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'Ready To' or 'Ready For'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

(Last Updated: 5 August 2024)

'Ready To' vs 'Ready For': What Is the Difference?

Ready To or Ready For: Which One Is Correct?

When the adjective ready is followed by a verb, use the to-infinitive form (e.g. to do, to go, to play, and to try):

I am ready to take the test. (to-infinitive: to take)

Chris is ready to go to school. (to-infinitive: to go)

John is not ready to take on such an important role. (to-infinitive: to take)

It seems that Carrie is not ready to get married. (to-infinitive: to get)

When ready is followed by a noun or noun phrase, use the pattern ready for something:

I am ready for the test. (noun phrase: the test)

Chris is ready for school. (noun: school)

John is not ready for such an important role. (noun phrase: such an important role) 

It seems that Carrie is not ready for marriage. (noun: marriage)

Do not use the pattern ready for doing something:

We are ready for going out.
We are ready to go out.

The committee is not ready for considering your proposal.
The committee is not ready to consider your proposal.

I am always ready for working overtime if necessary.
I am always ready to work overtime if necessary.

'Ready to' is followed by a verb, whereas 'ready for' is followed by a noun or noun phrase.

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Examples from the Media

He may be down and almost out, but the UK's outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson seems determined to show he is not ready to ride off into the sunset. —South China Morning Post (2022)

As Ontario reopens, many are not ready to 'learn to live with COVID'. —Toronto Star (2022)

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin claim that within five years their "tongue display unit" will be ready for everyday use. —The Guardian (2001)

From shark attacks to quokka bites, life as a Rotto nurse means being ready for anything. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2021)

Real-World Examples of Misuse

It is wrong to say that 'someone is ready for facing the music'. Instead, we should say 'someone is ready to face the music'.
(Source: Kenneth Lau)
(Also by the Same Tutor: 1/2)

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