preparing to compete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preparing to compete" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing readiness or training for a competition or contest. Example: "The athletes are currently preparing to compete in the upcoming championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"And others felt, I just spent all these years preparing to compete".

The New York Times - Sports

British athletes preparing to compete at the Games have been issued with guidance on dangers and prevention.

The Guardian - Sport

Jones found out about her A sample Friday while preparing to compete in a meet in Zurich.

The New York Times - Sports

His small party co-founded the Popular Front, a leftist alliance preparing to compete in elections this year.

The Guardian

"We are preparing to compete but we are sorry because it was an athletics event and a very big race.

The Guardian - Sport

Philips and GE have been preparing to compete with firms in emerging markets for years, devising cheap products and building on existing relationships with clients.

The Economist

It is almost as if Ruth is still alive and preparing to compete in the July 4 hot dog eating contest in Coney Island.

The New York Times - Sports

Daley is now an ambassador for the LGBT helpline Switchboard and is preparing to compete in the Olympics in Rio next year.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Governor Romney is the only candidate prepared to compete in simultaneous contests across the country.

The New York Times

Montgomery and Jones were in Eugene, Ore., yesterday to prepare to compete at the Prefontaine Classic.

The New York Times - Sports

Is The Examiner prepared to compete against this diverse group of alternatives?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preparing to compete" to clearly indicate the process of getting ready for any type of contest or competition. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "preparing to compete" multiple times in close proximity within a single text. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "training for", "getting ready for", or "gearing up for" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preparing to compete" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to describe an ongoing action or state of readiness for a future event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly conveys the idea of getting ready for a competition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preparing to compete" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to describe the act of getting ready for a competition. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in various contexts. It functions as a gerund phrase, typically with a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic sources. When writing, it's best to avoid overuse and consider synonyms to maintain reader engagement. Overall, "preparing to compete" is a reliable and versatile phrase for expressing readiness and anticipation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting ready to compete

Replaces "preparing" with "getting ready", a more informal alternative.

training to compete

Focuses on the training aspect of preparation.

gearing up for competition

Uses a more idiomatic expression to convey readiness.

bracing for competition

Emphasizes the anticipation of a potentially difficult competition.

priming oneself for competition

Highlights the act of making oneself ready.

in training for competition

Specifically highlights the training aspect.

set to compete

Indicates a state of readiness and intention.

making preparations to compete

Emphasizes the act of preparing.

arranging to compete

Focuses on organizational aspects for competition.

scheduled to compete

Highlights the planned or scheduled aspect of competing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "preparing to compete" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "making preparations to compete" or "priming oneself for competition" to convey a more sophisticated tone. These alternatives emphasize the deliberate and strategic nature of getting ready.

What are some casual alternatives to "preparing to compete"?

For informal situations, you can use phrases like "getting ready to compete" or "gearing up for competition". These options are more conversational and relatable.

Is it always necessary to use "to" after "preparing" when discussing competition?

Yes, the correct grammatical structure is "preparing to compete". The "to" is essential as it forms the infinitive verb phrase, indicating the purpose or action being prepared for.

What's the difference between "preparing to compete" and "training to compete"?

"Preparing to compete" is a broader term encompassing all aspects of getting ready, including mental and strategic planning. "Training to compete" specifically refers to the physical and skill-based preparation through practice and exercise.