they get ready

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they get ready" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a process of preparation or when people are making themselves prepared for an event or task. Example: "Before the big game, they get ready by practicing their plays and reviewing their strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After working for another hour they get ready for school.

The New Yorker

We really want to see the players enjoying themselves as they get ready for The Open.

Independent

But the Knicks won't be there this spring, as they get ready for the postseason.

The New York Times - Sports

And I handle their paperwork when they get ready to leave Fort Gordon.

The New York Times - Magazine

Instead he's here ministering to U.S. Olympians as they get ready to compete in their version of the Super Bowl.

The New York Times

As they get ready to go to work, the women don't give the impression that their job is fun.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By then, the crowds have gone home, where they get ready to do it all again the next day.

The New York Times - Food

The boys laugh when they are asked to explain how they get ready to go out at night.

The Guardian

Carefully covering their nipples with robes until fully painted, they get ready in full view under neon lights.

The Guardian - Travel

"Imagine how they get ready for this, how they prepare themselves for this, how they assemble all these explosives in a truck and bring them," he said.

Independent

Advocacy groups on both sides of the political fence are again cranking up their phone-bank operations and e-mail campaigns, as they get ready for a showdown.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they get ready" to describe a group's preparation for an event or task. It's suitable for a wide range of contexts, from sports to professional settings.

Common error

While "they get ready" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "they prepare" or "they are preparing" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they get ready" functions as a verbal phrase indicating an action in progress. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It illustrates a process of preparation or anticipation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they get ready" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that describes the process of preparation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, with a neutral register. While versatile, varying your language with alternatives like "they prepare" can enhance your writing style. The phrase's communicative purpose is to convey anticipation and readiness for an upcoming event. Its high usage and presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and BBC underscore its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they prepare

This alternative is more concise and direct, replacing "get ready" with a single verb.

they make preparations

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of preparing.

they are preparing

This alternative emphasizes the ongoing nature of the preparation.

they gear up

This alternative is more informal and implies enthusiasm or excitement for the upcoming event.

they arrange themselves

This alternative focuses on the organization and arrangement involved in getting ready.

they are poised

This alternative suggests a state of readiness and balance.

they set themselves up

This alternative implies setting up things in order to get ready.

they equip themselves

This alternative highlights the act of equipping themselves with necessary tools or resources.

they fix themselves

This alternative implies preparing themselves in appearance or attire.

they get themselves organized

This alternative emphasizes the organization involved in getting ready.

FAQs

How can I use "they get ready" in a sentence?

You can use "they get ready" to describe how a group prepares for something. For example, "Before the performance, "they get ready" by practicing their lines and coordinating their costumes."

What are some alternatives to "they get ready"?

Alternatives include "they prepare", "they make preparations", or "they are preparing". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "they get ready"?

While generally correct, ensure the context involves a group preparing. If referring to an individual, use "he/she gets ready" or "they get themselves ready" for clarity.

What is the difference between "they get ready" and "they are ready"?

"They get ready" describes the process of preparing, while "they are ready" describes the state of being prepared. For example, "They get ready for the meeting by reviewing the agenda", versus "They are ready to present their findings".