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What is Arrange in English? Arrange to V or Ving? What prepositions go with Arrange in English?

When you encounter the word "arrange in English," you might think it's straightforward – after all, it's just one simple verb. However, many English learners discover that this common word carries more complexity than expected, especially when it comes to proper usage and distinguishing it from similar verbs like "organize" and "plan." This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to master how to arrange in English confidently, ensuring you use it correctly in both spoken and written English communication.

What prepositions go with Arrange in English?
What prepositions go with Arrange in English?

I. What is Arrange in English?

What is arrange in English? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Arrange is pronounced as /əˈreɪndʒ/, this word acts as a verb. Let's find out the meaning of arrange in various contexts through the examples below!

  • Physical Organization: This meaning involves putting objects, items, or elements in a specific order or pattern to create visual appeal or functional efficiency. For example: She arranged the flowers in a beautiful vase for the dinner party.

  • Planning and Coordination: This usage focuses on organizing events, meetings, or activities by handling logistics and making necessary preparations. For example: The manager will arrange a meeting with the international team next Tuesday morning.

  • Musical Composition: In musical contexts, "arrange" refers to adapting or modifying existing music for different instruments or vocal arrangements. For example: The composer arranged the classical symphony for a modern jazz ensemble. 

What is Arrange in English?
What is Arrange in English?

II. Synonyms of Arrange in English

Let's take a look at the list of synonyms for arrange in English together below!

Synonyms of Arrange in English

Meaning

Example

Order

/ˈɔːr.dɚ/

(verb)

to arrange a group of people or things in a list from first to last

The librarian will help you order the books according to their genres. 

Sort

/sɔːrt/

(verb)

to put a number of things in an order or to separate them into groups

Please help me sort these documents by date. 

Organize

/ˈɔːr.ɡən.aɪz/

(verb)

to do or arrange something according to a particular system

Let's organize the files into different folders for better accessibility. 

Array

/əˈreɪ/

(verb)

to arrange a group of things in a particular way

The artist decided to array the colors in a beautiful pattern on the canvas. 

Classify

/ˈklæs.ə.faɪ/

(verb)

to divide things or people into groups according to their type

It's important to classify the data into relevant categories. 

Lay out

(phrasal verb)

to arrange something on a flat surface

The designer will lay out the elements on the webpage for optimal user experience.

Set out

(phrasal verb)

to arrange or display things

The chef will set out the ingredients before starting the cooking process. 

Synonyms of Arrange in English
Synonyms of Arrange in English

III. The structure of Arrange in English

Arrange to V or Ving? What prepositions go with arrange in English? To answer this question about arrange preposition usage, let's work together with PREP to learn about the structures of arrange in the table below!

Structure 

Example

Arrange something

He arranged a meeting between the two leaders. 

Arrange + question words (how, where, etc.)

Maria has got to arrange how to get to the school on time. 

Arrange to do something

Have you arranged to present tomorrow? 

Arrange that

I've arranged that we can borrow their car. 

Arrange for something

The leader arranged for a meeting in his office. 

Arrange for somebody to do something

She's arranged for her son to have swimming lessons.

Arrange with somebody (to do something/ about something)

I've arranged with the neighbors about feeding the dog while we are away. 

From the knowledge table above, we have found the answers to the two questions: "Arrange to V or Ving? What arrange preposition combinations are correct?":

  • Correct structure: Arrange to V.

  • Arrange goes with some prominent prepositions such as: "for, with, about, to".

The structure of Arrange in English

IV. Comparison table: "Arrange" vs. "Organize" vs. "Plan"

The distinction between these three verbs represents one of the most frequent sources of confusion for English learners when they study arrange in English, and understanding their nuanced differences will significantly enhance your communication precision.

Verb

Use It For...

Simple Idea

Example

Arrange

Physical positioning, coordinating meetings, organizing simple events

Putting things in order or setting up

"I arranged the books by author on the shelf"

Organize

Creating systems, managing complex projects, establishing structure

Making complicated things efficient

"She organized the entire charity fundraising campaign"

Plan

Thinking ahead, creating strategies, deciding future actions

Deciding what will happen

"They planned their wedding ceremony six months in advance"

V. Practice exercises on Arrange in English with answers

To better understand how to use Arrange in English, please complete the exercise below!

1. Exercises

Choose the correct answer:

1. Alex has _________ to meet you at the restaurant at 8 p.m.

A. arranged

B. arrange

C. arranges

2. Have you _________ the books on his bookshelf by genre?

A. arranged

B. arranging

C. arranges

3. A surprise party is _________ by her boyfriend.

A. arranged

C. to arrange

D. arranges

4. Peter will _________ for transportation to the airport for his guests.

A. arranging

B. to arrange

C. arrange

5. We’ve _________ a meeting _________ discuss the project details.

A. arranged - to

B. arranged - for

D. arranged - in

6.  Have you arranged _______ him?

A. to meet

B. meeting

C.with

7. Anna arranged _______ a loan from the bank.

A. about

B. with

C. for

8. The books are _______ alphabetically by author.

A. arranged

B. arranging

C. to arrange

9. I arranged _______ their car for the weekend.

A. to borrow

B. borrowing 

C. borrowed

10. I've already arranged _______ John to meet at the cinema.

A. with 

B. for

C. about

2. Answer

  1. A

  2. A

  3. A

  4. C

  5. A

  6. A

  7. C

  8. A

  9. A

  10. A

PREP hopes this article has helped you understand the definition and usage of Arrange in English, while also being able to answer the two questions: “Arrange to V or Ving? What prepositions go with Arrange in English?” Let’s follow PREP to update more quality English knowledge!

Chloe
Product Content Admin

Hi I'm Chloe, and I am currently serving as an Product Content Administrator at Prep Education. With over five years of experience in independent online IELTS study and exam preparation, I am confident in my ability to support learners in achieving their highest possible scores.

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