What is ready? Pronunciation and usage in English

ready means . Learn how to pronounce and use ready through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of ready

readyadjective

/ˈrɛdi/
Definition & pronunciation of ready

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "ready" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners!

Here's the breakdown:

  • The most common pronunciation (American English): /ˈredi/ (rhymes with "bed")

    • ˈred - This part sounds like "red."
    • -i - This is a short, quick "i" sound, like in "bit."

  • The British English pronunciation: /ˈreːdi/ (more elongated "i" sound)

    • ˈreː - This is a longer, more drawn-out “re” sound, almost like “ray.” It’s a vowel sound that’s not common in many other English words.
    • -di - This part is similar to the American pronunciation.

Here's a way to think about it:

  • American: “Red-ee”
  • British: “Ray-dee”

Resources to help you hear it:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (Knowing your native language can help me understand potential difficulties you might have with English pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word ready in English

Let's break down how to use the word "ready" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and ways to use it. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As an Adjective (Describing Preparedness)

  • Most Common Use: This is the most frequent way "ready" is used. It means prepared or in a state where you can do something.
    • Example: “I’m ready to start the meeting.” (You’re prepared to begin.)
    • Example: “Are you ready to leave?” (Are you prepared to depart?)
    • Example: "She’s ready with her answers." (She’s prepared to respond.)
    • Key Phrases: “Ready to go,” “Ready and waiting,” “Ready to begin,” “Ready to eat,” “Ready for action.”

2. As an Adverb (Describing Manner)

  • Meaning: “Ready” can also describe how you do something – indicating you’re doing it quickly and efficiently.
    • Example: "He answered the phone ready." (He answered quickly and promptly.)
    • Example: "She tackled the problem ready to find a solution." (She approached it confidently and prepared to solve it.)

3. As an Exclamation (Expressing Readiness)

  • Meaning: A short, enthusiastic declaration of being prepared.
    • Example: "Ready, set, go!” (A classic command before a race.)
    • Example: "Okay, we’re ready!" (Everyone is prepared for what's coming.)

4. Phrases Using "Ready"

  • “Let’s be ready”: Means “Let’s prepare ourselves.” Example: “Let’s be ready for a long day.”
  • “Ready or not, here I come!”: (A playful expression, often used to taunt someone).
  • “Ready, aim, fire!”: (A traditional command, often used metaphorically).
  • “I’m ready when you are.”: Means you’re waiting for someone else to signal that they are prepared.

5. Indirect Questions (Asking if someone is prepared)

  • This is a really important way "ready" is used! It’s used in questions to check if someone is prepared for something.
    • Example: "Are you ready for the test?"
    • Example: "Is everyone ready to travel?"
    • Example: "Are you ready to hear the news?"

6. Grammatical Notes

  • "Be ready" vs. "Readiness": "Be ready" is the correct form. "Readiness" is a noun (the state of being ready).
    • Incorrect: "I am readiness."
    • Correct: "I am ready." "I have a great readiness for this challenge."

Tips for Using "Ready" Correctly

  • Context is key: Pay attention to how "ready" is used in the sentence and the overall situation.
  • Consider the action: Is it about preparation, speed, or a declaration of being prepared?
  • Practice: The best way to master it is to use it in your own speaking and writing!

Could you give me an example of how you want to use the word "ready" so I can tailor my explanation even further? For example, are you interested in:

  • A specific sentence you’re trying to construct?
  • How to use it in a particular situation (e.g., planning a trip, starting a game)?

Synonyms for the word ready

Idioms of the word ready

make ready (for something)
(formal)to prepare for something; to prepare something for something
  • to make ready for the President’s visit
ready, steady, go!
what you say to tell people to start a race
    ready to roll
    (informal)ready to start
    • The show is just about ready to roll.

    Practice with vocabulary ready

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The project team is almost ____ for the final presentation next week.
    2. Our flight departs in an hour, so we need to be ____ to leave for the airport soon.
    3. Please ensure all necessary documents are ____ for review by the auditor tomorrow morning.
    4. The board members were quite ____ to approve the new investment proposal.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. Which of the following describes a situation where something is fully prepared and complete for its intended purpose? a) accessible b) finished c) ready d) operational

    2. If a person is described as being ____ to take on new challenges, it implies they are willing and prepared. a) hesitant b) eager c) ready d) reluctant

    3. The company is ____ to announce its quarterly earnings next Monday. a) about to b) prepared c) ready d) hesitant

    4. Which word best describes information that can be easily obtained or used? a) confined b) accessible c) restricted d) limited

    5. The terms and conditions of the new contract are ____ and cannot be negotiated further. a) flexible b) adaptable c) negotiable d) fixed

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The research team has completed the data analysis and is prepared to present their findings. Rewrite the sentence using "ready":

    2. Her promptness in adapting to new software systems is commendable. Rewrite the sentence using a related form of "ready":

    3. We are anticipating the release of the updated policy document next month. Rewrite the sentence without using "ready" or its related forms, but with a suitable replacement:

    Answer:

    Exercise 1:

    1. ready
    2. ready
    3. available
    4. eager

    Exercise 2:

    1. b) finished, c) ready, d) operational
    2. b) eager, c) ready
    3. a) about to, b) prepared, c) ready
    4. b) accessible
    5. d) fixed

    Exercise 3:

    1. The research team is ready to present their findings after completing the data analysis.
    2. Her readiness to adapt to new software systems is commendable.
    3. We are eagerly awaiting the release of the updated policy document next month.

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