What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brace
Example
She had to brace herself for the upcoming job interview. [brace: verb]
Example
The building was reinforced with steel braces to withstand earthquakes. [braces: noun]
prepare
Example
I need to prepare for my presentation tomorrow. [prepare: verb]
Example
The chef spent hours preparing the ingredients for the meal. [preparing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prepare is more commonly used than brace in everyday language. Prepare is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while brace is less common and is typically used in specific situations where there is a need to mentally or emotionally prepare oneself.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brace and prepare?
While brace is often associated with a more informal tone, prepare can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile and widely accepted word.