preparing a meal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preparing a meal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of cooking or making food for oneself or others. Example: "After a long day at work, I enjoy preparing a meal to unwind and relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unaware of the LRA's arrival, her husband and son began preparing a meal in their hut.

The Guardian

I'd say let's concern ourselves with sitting at the table together and preparing a meal".

The New York Times - Magazine

His favourite subjects were women spinning or reading the Bible or preparing a meal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Preparing a meal together truly illuminates each person's leadership styles and tendencies.

Harvard Business Review

CONS: This apartment is not for a cook who likes to entertain while preparing a meal.

The New York Times

Most fledgling cooks would be cowed by the idea of preparing a meal for Boulud.

The New Yorker

I tell Jarmusch that I always likened the process to preparing a meal.

The Guardian - Film

In "Inna's Recipe," the largest montage on view, a native woman is seen preparing a meal.

The New York Times

Preparing a meal just for yourself can give you an opportunity to really contemplate what you eat.

The New York Times - Health

And where her idea of preparing a meal typically involved a microwave exclusively, he is strictly a conventional-oven man.

The New York Times

"Like an old house at dusk, with a light on inside, where a woman is preparing a meal".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preparing a meal" to emphasize the entire process, from ingredient gathering to the final presentation. This is especially useful when discussing planning, time management, or the overall effort involved.

Common error

Avoid overly technical language when describing the act of "preparing a meal" in everyday contexts. Focus on clear and accessible terms rather than culinary jargon to ensure your message resonates with a broader audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preparing a meal" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the activity of making food. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from everyday activities to more formal discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preparing a meal" is a versatile and common way to describe the process of making food, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a gerund phrase and carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for various contexts ranging from news articles to everyday conversation. While alternatives like "cooking a meal" or "making a meal" exist, "preparing a meal" often emphasizes the entire process, from planning to presentation. Avoiding culinary jargon and focusing on clear language will enhance clarity in your writing. This phrase is frequently found in News & Media sources and is widely understood, making it a reliable choice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cooking a meal

Focuses more specifically on the cooking aspect rather than the broader preparation process.

making a meal

A more general term that can include assembling ingredients without necessarily cooking.

putting together a meal

Emphasizes the assembly and combination of different components.

whipping up a meal

Implies a quick and easy preparation.

getting a meal ready

Highlights the process of readying a meal for consumption.

preparing food

Broader term, encompassing snacks and individual items rather than a complete meal.

arranging a meal

Suggests a more formal or deliberate arrangement of food.

composing a dish

A more artistic or culinary-focused way of describing meal creation.

crafting a meal

Suggests a more skilled and artisanal approach to meal preparation.

assembling a dish

Similar to putting together, but leans toward a more chef-like activity.

FAQs

What does "preparing a meal" mean?

"Preparing a meal" refers to the process of making food, involving planning, gathering ingredients, cooking, and arranging the dish for consumption.

What can I say instead of "preparing a meal"?

You can use alternatives like "cooking a meal", "making a meal", or "putting together a meal" depending on the specific context.

Is "preparing a meal" formal or informal?

The phrase "preparing a meal" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives like "crafting a meal" may suggest a more elaborate or formal approach.

How do I use "preparing a meal" in a sentence?

You can use "preparing a meal" in various sentence structures. For example: "Preparing a meal requires focus and creativity" or "She enjoys "preparing a meal" for her family every evening".