preparations for

USAGE SUMMARY

"preparations for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the process of getting ready for an event or activity. For example: "We are making all the necessary preparations for the wedding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Preparations for both votes are behind schedule.

The New York Times

Tells about the preparations for the event.

The New Yorker

Tells about preparations for the big event.

The New Yorker

Third, active engagement in preparations for Paris.

The Guardian - Opinion

The preparations for their operation were thorough.

The New York Times

Preparations for trips come under this heading.

The New York Times - Travel

Preparations for the launch were meticulous.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mac's preparations for the hike were basic.

The New Yorker

The pressures were enormous and her preparations for them slight.

The New Yorker

Preparations for those depositions are already under way.

The New York Times - Sports

Preparations for World Youth Day have not been without controversy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preparations for", ensure that the noun following 'for' is specific and clearly defines what you are preparing for. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "preparations for" without clearly specifying what you are preparing for. Vague statements like "making preparations" lack impact. Instead, say "making preparations for the conference" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preparations for" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb. It indicates the actions or steps taken in anticipation of a future event, activity, or situation. This is supported by Ludwig, which confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preparations for" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe actions taken to get ready for an event. Ludwig confirms that it’s frequently used in a variety of contexts, most prominently in news and media, science and formal business communications. To ensure clarity, specifying the event or activity you're preparing for is key. While the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for both professional and casual settings, it is beneficial to consider synonyms like "planning for" or "arrangements for" based on the context. This phrase is widely accepted and essential for conveying anticipation and readiness in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

planning for

Focuses more on the strategic aspect rather than the practical steps of getting ready.

arrangements for

Emphasizes the organizational aspect and the setting up of logistics.

getting ready for

More informal and emphasizes the act of becoming ready.

laying the groundwork for

Highlights the foundational work needed before an event or project.

setting the stage for

Emphasizes creating a suitable environment or conditions.

making provisions for

Focuses on providing what is needed in advance.

anticipating

Implies expecting and preparing for something that might happen.

forecasting

Centers on predicting future needs or events to prepare accordingly.

designing for

Specifically refers to the planning and creation process tailored for a certain purpose.

background work for

Focuses on the preliminary and often unseen efforts.

FAQs

How do I use "preparations for" in a sentence?

Use "preparations for" to indicate actions taken to get ready for a specific event or activity. For example, "The team is making "preparations for" the upcoming tournament".

What's the difference between "preparations for" and "planning for"?

"Preparations for" often involve concrete actions and logistics, while "planning for" focuses more on strategy and outlining steps. For example, you make "preparations for" a trip after "planning for" the route and activities.

Are there any formal alternatives to "preparations for"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "arrangements for" or "provisions for", which are suitable in professional or academic contexts.

Is "preparation for" grammatically correct?

While "preparation for" can be correct, "preparations for" is often preferred when referring to multiple actions or steps involved in getting ready. Using the plural form emphasizes the various activities undertaken.