preparatory stage

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   An early period in a process or course when people get ready for the main part.

   Grammar: Countable: use 'a' or 'the' and a plural 'stages', e.g. 'a preparatory stage', 'the preparatory stages'.

   Patterns

   • in the preparatory stage
   • a preparatory stage of something
   • at the preparatory stage

   The project is still in its preparatory stage, so no building has started.

   During the preparatory stage, students learn basic research skills.

   We spent months on the preparatory stage before the actual experiment.

2. 2nouncountable

   A class or level in some school systems for young children before formal primary education.

   Grammar: Often used with 'the' when referring to a specific school year, e.g. 'She teaches the preparatory stage'.

   Patterns

   • the preparatory stage
   • teach the preparatory stage
   • children in the preparatory stage

   Children in the preparatory stage learn through play and songs.

   The preparatory stage prepares five-year-olds for primary school.

   He moved from teaching the preparatory stage to secondary classes.

Word forms

Common combinations

early preparatory stage

We are at an early preparatory stage and need more data.

final preparatory stage

The final preparatory stage involves checking all equipment.

go through a preparatory stage

Every new employee goes through a preparatory stage before starting.

preparatory stage of the project

The preparatory stage of the project took six months.

Synonyms and how they differ

preliminary stage

Preliminary stage emphasizes coming before the main event; preparatory stage emphasizes getting ready for it.

planning stage

Planning stage focuses on making plans, while preparatory stage can include training, organizing, and other readiness activities.

Opposites

Word family

preparation noun

The act of getting ready for something.

prepare verb

To make something or someone ready.

preparatory adjective

Done as preparation for something else.

Commonly confused: preparatory stage or preparatory school?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “preparatory stage”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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