Have you ever heard someone say, “Ready or not, here I come!” and wondered why they used ready instead of not, or vice versa? Even native English speakers sometimes mix these words because they seem simple but can change the meaning of a sentence completely. Understanding the correct usage of ready and not is essential for clear communication in both writing and speaking.
In this article, we’ll break down the meaning of ready and not, explain their differences, and show how to use them correctly. You’ll find easy-to-understand examples, common mistakes, memory tips, and even a mini quiz at the end to test your knowledge. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident using ready and not in everyday conversation, schoolwork, or writing.
What Does Each Word Mean?
1. Ready
Meaning: “Ready” means prepared, willing, or set to do something.
Part of Speech: Adjective
Examples:
- I am ready for school.
- She is ready to start her homework.
- We were ready when the bus arrived.
Tip: Think of “ready” as being prepared or set for action. Imagine a runner at the starting line—they are ready to run.
2. Not
Meaning: “Not” is used to show negation. It means the opposite of something, or to say that something is false or does not happen.
Part of Speech: Adverb
Examples:**
- I am not tired today.
- He is not coming to the party.
- This is not my book.
Tip: Think of “not” as a word that turns a positive into a negative. If someone says, “I am ready,” adding “not” changes the meaning: “I am not ready.”
The Key Difference Between Ready and Not
| Word | Meaning | Part of Speech | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready | Prepared or willing to do something | Adjective | I am ready for my exam. |
| Not | Shows negation; indicates something is untrue or absent | Adverb | I am not ready for the exam. |
Quick Tip:
- Use ready to show preparation.
- Use not to show the opposite or negation.
Think of it this way: “ready” is positive, “not” makes it negative.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even simple words like ready and not can cause mistakes. Here are some common ones:
- Incorrect: I am ready not to go.
Correct: I am not ready to go.
Why: “Not” should come before “ready” to negate the meaning. - Incorrect: She is not ready yet, but she is ready.
Correct: She is not ready yet.
Why: Using both words without clarity confuses the reader. - Incorrect: Ready or not, I am not ready.
Correct: Ready or not, here I come!
Why: The phrase “ready or not” is fixed in expressions like hide-and-seek.
Tip: Always check if you want to show preparedness (ready) or negation (not).
When to Use Ready
Ready is used when you want to express preparedness, willingness, or readiness for an action.
Practical Situations:
- School: I am ready to take my test.
- Sports: Are you ready to play soccer?
- Home: Dinner is ready.
- Travel: We are ready to leave for the trip.
- Games: He shouted, “I am ready!” before starting the video game.
Memory Trick: Imagine a green light. When something is ready, you can go—green means prepared!
When to Use Not
Not is used when you want to express negation or refusal.
Practical Situations:
- School: I am not ready for the exam yet.
- Daily Life: I am not hungry.
- Work: He is not available now.
- Games: She is not hiding in the room.
- Conversation: I am not sure about this.
Memory Hack: Picture a red stop sign. When you use “not,” it stops the action or changes it to the negative—red means no or opposite.
Quick Recap: Ready vs Not
- Ready: Prepared, willing, or set to do something. ✅
- Not: Shows negation; opposite of positive. ❌
- Place not before adjectives or verbs to negate them.
- Use ready in expressions like “ready or not, here I come!”
- Remember the green light (ready) vs red stop sign (not) visual.
Advanced Tips
- Origin: “Ready” comes from Old English rǣde, meaning prepared or clever. “Not” comes from Old English nāt, meaning “it is not the case.”
- Formal Writing: In essays, exams, or formal reports, always place not correctly before the verb or adjective to avoid grammatical mistakes.
- Online Writing: Misusing “ready” or “not” in texting can confuse meaning. Example: “I’m ready not” could be misread; correct version: “I’m not ready.”
- Idioms: The phrase “ready or not” is commonly used in games and expressions to mean “whether prepared or not.”
Mini Quiz: Test Your Understanding
Fill in the blanks with ready or not:
- I am ___ to start my homework.
- She is ___ coming to the party tonight.
- Are you ___ for the test tomorrow?
- We are ___ leaving until Mom is ready.
- He shouted, “___ or not, here I come!”
- I am ___ sure about the answer.
- Dinner is ___; let’s eat!
Answers: 1. ready 2. not 3. ready 4. not 5. Ready 6. not 7. ready
FAQs About Ready and Not
- What does “ready or not” mean?
It means whether someone is prepared or not, often used in games like hide-and-seek. - Can “not” and “ready” be used together?
Yes, but “not” usually comes before “ready” to show the negative: “I am not ready.” - Is “ready” always positive?
Yes, it indicates preparedness or willingness. - Can I use “ready” in writing exams?
Absolutely! Use it to show preparedness: “I am ready to answer the questions.” - What is the easiest way to remember the difference?
Think green light = ready (go), red stop sign = not (no).
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between ready and not is simple once you know their meanings and rules. Ready shows preparedness and willingness, while not is used for negation. Using them correctly helps your sentences make sense and prevents confusion in conversation, writing, or games. Remember our green light vs red stop sign trick—it makes it easy to recall which word to use.
Practice using these words in daily life. Try sentences about school, hobbies, or family. Even a small habit of correcting yourself will improve your English fast. Keep reading, practicing, and having fun with words—every day is a chance to get better at English!
English novelist and poet Thomas Hardy (1840–1928) explored human struggles, social constraints, and tragic love with deep realism and vivid storytelling.
