Prepair vs. Prepare: Which is Correct?

• "Prepair" is an incorrect spelling of the word "prepare."
• "Prepare" means to make ready or organize in advance for a particular purpose or task.

What does "prepare" mean?

Imagine you're heading off on a big adventure, like climbing a mountain! "Preparing" is like setting everything in place before you take that first step. It's all about getting yourself and everything you need ready for something – big or small.

Here are some ways to think about preparing:

• In everyday life: You might pack your backpack with snacks and tools before a hike, or study notes before a test. It's all about getting ahead of the game and being ready for whatever comes your way.
• In sports: Athletes train and practice hard to prepare for competitions. They build their physical and mental strength to give their best performance.
• In cooking: You wouldn't just throw all the ingredients into a pot and hope for the best! Preparing a meal involves chopping vegetables, measuring spices, and getting everything organized before you start cooking.
• In business: Companies develop strategies and plans to prepare for new challenges or opportunities. It's like putting on their metaphorical hiking boots and getting ready to navigate the business landscape.

So, no matter the context, "prepare" is about taking steps beforehand to be ready for something. It's about putting in the effort and making sure you have everything you need to face what's ahead, whether it's a mountain climb, a test, or simply a delicious meal.

The use of "prepair" and "prepare" over time

The Ngram graph below shows how often "prepair" and "prepare" have been used from the 1800s to the 2000s. "Prepare" has been in relatively steady use after peaking in the 1800s, while its misspelling "prepair" has always seen nearly zero use.

How to pronounce "prepare"

In American English, "prepare" is pronounced like "pruh·pehr".

In British English, "prepare" is pronounced like "pruh·peuh".

Why would we misspell "prepare" as "prepair"?

1. Visual Similarity: Both words share the first four letters ("prep"), followed by different combinations of vowels. If someone is typing quickly or not fully focused, they might accidentally type "air" instead of "are," resulting in "prepair."

2. False Analogy: Some people might incorrectly draw an analogy with words like "repair" or "pair," which both have "i"s after the "a." This false connection could lead them to believe that "prepare" should also have an "i", resulting in "prepair."

Other common misspellings of "prepare"

1. Preapare
2. Prepere
3. Prepair
4. Prepeare
5. Prepair

Example sentences of the misspelling of "prepare" as "prepair"

1. It's important to note that "prepair" is not the correct spelling; the proper term is "prepare" when talking about getting ready for a task.
2. Avoid using "prepair" as it is a common misspelling; the accurate spelling is "prepare" when referring to making arrangements in advance.
3. Double-check your writing to ensure you don't use the incorrect spelling "prepair"; the right term is "prepare" for organizing or getting ready.
4. Using "prepair" might lead to confusion; make sure to use the correct spelling "prepare" when discussing making arrangements or getting ready.
5. "Prepair" is not a valid spelling; remember to use "prepare" to convey the idea of making ready or organizing for a specific purpose.

Example sentences of "prepare"

1. Sarah needs to prepare a presentation for the upcoming meeting.
2. We should prepare for the storm by stocking up on essential supplies.
3. The chef will prepare a special dish for tonight's dinner.
4. Students should prepare for exams by reviewing their notes and textbooks.
5. The team is working hard to prepare for the championship game.
6. Parents often prepare lunchboxes for their children before school.
7. In the morning, I like to prepare a to-do list for the day.
8. The astronauts need to prepare for their space mission by undergoing extensive training.
9. Before the trip, it's essential to prepare a checklist of items to pack.
10. The scientist must prepare accurate and detailed research reports.

Synonyms for "prepare"

1. Ready
2. Organize
3. Arrange
4. Equip
5. Plan

Want to sound like a native speaker?

Engram’s AI-powered grammar checker makes your English sound like a native speaker’s, suggesting natural English expressions on top of fixing grammar, spelling, punctuation, word order, and vocabulary.

Free ChatGPT-Powered Grammar Checker | Engram

Use Engram’s free grammar checker, powered by ChatGPT, to fix your grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word usage errors

Engram

References:

Definition of PREPARE

to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use, or activity; to put in a proper state of mind; to work out the details of : plan in advance… See the full definition

Merriam-Webster Logo