To prepare is to get ready to do something. An activity is planned for the future, and a person must do certain things in advance of the activity in order to be successful.
In these sentences, "prepare" is a verb:
Students have to prepare for school.
Teachers prepare lessons for class.
Workers prepare to go to work.
Athletes prepare for competitions.
People who are in the military prepare for conflict.
The word "preparation" is a noun:
We have to make preparations for an upcoming trip to Europe.
Preparations are being made for a new bike lane in our community.
Good preparation leads to success.
The word "prepared" is an adjective:
Are you prepared for work?
Do you feel prepared?
I’m afraid he’s not prepared.
He’s not at all prepared for the job he’s about to do.
He’s very unprepared.
The words "prepare" or "preparation" are often shortened to "prep."
A kitchen worker does a lot of food prep.
I have to prep for class.
Kathleen goes to a college prep school.
Prepping for a test involves a lot of studying and discussion with other students.
