prepare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prepare" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of making something ready or getting ready for an event or task. Example: "We need to prepare the presentation for tomorrow's meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the parties warned by this poll of defeat, they prepare for a long night ahead in which they will hope for local factors – a popular candidate or a better on-the-ground operation – that will somehow see them home and defy the exit poll.

The Guardian - Opinion

The department announced in May 2014 that several precincts were testing upgraded training and mentoring in a handful of precincts, but it came too late to prepare Liang for that dark hallway.

The Guardian

When you prepare for a game, you should give all you've got during training sessions and seek constantly to improve yourself.

The Guardian - Sport

harmonyhall.com, cottages from $130 a night (three-night minimum) Nothing can quite prepare you for the shock of what lies behind a plain wooden gate at the end of a scruffy little track.

The Guardian - Travel

I must prepare myself for death while hoping for a lifeline.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He doesn't train and prepare well enough for these big tournaments," Anderson says.

The Guardian - Sport

"Check the inventory, or prepare your own when you move in.

The Guardian

This spring cocktail is ideal for a crowd, because you can prepare it in advance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Maybe there's a superstition in Hollywood that to prepare a script is bad luck.

The Guardian - Film

With no European football, unlike Atletico, Sevilla and Villarreal, and a week to prepare for every game, a Champions League place looks a certainty.

The Guardian - Sport

So once you know that's what the draw is, you've got to prepare and work hard and make sure you've put yourself in the best position to get out of the group...if we play our best ball we can get out of the group … looking at that group you've got to think it's going to go down to the last game for everybody.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, use "prepare" to clearly indicate the steps needed before a main action. For example, "Prepare the ingredients before you start cooking."

Common error

Avoid using "prepare" when you actually mean "expect". "Prepare" implies taking action to get ready, while "expect" refers to anticipating something. For example, say "Expect delays" instead of "Prepare delays."

Linguistic Context

The word "prepare" primarily functions as a verb. It denotes the act of making something or someone ready for a specific purpose or event, as seen in Ludwig's examples such as preparing for a game, preparing a meal, or preparing for death. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "prepare" is a versatile verb commonly used to describe the act of making something or someone ready for a future event or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, with neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "prepare", ensure you're conveying the idea of taking proactive steps to get ready rather than simply expecting something to happen. Related phrases like "get ready", "arrange", and "set up" can offer alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get ready

Focuses on the act of becoming ready, often implying a shorter timeframe or less formal preparation.

make ready

A more formal or archaic way of saying "prepare", often used in specific contexts.

arrange

Emphasizes the act of organizing or planning something in advance.

set up

Implies the action of configuring or establishing something for a specific purpose.

gear up

Suggests a process of equipping oneself or getting into the right mindset for a task.

equip

Highlights the act of providing necessary resources or tools.

develop

Focuses on the process of creating or bringing something into existence.

formulate

Highlights the act of creating or devising a plan, strategy, or proposal.

establish

Suggests the act of setting up or creating something on a more permanent basis.

construct

Emphasizes building or assembling something, often with physical components.

FAQs

How to use "prepare" in a sentence?

You can use "prepare" to mean making something ready for use or getting ready for an event. For example, "We need to prepare the presentation" or "I must prepare myself for the journey".

What can I say instead of "prepare"?

You can use alternatives like "get ready", "arrange", or "set up" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "prepare for" or "prepare to"?

"Prepare for" is typically used when referring to an event or situation, such as "prepare for the meeting". "Prepare to" is used when referring to an action, such as "prepare to leave".

What's the difference between "prepare" and "practice"?

"Prepare" means to make something ready for use or to get ready for an event. "Practice" means to perform an activity repeatedly to improve skill. For example, you "prepare" a speech, but you "practice" playing the piano.