was ready

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was ready" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something has reached a state of preparedness or completion in the past. Example: "After weeks of preparation, the team was ready to present their project to the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Shoot, he was ready".

The New York Times - Sports

But I was ready".

The New York Times - Sports

The table was ready.

The New Yorker

The passport was ready.

The New Yorker

The sauce was ready.

The New York Times - Food

She was ready now.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Be Ready.

The New York Times

Whoever is ready, I'm ready".

Independent

When I'm ready, I'm ready.

The New York Times - Sports

When it's ready, it's ready.

Independent

Whenever it's ready, it's ready.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing past states, "was ready" works well in narratives or reports. For example, "The team was ready for the challenge after months of training."

Common error

Avoid using "was ready" to describe a current state of readiness. Use "is ready" instead. For example, don't say "He was ready now," if you mean "He is ready now."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was ready" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of the subject in the past. It indicates that the subject had reached a point of preparedness or completion. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to denote a past state of preparedness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was ready" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that someone or something had reached a state of preparedness in the past. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and widely applicable in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, and its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using "was ready", ensure it accurately reflects a past state and avoid confusion with the present tense "is ready". Consider alternatives like "had prepared" or "stood prepared" to add nuance or formality. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and correctly use "was ready" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was good to go

Informal, implying readiness and permission to proceed.

was all set

An informal way of saying everything is arranged and prepared.

had prepared

Emphasizes the action of preparing leading up to being ready.

had been readied

Passive voice, emphasizing that something was made ready by someone else.

stood prepared

Highlights the state of being in a prepared stance or position.

was primed

Implies being prepared to a high degree, often for a specific action.

had gotten ready

Focuses on the process of becoming ready.

was in position

Indicates readiness in terms of placement or strategic advantage.

was equipped

Highlights that necessary tools or resources are available

was waiting

Suggests a state of anticipation and preparedness for something to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "was ready" in a sentence?

Use "was ready" to indicate that someone or something had reached a state of preparedness in the past. For example, "The meal was ready when the guests arrived."

What's a more formal alternative to "was ready"?

More formal alternatives include "had been prepared" or "stood prepared", depending on the specific context.

How does "was ready" differ from "is ready"?

"Was ready" refers to a state of readiness in the past, while "is ready" indicates a current state of readiness. The choice depends on whether you're describing a past or present situation.

What can I say instead of "was ready" to convey a sense of eagerness?

If you want to emphasize eagerness, you could use alternatives like "was eager", "was keen", or "was anxious to", depending on the context.