preparing meals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preparing meals" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of cooking or making food, often in contexts related to meal planning, cooking instructions, or culinary activities. Example: "She enjoys preparing meals for her family on the weekends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were giving a performance as much as preparing meals.

The New York Times

I will return to preparing meals at home, Kitchen Box!

The New Yorker

An open kitchen faces the table, so caregivers can chat with elderly residents while preparing meals.

The New York Times

I'd be at her beck and call, running errands, preparing meals and filling prescriptions.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I am changing nappies, preparing meals and I don't get a minute to relax.

The Guardian - Sport

When they are not at work, residents are doing laundry, preparing meals, gardening and reading.

The New York Times

Mrs. Schunk spent many of the hours in between preparing meals as a corporate chef.

The New York Times

She was an excellent cook and took particular pleasure in preparing meals for family and friends.

The New York Times

He would be responsible for their personal care and be expected to help with preparing meals.

The Guardian

The pain came mainly in the form of extra time needed for preparing meals.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Please do not pull books out by spines when preparing meals, as this damages bindings.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing dietary habits or health, use "preparing meals" to highlight the active role someone takes in their food choices.

Common error

While "preparing meals" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "food preparation" or "meal planning" in academic or professional writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preparing meals" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the activity of making food ready for consumption, as seen in Ludwig's examples where it represents tasks, hobbies, or responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preparing meals" is a common and grammatically sound gerund phrase used to describe the process of making food ready to eat. According to Ludwig, its register is primarily neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, from news articles to scientific papers. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, remember that more formal alternatives may be appropriate for academic or professional writing. Understanding the nuances of "preparing meals" allows for more precise and effective communication about food-related activities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meal preparation

A more formal and general term for "preparing meals".

food preparation

A broader term that includes all aspects of getting food ready, not just cooking.

cooking food

Focuses on the act of cooking, omitting the meal aspect.

making dishes

Highlights the creation of specific dishes rather than the overall meal preparation.

doing the cooking

Emphasizes the activity of cooking, often in a domestic context.

getting dinner ready

Specifically refers to preparing the evening meal.

whipping up a meal

Suggests a quick and easy meal preparation.

arranging food

Focuses on the presentation and arrangement of food rather than the cooking process itself.

culinary activities

A more formal and encompassing term for anything related to cooking and food.

catering for

Involves providing food and service, often for events or groups.

FAQs

How can I use "preparing meals" in a sentence?

You can use "preparing meals" to describe the act of cooking and getting food ready for consumption. For example, "She spends a lot of time "preparing meals" for her family".

What are some alternatives to "preparing meals"?

Alternatives include "cooking food", "making dishes", or "food preparation", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "preparing meals" or "prepare meals"?

"Preparing meals" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun (e.g., "Preparing meals is her favorite hobby"). "Prepare meals" is a verb phrase, used to describe the action itself (e.g., "She needs to "prepare meals" for the week").

What's the difference between "preparing meals" and "cooking"?

"Cooking" generally refers to the process of applying heat to food, while "preparing meals" encompasses all the steps involved in getting a meal ready, including planning, shopping, and cooking.