What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prep
Example
I need to prep for my job interview tomorrow. [prep: verb]
Example
She spent the morning prepping for the party by cleaning and decorating. [prepping: gerund or present participle]
preparatory
Example
The team held a preparatory meeting to discuss their strategy for the upcoming game. [preparatory: adjective]
Example
He enrolled in a preparatory course to help him prepare for the medical school entrance exam. [preparatory: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prep is more common in everyday language than preparatory. Prep is versatile and can be used in a wide range of contexts, while preparatory is more formal and academic, and is typically used in educational or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prep and preparatory?
Preparatory is more formal than prep. It is often used in academic or professional settings, while prep can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
