preparandum

Preparandum, plural preparanda, is a term found in linguistics and rhetoric to denote a preparatory portion of an utterance that establishes prerequisites, background information, or conditions before the main proposition. The word derives from Latin praepārāndum or praeparandum, meaning “to be prepared beforehand,” and is used primarily in older or theoretical discussions of sentence structure rather than in everyday grammar.

In typical usage, a preparandum introduces information that must be in place for the main clause to be meaningful or to take effect. It is often contrasted with the consequent (the main claim or result) within a sentence or discourse. For example, in a conditional sentence such as If the roads are icy, we will delay departure, the clause “If the roads are icy” can be treated as the preparandum, supplying the condition that makes the consequent “we will delay departure” appropriate. In a causal example, Because the meeting ran long, the delay followed; here “Because the meeting ran long” serves as preparandum that grounds the main assertion.

In some analyses, preparandum is a technical label used in discussions of logical forms, discourse structure, or rhetorical organization. Modern grammar often achieves the same effect using subordinate clauses or adjuncts rather than invoking the term, but preparandum remains a useful notion in historical descriptions and certain theoretical frameworks.

See also: preparatory clause, subordinate clause, consequent, discourse structure.