prepare the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"prepare the ground" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is often used as an idiomatic expression that means to make the necessary arrangements or lay the foundation for something to happen or be successful. Example: Before launching a new product, it is important to prepare the ground by conducting market research and building a strong marketing strategy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shouldn't Israel's friends in America prepare the ground?

The New York Times

He added, "But we have to prepare the ground first".

The New York Times

Mr. Obama has done a lot to prepare the ground.

The New York Times

The planned transaction would prepare the ground for this".

The Guardian

Before you make any specific proposal, prepare the ground.

The Guardian - Opinion

To prepare the ground for the rig means heavy machinery.

Shale Gas and Fracking The Science Behind the Controversy

"It's a professional task, and we should prepare the ground for it".

The New York Times

Päts became acting president and was expected to prepare the ground for the first presidential election.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it may have achieved its main objective: to prepare the ground for more indirect regulation.

The Economist

Other steps can also be taken to prepare the ground for political negotiations.

The New York Times

One is to prepare the ground for a different coalition, without the Social Democrats.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prepare the ground" in your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what you are preparing for. This adds clarity and purpose to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "prepare the ground" without clearly specifying what you are preparing for. Ensure the reader understands the intended goal or outcome of the preparation to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prepare the ground" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically serving as a verb phrase. It indicates actions taken to make future endeavors more feasible or successful, setting the stage for subsequent activities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prepare the ground" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that signifies making necessary preparations or laying a foundation for future success. Ludwig AI confirms it’s grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is frequently found in news and media, and also used in scientific, and business contexts. To ensure clarity, specify what you are preparing for to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "lay the foundation" and "pave the way". Understanding these nuances will help you effectively incorporate "prepare the ground" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lay the foundation

Focuses on establishing a base for future development.

pave the way

Emphasizes removing obstacles to facilitate progress.

set the stage

Highlights creating a suitable environment for an event.

make arrangements

Focuses on the practical steps taken to organize something.

clear the path

Stresses removing obstructions to ensure smooth progress.

establish the basis

Highlights creating a fundamental groundwork for later development.

cultivate readiness

Emphasizes nurturing a state of preparedness.

get ready

A more direct and less formal way of saying "prepare".

prime the environment

Focuses on adjusting the surroundings for a specific outcome.

set up conditions

Highlights the creation of specific prerequisites.

FAQs

How can I use "prepare the ground" in a sentence?

"Prepare the ground" is often used to describe the initial steps taken to make future actions easier or more successful. For example, "The marketing team worked hard to "prepare the ground" for the new product launch".

What does it mean to "prepare the ground"?

To "prepare the ground" means to make preliminary arrangements or take initial steps to ensure the success of something that will happen in the future. It's about creating a foundation or favorable conditions.

What can I say instead of "prepare the ground"?

You can use alternatives like "lay the foundation", "pave the way", or "set the stage" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "prepare the ground" or "preparing the ground"?

Both "prepare the ground" and "preparing the ground" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Prepare the ground" is often used as an infinitive phrase or in a general statement, while "preparing the ground" is used as a gerund or in a continuous tense to describe an ongoing action.