readies herself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "readies herself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone preparing themselves for an action or event, often implying a mental or physical preparation. Example: "Before stepping onto the stage, she readies herself by taking a deep breath and focusing her thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

As she glumly readies herself, some of those around her marvel at the wisdom and maturity of her approach.

The New York Times - Magazine

And she readies herself for a fall, knowing that it's important to maintain the pose in the air.

The New York Times

She calls a task force together to start the hunt for the unknown murderer and readies herself to face the press.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Athill lets me help her adjust her cardigan as she readies herself for the walk downstairs and tells me firmly that the collar of her blouse should not be buried beneath it.

Independent

BEYONCÉ KNOWLES -- This big new release seems Most Likely To Be Postponed as Ms. Knowles, the alpha and omega of Destiny's Child and, seemingly overnight, a movie star, readies herself for her close-up.

The New York Times - Arts

Freda readies herself to sing again and the young man, cross-legged, leans forward, heedfully, unblinking, as though this treasure would vanish for all time were this moment not preserved.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Hale readied herself, the booth's track lighting lending her face a glossy ivory glow.

The New Yorker

"Oh, and by the way," Ida said to no one, as she readied herself for bed.

The New Yorker

The harried surgeon yelled at the nurse to get the patient ready herself.

The New York Times - Health

But she was just scraping through them, readying herself for the lines she had planned to scream.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm not pulling her drawers daaaaahn," she warned, as Sonia readied herself to catch the premature goods.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "readies herself" to convey a sense of active and deliberate preparation, often implying anticipation or readiness for an upcoming event or action. It adds a touch of formality and intentionality to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "readies herself" in overly casual or informal situations where simpler alternatives like "gets ready" or "prepares" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "readies herself" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of preparation or getting ready. It specifies a subject (a female) performing the action of preparing. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable in written English when describing someone preparing themselves.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "readies herself" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a woman preparing for something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While versatile, it leans toward the formal side. Its primary contexts are within News & Media. For more informal usage, consider alternatives such as "prepares herself" or "gets ready". When in doubt, choose "readies herself" for its ability to deliver a nuanced message of active preparation with a hint of intentionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepares herself

A more general and common synonym, lacking the slight nuance of anticipation.

readies oneself

A more formal or distanced version

makes herself ready

More verbose and less idiomatic.

gears up

More informal, suggesting energetic preparation, often for a challenge.

braces herself

Implies preparing for something difficult or unpleasant.

steel herself

Suggests mental and emotional preparation for something challenging.

composes herself

Focuses on regaining composure or calmness before acting.

primes herself

Suggests preparing something to function optimally.

arranges herself

Focuses on physical preparation and positioning.

equips herself

Focuses on gathering necessary gear or resources.

FAQs

How can I use "readies herself" in a sentence?

You can use "readies herself" to describe a woman preparing for an event or activity. For example, "Before the concert, she readies herself by warming up her voice."

What are some alternatives to "readies herself"?

Alternatives include "prepares herself", "gets ready", or "gears up", depending on the context.

Is "readies herself" formal or informal?

"Readies herself" leans towards the formal side, suggesting a deliberate and thoughtful preparation. Simpler alternatives are more suitable for informal settings.

What is the difference between "readies herself" and "braces herself"?

"Readies herself" suggests a general preparation, while "braces herself" implies preparing for something difficult or unpleasant. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.