ready to depart

USAGE SUMMARY

"ready to depart" is correct and usable in written and spoken English.
You can use it when you are expressing readiness to leave a place or situation. For example, "We finished packing the car and were ready to depart for our summer vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

There was a delay: The plane's occupants were not yet ready to depart.

The New York Times

After less than two years in England, he was ready to depart again.

The New Yorker

Nearby, a heated drying room ensures that your clothes feel toasty when you're ready to depart.

The New York Times - Travel

They are, in short, all too ready to depart from the heart of the matter.

The New York Times

As the train approached 14th Street, I got up, ready to depart.

The New York Times

However, Erekat appeared to be ready to depart for Washington without such an assurance.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Oshus, now in his true form as a white whale, readies to depart with the three spirits, while Linebeck, surprising everyone, wishes not for treasure but for his ship back, and Tetra and Link teleport back onto Tetra's pirate ship, where its crew tells them that only ten minutes had passed since the pair left the ship, insisting that their journey was a dream.

Wikipedia

A minute later, Mutombo departed for the locker room; he returned in three minutes ready to go back in.

The New York Times - Sports

Already there are 32 candidates ready to replace departing MPs at the next election, and five more constituencies with Labour MPs yet to select.

The Guardian

9) Ready to leave?

Independent

Ready to start building?

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ready to depart" when you want to convey a formal or slightly elevated tone about someone or something being prepared to leave. It's particularly useful in travel writing or formal announcements.

Common error

Avoid using "ready to depart" interchangeably with more casual phrases like "ready to go" in formal writing. While they share a similar meaning, "ready to depart" carries a more sophisticated and deliberate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ready to depart" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a state of preparedness for leaving. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ready to depart" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that signifies preparedness for leaving. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for both written and spoken English. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources, lending a slightly formal or neutral tone. While alternatives like "ready to leave" or "set to go" exist, "ready to depart" offers a more specific and often scheduled connotation. Use it confidently when you want to convey an impending departure with a touch of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prepared to leave

Focuses on the preparation aspect of leaving.

set to go

Emphasizes the readiness and imminence of departure.

about to set off

Highlights the beginning of a journey or departure.

on the verge of leaving

Indicates the closeness to the moment of departure.

all set for departure

Stresses the completeness of preparations for leaving.

eager to leave

Adds the element of enthusiasm or anticipation.

waiting to leave

Highlights the act of waiting for the appropriate time.

geared up to go

Emphasizes the energetic preparation for departure.

primed for departure

Focuses on being fully prepared and ready.

in a position to leave

Highlights the ability and opportunity to depart.

FAQs

How can I use "ready to depart" in a sentence?

You can use "ready to depart" to indicate a state of preparedness for leaving. For example, "The plane was "ready to depart" on time" or "After the meeting, everyone was "ready to depart"."

What are some alternatives to "ready to depart"?

Alternatives include "prepared to leave", "set to go", or "about to set off", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ready to depart" too formal for casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "ready to depart" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, phrases like "ready to go" or "ready to leave" are more appropriate.

What is the difference between "ready to leave" and "ready to depart"?

While similar, "ready to depart" is generally used in more formal contexts, particularly when referring to scheduled departures, such as flights or trains. "Ready to leave" is a more general and less formal way of expressing the same idea.