A2verb1K

Arrange

UK /["/əˈreɪndʒ/","/əˈreɪndʒɪz/","/əˈreɪndʒd/","/əˈreɪndʒɪŋ/"]/US /["/əˈreɪndʒ/","/əˈreɪndʒɪz/","/əˈreɪndʒd/","/əˈreɪndʒɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to plan or organize something in advance

In simple words: To put things in a specific order or plan.

Examples

  • Please arrange the chairs in a circle for the meeting.
  • I need to arrange my schedule for next week.
  • She loves to arrange flowers for special occasions.
  • Can you arrange for a car to pick us up at the airport?
  • We will arrange a time to meet later.
  • He can arrange the music for the school play.
  • The teacher asked the students to arrange their desks for a group project.
  • Let's arrange our ideas in a list before we start.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both spoken and written English. Suitable for formal contexts (like meetings) as well as casual settings (like organizing a party). Avoid in overly informal situations where simpler words like 'sort' might be better.

Grammar pattern

arrange + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'a range' — picture a range of items lined up perfectly.

Collocations

  • easily
  • hastily
  • quickly
  • try to
  • be able to
  • can
  • for
  • carefully
  • neatly
  • perfectly
  • in
  • into
  • according to
  • arrange something in… order

Synonyms

  • organize
  • order
  • sort
  • set up
  • coordinate

Antonyms

  • disorganize
  • scatter
  • jumble

Common mistakes

  • 'Arrange' is often confused with 'rearrange,' which means to change the order.
  • Learners sometimes forget to use an object after 'arrange' (e.g., 'arrange the chairs', not just 'arrange').
  • Using 'arrange' in passive constructions incorrectly, like 'the chairs are arranged' without a clear subject.