preparation
preparation — noun
1. the work, study, or time you put into making yourself or something else ready be
the work, study, or time you put into making yourself or something else ready before an event takes place.
Maya spent two weeks of careful preparation before her piano recital.
preparation for an upcoming event
The kitchen was busy with preparation for the wedding dinner on Saturday.
preparation for + noun
Sofia did weeks of preparation at the kitchen table before her driving test on Monday.
Carlos walked into the exam without enough preparation and finished only half the questions.
In preparation for the storm, the village taped up windows and stored bottled water.
- groundwork
the early, foundational work done before the main effort
- readiness
the resulting state of being ready, not the activity itself
- training
preparation through repeated practice, often physical or skill-based
- improvisation
acting without prior preparation
文法句型
preparation for + noun
in preparation for + noun
用法筆記
Uncountable in this sense; do not say 'a preparation' or 'preparations' here. Distinguish from sense 2, which uses the plural 'preparations' for specific tasks.
常見錯誤
2. the specific plans, tasks, or arrangements that people set up so an event can ru
the specific plans, tasks, or arrangements that people set up so an event can run smoothly.
The Watanabe family began their preparations for the New Year feast a week early.
preparations for + noun (plural countable)
Lina is making the preparations to move her studio into a bigger building.
make preparations to + infinitive
Final preparations for the school play included painting the set and printing the tickets.
The hospital staff worked through the night on preparations to receive injured passengers.
- arrangements
very close in meaning; emphasises bookings and logistics
- plans
broader and more abstract; preparations are the concrete steps to carry plans out
文法句型
preparations for + noun
make preparations to + infinitive
用法筆記
Almost always plural in this sense ('preparations'). Subject is usually a person or organisation acting before a specific upcoming event. Distinguish from sense 1, which is uncountable and refers to the activity itself rather than the individual tasks.
常見錯誤
3. a liquid, cream, or powder made by mixing ingredients in a set way, typically so
a liquid, cream, or powder made by mixing ingredients in a set way, typically sold or applied as a medicine, skin treatment, or chemical product.
The pharmacist handed Mr. Davies a clear preparation to soothe his sore throat.
a preparation (countable, medicinal)
This herbal preparation is made from ginger, honey, and a small amount of lemon oil.
preparation made from + ingredients
Dr. Tanaka warned that the new preparation can cause skin redness in young children.
Apply a thin layer of the preparation to the cut twice a day.
文法句型
a preparation of + noun
a preparation for + noun
用法筆記
Countable in this sense and often modified by an adjective naming the type ('herbal', 'pharmaceutical', 'topical'). Subject is the substance itself, not the person who made it. Common in pharmacy, cosmetics, and laboratory contexts.