prepare to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prepare to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone should get ready for something that is about to happen. Example: "Prepare to embark on an exciting journey as we begin our adventure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We prepare to leave.

The Economist

Prepare to be astonished.

The New Yorker

Prepare to die".

The New York Times

Prepare to be underwhelmed.

The New York Times

Prepare to get emotional.

Independent

Prepare to be assimilated"?

The New York Times

Prepare to be floored.

The New Yorker

Prepare to be exhilarated.

The New York Times - Arts

Prepare to be hypnotized.

The New York Times - Arts

Prepare to be amazed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Prepare to weep.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prepare to" to create a sense of anticipation or urgency in your writing. It signals that something important is about to happen.

Common error

Avoid using "prepare to" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "get ready" or "be ready" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prepare to" functions as an introductory phrase signaling an impending action or event. It sets the stage for what is about to happen, often creating a sense of anticipation or urgency, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

38%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prepare to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to signal readiness or anticipation for an upcoming event. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts such as News & Media and Wiki articles. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and choose appropriate alternatives like "get ready to" in more informal settings. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "prepare to" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get ready to

A more informal and direct way of saying "prepare to".

get set to

Similar to "get ready to", often used in a more active or energetic context.

be ready to

Emphasizes the state of being ready rather than the act of preparing.

brace yourself for

Implies preparing for something potentially unpleasant or difficult.

gear up for

Suggests getting equipped or organized for a specific task or event.

make preparations for

Focuses on the actions taken to get ready.

stand by to

Indicates a state of readiness for immediate action, often in a formal or professional setting.

expect to

Focuses on anticipating a future event, rather than actively preparing.

anticipate

Highlights the act of looking forward to something, often with a sense of excitement or apprehension.

look forward to

Expresses a positive expectation or eagerness for something in the future.

FAQs

How do I use "prepare to" in a sentence?

"Prepare to" is used to tell someone to get ready for something. For example, "Prepare to land" or "Prepare to be amazed".

What can I say instead of "prepare to"?

You can use alternatives like "get ready to", "be ready to", or "brace yourself for depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "prepare for" instead of "prepare to"?

While "prepare for" is also correct, it's used slightly differently. "Prepare for" is followed by a noun (e.g. "Prepare for the exam"), while "prepare to" is followed by a verb (e.g. "Prepare to leave").

What's the difference between "prepare to" and "getting ready to"?

"Prepare to" often implies a more immediate or imminent action, while "getting ready to" suggests a process that is already underway.