were preparing for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were preparing for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action in the past where someone or a group was getting ready for an event or situation. Example: "They were preparing for the annual conference when the unexpected storm hit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We were preparing for this victory.

Independent

But they were preparing for something else.

The New York Times

By saying we were preparing for mass attacks, you are saying we were preparing for war".

The New York Times

"They were preparing for an attack but the explosion occurred".

The Guardian

(The Jets admitted afterward that they were preparing for Roethlisberger).

The New Yorker

His men, he said, were preparing for a partisan war.

The New Yorker

In Odessa, both sides were preparing for it.

The New Yorker

Colonel Gorbul said Russian fighter pilots were preparing for combat.

The New York Times

It was as if he were preparing for the end.

The New York Times

As he spoke, candidates were preparing for the final stretch.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They were prepared for it".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add context, clarify the duration or intensity of the preparation. This provides more detail about the level of readiness.

Common error

Avoid using "were preparing for" in present or future contexts. This phrase is specifically for past continuous actions. Instead of "We were preparing for the meeting tomorrow", use "We are preparing for the meeting tomorrow" or "We will be preparing for the meeting tomorrow".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were preparing for" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It indicates an ongoing action of getting ready for something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were preparing for" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe an ongoing action of getting ready for a future event from a past perspective. Ludwig confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure the tense aligns with the timeline you're describing. Consider using alternatives like "were getting ready for" or "were making arrangements for" to add nuance or avoid repetition. Avoiding incorrect tense usage is crucial for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were getting ready for

Replaces "preparing" with "getting ready", offering a slightly more informal tone.

were making arrangements for

Focuses on the organizational aspect of preparation, highlighting the planning involved.

were anticipating

Highlights the expectation of something happening, removing the direct action of preparing.

were expecting

Similar to "were anticipating", but with a stronger sense of certainty about the event.

were bracing themselves for

Implies preparing for something potentially negative or challenging.

were gearing up for

Suggests a more energetic and enthusiastic preparation.

were training for

Specifically refers to physical or skill-based preparation.

were rehearsing for

Indicates preparation through practice, usually in the context of performances or events.

were schooling in

Indicates preparation for getting formal education.

were conditioning for

Related to training, but conditioning refers more to a state of fitness.

FAQs

How can I use "were preparing for" in a sentence?

Use "were preparing for" to describe an ongoing action of getting ready for something in the past. For example, "They "were preparing for" the annual conference when the unexpected storm hit".

What are some alternatives to "were preparing for"?

You can use alternatives like "were getting ready for", "were making arrangements for", or "were anticipating" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "we are preparing for" instead of "we were preparing for"?

The choice depends on the time frame. "We "are preparing for"" indicates a present action, while "we "were preparing for"" refers to a past action.

What's the difference between "were preparing for" and "had prepared for"?

"Were preparing for" describes an ongoing preparation in the past, whereas "had prepared for" indicates that the preparation was completed before a certain point in the past.