A1verb1K

Prepare

UK /["/prɪˈpeə(r)/","/prɪˈpeəz/","/prɪˈpeəd/","/prɪˈpeərɪŋ/"]/US /["/prɪˈper/","/prɪˈperz/","/prɪˈperd/","/prɪˈperɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to make something or somebody ready to be used or to do something

In simple words: to get ready for something

Examples

  • I need to prepare a presentation for the meeting tomorrow.
  • She likes to prepare meals for her family on weekends.
  • Please prepare the documents before our appointment.
  • He is trying to prepare himself for the upcoming exam.
  • The teachers will prepare the students for the test.

Usage notes

Use 'prepare' when talking about making arrangements or getting things ready. It's appropriate in both written and spoken English, but can be less formal in casual contexts.

Grammar pattern

prepare + object

Memory hint

Think of a chef preparing a meal in a busy kitchen.

Collocations

  • adequately
  • properly
  • fully
  • help (somebody)
  • help (somebody) to
  • need to
  • according to
  • for
  • prepare for the worst
  • time to prepare (something)
  • adequately
  • properly
  • fully
  • help (somebody)
  • help (somebody) to
  • need to
  • according to
  • for
  • prepare for the worst
  • time to prepare (something)
  • adequately
  • properly
  • fully
  • help (somebody)
  • help (somebody) to
  • need to
  • according to
  • for
  • prepare for the worst
  • time to prepare (something)

Synonyms

  • get ready
  • arrange
  • organize
  • plan
  • setup

Antonyms

  • neglect
  • ignore

Common mistakes

  • 'Prepare' does not need 'for' after it when stating what is being prepared.
  • Confused with 'prepare to' (which means to get ready) vs 'prepare for' (which means to make preparations for something).
  • 'Preparation' is the noun form, but learners often incorrectly use 'preparation' instead of 'prepare'.