to prepare them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to prepare them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of getting someone or something ready for a specific purpose or task. Example: "The teacher created a lesson plan to prepare them for the upcoming exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

How to prepare them?

The New York Times - Style

She went in first to prepare them.

The New York Times

We want to prepare them for life.

The New York Times

"I tried to prepare them too much.

The New York Times - Sports

And we have to prepare them.

The New York Times

We need to prepare them for this".

The Guardian

They depend on public education to prepare them for life.

The New York Times

You need a lot of time to prepare them.

The Economist

Nonetheless, Ms. Gilmore was making sure to prepare them mentally.

The New York Times - Arts

But most Americans don't know how to prepare them.

The New Yorker

You need to add milk to prepare them.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to prepare them", ensure the context clearly indicates what they are being prepared for. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to prepare them" without specifying the intended outcome or purpose. Being vague can leave the reader wondering what exactly the preparation entails.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to prepare them" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier expressing purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts. It clarifies the intention behind an action, specifying that something is being done to ready a group or individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

28%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to prepare them" is a grammatically sound and very common infinitive phrase used to express the intention of readying someone or something for a specific purpose. According to Ludwig AI, it is versatile and appears frequently in news, wiki, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, it is important to provide sufficient context to clarify what is being prepared for, avoiding vagueness. Alternatives include phrases like "to get them ready" or "to equip them", offering subtle variations in meaning. With its strong presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "to prepare them" remains a reliable and effective way to communicate the act of preparation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to get them ready

Replaces "prepare" with a more informal synonym, "get ready".

to equip them

Focuses on providing necessary resources or skills.

to train them

Emphasizes instruction and practice for a specific purpose.

to educate them

Highlights the imparting of knowledge or skills.

to prime them

Suggests preparing them for a particular action or situation.

to condition them

Implies shaping their behavior or mindset.

to groom them

Focuses on preparing someone for a specific role or position, often in a professional context.

to develop them

Highlights the process of improving or enhancing their abilities.

to adapt them

Focuses on making them suitable for a new environment or situation.

to steel them

Implies mentally and emotionally fortifying them for a difficult experience.

FAQs

What does "to prepare them" mean?

The phrase "to prepare them" means to make someone or something ready for a specific purpose or task. It involves taking necessary actions to ensure they are equipped and suitable for what lies ahead.

How can I use "to prepare them" in a sentence?

You can use "to prepare them" in various contexts. For instance, "The teacher created a lesson plan "to prepare them" for the upcoming exam", or "The coach worked hard "to prepare them" for the championship game".

What are some alternatives to "to prepare them"?

You can use alternatives like "to get them ready", "to equip them", or "to train them" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "to prepare them" and "preparing them"?

"To prepare them" is an infinitive phrase indicating purpose or intention. "Preparing them" is a gerund phrase that functions as a noun, often describing the act of preparation itself. For example, "To prepare them is our goal" versus "Preparing them is our duty".