preparatory

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'preparatory' is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically is used to describe actions that are taken to ready oneself for a particular event or outcome. For example, "The team went through a series of preparatory drills before the competition began."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But he still has much preparatory work to do.

The Guardian - Opinion

The state school in which I teach is in an affluent area, surrounded by private preparatory primaries and high-achieving grammar schools.

The Guardian

A spokesman for the European commission sounded a cautiously optimistic note about the preparatory negotiations on Monday.

The Guardian - Business

Business leaders from across the world, meeting in Paris for a preparatory conference before the UN convenes later this year, congratulated the French president and called for a strong international agreement on the climate.

The Guardian

The press material for the show mentions "drawings by Leonardo and his followers" and "a near-contemporary, full-scale copy of Leonardo's famous Last Supper seen alongside all the surviving preparatory drawings made by Leonardo for the Last Supper".

The Guardian - Arts

The Indians have gratefully accepted this olive branch and senior officials from the two countries are likely to meet for preparatory talks later this month.

The Economist

Today he insisted that whatever he might have said in June the ECB had now definitely reached the lower bound.The ECB had already paved the way towards the second new measure the purchase of ABS in June when the governing council said it was intensifying preparatory work towards making such purchases.

The Economist

The discussions, which Japan stressed were "preparatory", were about the return of the remains of Japanese who died on the Korean peninsula during the second world war.

The Economist

Its prime function is the FORMATION OF PUBLIC OPINION, or rather its CONDENSATION AND CONCENTRATION, preparatory to legislation.

The Economist

Preparatory meetings are flashing by: the Major Economies Forum last week, the UN climate-change summit and the G20 this week, pre-Copenhagen negotiations in Bangkok next week.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A preparatory-committee meeting of diplomats early in August reportedly laid the groundwork for a deal involving pledges of developmental assistance for Africa as a recompense for past wrongs.The case against casteIsrael and the US, however, have not been the only countries feeling singled out.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preparatory" to specifically denote actions or steps taken to get ready for something, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity. For example, "The athletes underwent preparatory training for the Olympics".

Common error

While "preparatory" and "preparative" are synonyms, "preparatory" is the more commonly used and widely understood term. Stick to "preparatory" to avoid sounding overly formal or archaic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "preparatory" is that of an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that serves to prepare or make ready for a future event, action, or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its function as pertaining to preparation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

31%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "preparatory" functions as an adjective indicating something related to preparation. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English, highlighting its role in describing actions taken to ready oneself for a specific outcome. With a high frequency in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, it is deemed grammatically correct and widely applicable. While synonyms such as "preliminary" or "preparative" exist, using "preparatory" ensures clarity and avoids sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preparative

Synonymous, but less commonly used than "preparatory".

preliminary

Focuses more on the initial stage or action that precedes something else.

introductory

Refers to the beginning or introduction of something, often setting the stage.

foundation

Emphasizes the establishment of a base or groundwork for future development.

background

Provides necessary context and information before a main event or activity.

developmental

Focuses on the growth and progression leading up to a final state.

exploratory

Involves investigating and discovering information in preparation for further action.

scoping

Defines the range and objectives of a project or activity in advance.

arranging

Concerns making plans and preparations for an event or activity.

planning

Involves devising a strategy or approach beforehand.

FAQs

How is "preparatory" used in a sentence?

"Preparatory" is used as an adjective to describe something that prepares for or leads up to something else. For example, "The students completed "preparatory exercises" before the final exam."

What words can I use instead of "preparatory"?

You can use alternatives like "preliminary", "preparative", or introductory, depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "preparatory measures" or "preparative measures"?

Both "preparatory measures" and "preparative measures" are technically correct, but "preparatory measures" is far more common and widely accepted.

What is the difference between "preparatory" and "precautionary"?

"Preparatory" refers to actions taken to get ready for something, while "precautionary" describes actions taken to prevent something negative from happening. For example, "preparatory steps" ensure readiness, and "precautionary measures" ensure safety.