces a discussion or focus on the act of preparing, while "preparing for" directly describes the action of getting ready. For example, "This guide is on preparing for the exam" versus "I am preparing for the exam".