readying

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “readying” is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of preparing for something or the state of being prepared. For example: “I am readying myself for the big race tomorrow.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Australia may even be readying its elbows to nudge a few people off balance.

The Guardian

Even the 26 banks readying for Basel 2 will be forced to cling to the leverage ratio as a safety measure.Naturally, the big American banks are annoyed at having their wings clipped in this way.

The Economist

Ratcheting up the tension over the monument thus serves both the local Albanian leadership and Mr Dacic, who can appear tough here, just as he is perhaps readying to make concessions in Kosovo.The Presevo monument, being part of a bigger political game, explains why it has become such big news.

The Economist

I had already declined offers from other funds months before, playing chicken at a time when friends at other schools were already focusing on their final exams and readying for their summer work.

The Economist

But although the number of Muslims who publicly push obnoxious views is small, and the number readying for violence even smaller, surveys suggest that a much bigger constituency holds opinions at odds with basic tenets of liberal democracy (for example, about the desirability of an Islamic state, or the legitimacy of violent jihad).

The Economist

With help from western banks, China's banks are readying themselves for the custodial challenges of record-keeping and documentation.

The Economist

George Osborne, Britain's new chancellor of the exchequer who is readying his country for fiscal frugality, crowed that the G20 had come round to his way of thinking.

The Economist

They were readying themselves for another day of combat with the police who have been guarding the offices of the embattled prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra.The anti-government movement has taken on a slightly desperate air in recent days.

The Economist

Seymour Hersh of the New Yorker writes that the administration is readying for a war with Iran.

The Economist

In their rush to get them back online they have not concentrated enough on readying nearby communities for a future disaster.

The Economist

They are readying themselves for the journey into a major collection of Impressionist art including a Turner, a uniquely outfitted van Gogh dancer, and a few impressive grainy-impasto cathedral studies by Monet.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "readying" when you want to emphasize an ongoing process of preparation, particularly when something is being made ready for a specific purpose or event.

Common error

While "readying" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "preparing" or "making preparations" might be more suitable for academic or business writing. The best option depends on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "readying" is as a present participle, often functioning as part of a continuous verb tense, describing an action that is in progress. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "readying" is used to describe entities preparing for future events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academic

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "readying" functions as a present participle, expressing an ongoing state of preparation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and offers numerous examples from diverse sources. While predominantly found in neutral contexts such as news and media, its versatility extends to encyclopedias and formal business settings. Remember to consider more formal alternatives like "preparing" or "making preparations" in academic or highly formal writing. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its use in describing entities actively preparing for future events, reinforcing its primary purpose of conveying anticipation and ongoing action. It's advisable to use "readying" when the process of preparation is as important as the state of being ready.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preparing

Focuses more directly on the act of making something ready.

getting ready

A more informal way of expressing the same idea.

preparing oneself

Highlights the personal act of making oneself ready.

gearing up

Implies a more energetic and proactive form of preparation.

making preparations

Emphasizes the actions taken in anticipation of an event.

arranging

Focuses on the act of putting things in order.

setting up

Emphasizes the act of establishing or configuring something.

paving the way

Suggests the removal of obstacles or difficulties.

laying the groundwork

Implies a more fundamental or foundational level of preparation.

steeling oneself

Specifically means preparing emotionally or mentally for something difficult.

FAQs

How can I use "readying" in a sentence?

"Readying" is typically used as a present participle, often followed by a noun or pronoun and indicating an ongoing process of preparation. For example, "They are readying themselves for the journey".

What are some alternatives to using "readying"?

You can use alternatives like "preparing", "getting ready", or "gearing up" depending on the context.

Is "readying" appropriate for formal writing?

While "readying" is grammatically correct, it might be perceived as less formal than options like "preparing" or "making preparations". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "readying" and "preparing"?

While both words indicate the act of making something ready, "readying" often implies an ongoing or continuous process, while "preparing" can refer to a completed action or a more general state of readiness.