ready to strike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'ready to strike' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to mean that someone (or something) is in a state of preparedness and is on the verge of taking action, such as attacking or launching a protest. For example: "The workers were ready to strike if the conditions of their contract were not met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But the constitutional court is ready to strike these down.

The Economist

By May 21 Thiers's forces were ready to strike.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Rymer said he wasn't ready "to strike something up.

The New York Times

In other words, the US troops were ready to strike.

The Guardian

They look threatening and mean, ready to strike.

The New York Times

History may be getting ready to strike from the blind side.

The New York Times

"Look," he enunciates softly, sitting forward in his chair like an uncoiled snake ready to strike.

Independent

He used a low stance with his feet staggered and his hands ready to strike.

The New York Times

But a few may come back radicalised and ready to strike.

The Economist

Davutoglu was confident that Iran was ready to strike a deal — with Turkey's help.

The New York Times - Magazine

Two Adidas teams shake hands, ready to strike that colorful Adidas ball.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ready to strike" to convey a sense of imminent action or potential threat. Ensure the context supports this interpretation. For example, describe the visual cues (a coiled snake) or the strategic positioning (troops massed at the border) that indicates "readiness".

Common error

Avoid using "ready to strike" when the intended meaning is simply "prepared". The phrase implies an immediate or very near future action, often with an element of aggression or decisiveness. Using it for general preparedness can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ready to strike" is that of a predicate adjective describing a subject's state of preparedness for immediate action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it being used to describe military forces, sports teams, and even abstract concepts like history.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ready to strike" signifies a state of preparedness for immediate and decisive action, often with an implied sense of threat or anticipation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and enjoys widespread usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media, yet also appearing in encyclopedias, science, and business-related content. While generally neutral in tone, its effective use relies on ensuring the context accurately reflects the immediacy and potential impact of the action being described. Alternative phrases like "poised to attack" or "prepared to act" may be more suitable depending on the desired nuance. Overall, "ready to strike" remains a powerful and versatile expression for conveying a sense of impending action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poised to attack

Emphasizes a more aggressive and immediate sense of readiness.

prepared to act

Highlights readiness for any kind of action, not necessarily aggressive.

on the verge of action

Focuses on the imminence of the action.

about to pounce

Implies a sudden and decisive action, often in a predatory context.

set to launch

Suggests the initiation of a planned event or project.

geared up for action

Emphasizes the process of preparing for an event.

in a state of readiness

Formal way of expressing preparedness.

standing by to act

Suggests a waiting period before the action is initiated.

primed for a move

Conveys a sense of anticipation and strategy.

at the ready

A more general expression of being prepared and available.

FAQs

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

You can use "ready to strike" to describe someone or something that is prepared and likely to take action soon. For example, "The team was "ready to strike" if their demands weren't met."

What are some alternatives to "ready to strike"?

Alternatives to "ready to strike" include phrases like "poised to attack", "prepared to act", or "on the verge of action" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to say someone is "ready to strike"?

To say someone is "ready to strike" means they are fully prepared and on the verge of taking decisive action, often with an implied element of aggression or force.

Is "ready to strike" formal or informal?

The phrase "ready to strike" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in news and media or descriptive writing rather than highly formal academic papers.