ready for takeoff

USAGE SUMMARY

"ready for takeoff" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in the context of flying or aviation, to describe the state of being prepared for a plane to depart from the ground. Example: The airport employees diligently checked and rechecked the plane, ensuring that it was completely "ready for takeoff" before the passengers were allowed to board.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

"Ready for takeoff".

The New Yorker

Well, the 787 isn't quite ready for takeoff.

The New York Times

Behind him, the highly regarded Fly Down was ready for takeoff.

The New York Times - Sports

Captain Pointon snapped shut his seat belt and said, "We are now ready for takeoff".

The New York Times

By the time you get ready for takeoff, you are on a high".

The New York Times

With inflation down and productivity up, the Mexican economy was ready for takeoff.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

As the plane readied for takeoff, the engine seemed to die several times, she said.

The New York Times

BANGKOK — As Batik Air Flight 6231 readied for takeoff, the ground began to violently shake in Palu, a city on the eastern Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

The New York Times

She was followed soon after by another who was removed by police from a plane readying for takeoff at Gatwick airport.

The Guardian

Updated, 12 10 p.m. | On the day after Christmas, a request came into the Bermuda airport: a private plane needed to be pulled out of its hangar and readied for takeoff.

The New York Times

Sunseeker II requires minimal preflight preparation, little ground crew support, no special operating equipment; like any conventional self-launching glider, it can be readied for takeoff within minutes of opening the hangar doors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ready for takeoff" in a figurative sense, ensure the context clearly relates to preparation and imminent action. For example, "The company is "ready for takeoff" after securing new funding."

Common error

Avoid using "ready for takeoff" in contexts where the sense of preparation or launch isn't apparent. Overusing figurative language can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ready for takeoff" is as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of being prepared for an imminent departure or commencement. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase correctly conveys a state of readiness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ready for takeoff" is a common and grammatically correct phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI, used to describe a state of preparedness and imminent action. While originating from aviation, it has expanded into various contexts, both literal and figurative. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, as well as academia, maintaining a generally neutral register. When using the phrase, ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of preparation and imminent commencement. Alternatives such as "prepared for departure" or "set to launch" can provide stylistic variations, depending on the desired level of formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepared for departure

Replaces "ready" with "prepared" and "takeoff" with the more formal "departure", focusing on the act of leaving.

all systems go

Indicates that all necessary preparations have been completed and the start is authorized.

set to launch

Substitutes "ready" with "set" and "takeoff" with "launch", often used in a more figurative context.

primed to go

Suggests a state of being fully prepared and eager to start.

poised to begin

Replaces the aviation-specific term with a general term for starting something, making it applicable to various contexts.

set for action

Shifts the focus to the action itself, rather than the departure.

about to commence

Offers a more formal alternative, suitable for official announcements or written reports.

gearing up to start

Emphasizes the preparation process before the actual start.

on the brink of starting

Highlights the imminence of the start, suggesting it will happen very soon.

waiting for the green light

Implies that the start is contingent upon receiving permission or a signal.

FAQs

How can I use "ready for takeoff" in a sentence?

You can use "ready for takeoff" to describe something that is prepared and about to start, such as, "After months of preparation, the project is finally "ready for takeoff"".

What does "ready for takeoff" mean figuratively?

Figuratively, "ready for takeoff" means that something is in a state of complete preparation and is about to begin or launch successfully. It suggests that all necessary steps have been taken, and the moment for action is imminent.

What can I say instead of "ready for takeoff"?

You can use alternatives like "prepared for departure", "set to launch", or "poised to begin" depending on the context.

Is "ready for takeoff" only used in aviation contexts?

While "ready for takeoff" originates from aviation, it's commonly used in various contexts to indicate a state of preparedness and imminent action or beginning. For example, a business might be described as "ready for takeoff" after securing significant funding.