preparation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "preparation" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to the process of getting ready for something or making something ready. For example: "We need to make sure we are prepared for the dance competition by doing some extra preparation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's probably safe to say he doesn't have major French Open aspirations, given that lack of preparation.

The Guardian - Sport

"Kevin Pietersen is the most diligent and responsible of trainers and prides himself on his physical fitness and preparation for playing cricket.

The Guardian - Sport

Prosecutor Richard Whittam QC told the court how Daynes bought condoms, duct tape and syringes online in preparation for the attack before giving Breck a false alibi in case his parents asked questions about visiting a friend.

The Guardian

Either way this is not the best preparation for facing Australia on Saturday week and Wales will be looking for a very large cardboard box full of cotton wool for whoever is selected.

The Guardian - Sport

Week 12: Tutorials - Monday 30 November Tutorials x 6 students to include feedback on short story 1. Week 13: Tutorials - Monday 7 December Tutorials x 6 students to include feedback on short story 1. Week 14: Research - Monday 14 December The students will have already carried out research in preparation for this class, researching something far removed from their own lives.

The Guardian

That is a small example of a meticulous work ethic‚ "a familiar blend of sports science, psychology, painstaking preparation and innovation on the training ground all aimed at eking the best from a squad, which cost around £8.5m to construct".

The Guardian - Sport

Preparation this time will be on much the same lines, with rumours of another training camp, and warm up matches in Perth, Hobart and Sydney although this time, given the order, there will be no need for David Saker to take his Test match attack to Brisbane to acclimatise rather than go to Hobart.

The Guardian - Sport

From virtual obscurity, they are summoned from the backroom and thrown into a frontline role for which they have little preparation.

The Guardian

Officials say overwhelming power and training – police used four armoured cars and the helicopter in the shootout – as well as the suspects' lack of preparation spelled the difference.

The Guardian

Saturday will see Jackson Browne, Seasick Steve and Scissor Sisters perform before Muse take to the stage, while Sunday will feature hard rocker Slash, Ray Davies and Jack Johnson before Faithless whip up the crowd in preparation for soul legend Stevie Wonder.

The Guardian - Music

The total number of broadcasters planning to attend was still to be confirmed on Friday night, as producers scrabbled to organise coverage of an event that would normally require months of preparation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "preparation" with specific adjectives to highlight the type of planning involved, such as "meticulous preparation", "adequate preparation", or "strategic preparation".

Common error

While thorough "preparation" is crucial, don't become too rigid. Unexpected challenges can arise, so factor in flexibility to adapt your plans as needed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "preparation" is as a noun, referring to the act, process, or state of preparing. Ludwig highlights numerous examples where "preparation" functions as a noun within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preparation" is a versatile and commonly used noun that signifies the act of getting ready. As noted by Ludwig, it’s grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings. When using "preparation", remember to consider related terms like "planning" or "readiness" for nuanced expressions. According to Ludwig AI, the term follows standard grammar rules and is highly frequent. Also, while diligence is key to solid "preparation", make room to change plans. The data emphasizes the significance of thorough "preparation" as a precursor to success in diverse fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

planning

Focuses more specifically on the act of devising a method or course of action beforehand.

readying

A more informal way of expressing the act of making something or someone ready.

readiness

Emphasizes the state of being ready, rather than the process of becoming ready.

prep

A shortened, more casual term for preparation, often used in informal contexts.

arrangement

Implies organizing or positioning elements in advance for a specific purpose.

grooming

Often used in the context of personal care or professional development, suggesting a more refined form of preparation.

training

Specifically relates to the development of skills and knowledge through instruction and practice.

cookery

Specifically refers to the art or practice of cooking and relates to food preparation.

provision

Highlights the act of supplying or equipping with necessary resources.

homework

Refers to preparatory work, especially in an academic or investigative context.

FAQs

How can I use "preparation" in a sentence?

"Preparation" is a noun that refers to the act of getting ready. For example, "The athlete's rigorous preparation led to victory" or "Proper preparation prevents poor performance".

What are some synonyms for "preparation"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "planning", "readiness", or "arrangement" as alternatives to "preparation".

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

Both "in preparation for" and "to prepare for" are correct, but they function differently. "In preparation for" is a prepositional phrase, while "to prepare for" is an infinitive verb phrase. The best choice depends on the sentence structure.

What's the difference between "preparation" and "preparations"?

"Preparation" is the general process of getting ready, while "preparations" refers to specific activities or arrangements made in anticipation of something. For example, "The preparation for the event took weeks" versus "The wedding preparations are underway".