French Phrase
Alors, on est prêts ?
Meaning
Literally “So, are we ready?” It is a quick way to check that everyone is prepared before starting an activity, a meeting, a trip, or any collective action.
When to use
Use it right before you begin something that requires group readiness – a class, a game, a road trip, or a presentation. It works in informal settings and is common among friends, colleagues, or classmates.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Alorsonestprêts?
Alors
A discourse marker meaning “so” or “then”, used to introduce a question or a new step.
on
An indefinite pronoun that often stands for “we” in spoken French; it always takes a third‑person singular verb.
est
Third‑person singular present of the verb être; with “on” it stays singular even when the meaning is plural.
prêts
Adjective “prêt” (ready) in the masculine plural form, agreeing with the implied “nous”. The final “s” is pronounced because of the liaison with the following vowel.
🗨In Conversation
Alors, on est prêts ?
So, are we ready?
Oui, j’ai tout mon matériel.
Yes, I have all my gear.
✕Common Mistakes
Alors, on êtes prêts ?
With "on" you must use the third‑person singular form of être (est), not the second‑person plural vous form.
Alors, on est prêt ?
The adjective must agree with the implied plural "we", so use the plural form "prêts".
Alors, on est prêt ?
Missing the liaison and plural agreement makes the sentence sound un‑native.
↔Alternatives
On est prêts ?
Are we ready?
Alors, on y va ?
So, shall we go?
Prêts à commencer ?
Ready to start?
Cultural Tip
In everyday French, "on" replaces "nous" in most spoken contexts, even when the speaker means "we". Remember that the verb stays singular (est) while adjectives still agree with the implied plural, hence "prêts". The liaison between "on" and "est" (n‿ɛ) is mandatory in natural speech.