started preparing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started preparing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone beginning an action or process, such as "She started preparing dinner at 5:00 pm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Bank employees started preparing early.

The New York Times

We started preparing for that.

The Guardian

"I haven't started preparing yet.

The New York Times

I think they started preparing their papers.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I started preparing myself mentally for my time," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We started preparing for it in year 5.

The Guardian

His rivals started preparing for 2014 last November.

The Guardian - Sport

The catering staff started preparing the napkins last night.

The New York Times

September was coming, and people started preparing to return to the city.

The New Yorker

Some have started preparing for a City Hall that is resistant to their efforts.

The New York Times

Eventually the family embraced the pregnancy and started preparing for the birth.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "started preparing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being prepared for. Be specific to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "They started preparing", specify "They started preparing for the exam".

Common error

Avoid using "started preparing" without clearly indicating the subject or goal of the preparation. Vague statements like "He started preparing" lack clarity. Always specify what is being prepared, such as "He started preparing his presentation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started preparing" functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of an action. It describes the act of beginning to make something ready for use or consideration. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started preparing" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase widely used to indicate the commencement of preparatory actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and applicable across various contexts. Its frequency is high, particularly in News & Media and Science sources. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject or goal of the preparation. Alternatives such as "began to prepare" or "initiated preparations" can be used for a more formal tone, while "getting ready" suits more general situations. Using "started preparing" correctly enhances clarity and provides valuable context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to prepare

Focuses on the action of preparing but uses "began" instead of "started".

started getting ready

Slightly more verbose but emphasizes the process of becoming ready.

commenced preparation

More formal, using "commenced" instead of "started" and focusing on the noun "preparation".

initiated preparations

Similar to "commenced preparation" but uses "initiated".

set about preparing

Emphasizes the action of beginning the preparation process.

undertook preparations

Implies a more significant or formal preparation effort.

got ready

More informal, implying a simpler form of preparation.

embarked on preparations

More formal and suggests a committed start to preparation.

launched into preparation

Suggests an energetic or sudden start to preparing.

moved to prepare

Highlights the transition into the preparatory phase.

FAQs

How can I use "started preparing" in a sentence?

You can use "started preparing" to indicate the beginning of a preparation process. For example, "The chef "started preparing" the ingredients for the soup" or "The team "started preparing" their strategy for the upcoming match".

What are some alternatives to "started preparing"?

Alternatives include "began to prepare", "commenced preparation", or "initiated preparations". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "started preparing" or "began preparing"?

Both "started preparing" and "began preparing" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Started preparing" is slightly more common in everyday language, while "began preparing" might sound more formal.

What's the difference between "started preparing" and "getting ready"?

"Started preparing" implies the initiation of a specific task or process, while "getting ready" is often used for more general or personal preparations. For instance, you might say "She "started preparing" the report" but "She's "getting ready" for the party".