prepare against

USAGE SUMMARY

'prepare against' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you are taking measures to protect yourself or your organization against a particular future event or possibility. For example, "We are preparing against the possibility of an economic downturn by diversifying our investments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Roger Ailes, who is helping Trump prepare against Clinton, is seventy-six.

The New Yorker

But it's not just the business behemoths that need to prepare against hackers.

The Guardian

Peru's government had done much to prepare against the rains, building dykes, cleaning waterways and strengthening bridges.

The Economist

They will have had time to prepare against an opponent, the Rangers, that played in a Game 7 on Saturday night.

The New York Times - Sports

"You cannot prepare against an F5," said the Governor of Alabama, Robert Bentley, who in common with some neighbouring states declared a state of emergency.

Independent

Asked if the money to prepare against another Ebola outbreak or some other epidemic might also disappear once the current threat is over, he said: "Preparedness is something that governments don't really want to invest in in a sustained way.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Are you prepared against radiation?" Uesugi asked.

The New Yorker

Some began to chop firewood, preparing against the chill of night.

The New York Times

It is precisely this eventuality that Mr Netanyahu is preparing against.

The Economist

He seems to have wanted to collaborate with Seleucus II Callinicus in a campaign he was preparing against the Parthians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It proved we learned an early lesson coming out prepared against teams like this," Coach Byron Scott said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prepare against", clearly specify what you are preparing for. For instance, "prepare against economic downturns" provides more context than simply "prepare against problems".

Common error

Avoid using "prepare against" without a specific threat or event in mind. Indefinite preparation can lead to wasted resources and a lack of focus. Always define the potential issue clearly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prepare against" functions as a verb phrase indicating proactive measures taken to avert or mitigate a potential negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, emphasizing its use in taking action to protect against future events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prepare against" is a versatile phrase used to describe taking proactive steps to mitigate potential negative outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While the phrase is generally neutral, ensuring context-specific clarity by specifying the potential threat is crucial. Alternatives like "take precautions against" or "guard against" offer nuanced options for expressing similar intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take precautions against

Emphasizes preventative measures taken in advance.

guard against

Implies a defensive stance to protect against something.

shield against

Suggests creating a barrier for protection.

mitigate the risk of

Focuses on reducing the severity of a potential threat.

counteract the effects of

Highlights actions taken to neutralize negative consequences.

be ready for

Highlights the state of preparedness for an event.

make provisions for

Focuses on supplying what is needed for a future event.

fortify against

Emphasizes strengthening defenses.

take steps to avert

Focuses on actions aimed at preventing something from happening.

brace oneself for

Suggests mentally and physically preparing for a challenge.

FAQs

How can I use "prepare against" in a sentence?

You can use "prepare against" to describe actions taken to mitigate potential harm or negative consequences, such as, "The city is taking measures to "prepare against" flooding this spring".

What are some alternatives to "prepare against"?

Alternatives to "prepare against" include phrases like "take precautions against", "guard against", or "mitigate the risk of", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "preparing for" and "preparing against"?

"Preparing for" generally means getting ready for something that is expected or desired. "Preparing against" implies preparing for something negative or unwanted, taking steps to minimize its impact.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "prepare against"?

The phrase "prepare against" is most appropriate when discussing proactive measures taken to protect oneself or an organization from a potential threat or negative outcome, such as preparing against a natural disaster or an economic recession.