arrange
gb/ɚˈeɪnd͡ʒ/ us/ɚˈeɪnd͡ʒ/
A2
English
~ 1400
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Put things in order or position
To put things in a certain order or place.
Usage pattern:
to arrange [things] [in/on/into something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'arrange' with 'decorate'; 'arrange' is about order or position, not adding beauty.
Synonyms
organize (Often implies creating a structured system, not just physical placement.)
Antonyms
disorder (Means to make something untidy or without order.)
Collocations
arrange neatly
|arrange alphabetically
|arrange furniture
|arrange flowers
|arrange in rows
Themes
daily life
|organization
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She arranged the books on the shelf by size.
- He carefully arranged the chairs around the table.
- The teacher arranged the students in a circle.
- They arranged the photos from oldest to newest.
Learner examples
- I arranged the cups on the table.
- She arranged her clothes in the closet.
- We arranged the chairs for the meeting.
Verb
B1
action
2
Plan and prepare ahead of time
To plan and prepare for something before it happens.
Usage pattern:
to arrange [a meeting/event/trip]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes omit 'to' when using 'arrange to do something'. The correct form is 'arrange to + verb'.
Synonyms
schedule (Focuses more on setting a time for something.)
Antonyms
cancel (Means to stop a planned event from happening.)
Collocations
arrange a meeting
|arrange an appointment
|arrange transport
|arrange a trip
Themes
daily life
|business
|daily_life
|work
Examples
- Let's arrange a meeting for next week.
- She arranged for a taxi to pick us up.
- They arranged the party months in advance.
- We arranged to meet at the café at noon.
Learner examples
- I will arrange a meeting with my boss.
- She arranged a visit to the museum.
- They arranged to play football on Saturday.
Verb
B2
action
3
Adapt music for performance
To change music so it can be played by certain instruments or sung by certain voices.
Usage pattern:
to arrange [a piece/song] [for something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'arrange' with 'compose'; arranging changes existing music, composing creates new music.
Synonyms
adapt (General term for changing something; in music, 'arrange' is more specific.)
Antonyms
compose (Means to create new music, not adapt existing music.)
Collocations
arrange a song
|arrange for piano
|arrange for strings
Themes
music
|arts_entertainment
|education
Examples
- He arranged the song for guitar and voice.
- The composer arranged the symphony for a smaller orchestra.
- She arranged the folk tune for choir.
Learner examples
- He arranged the song for piano.
- She arranged the music for her band.
- They arranged the melody for violin.
Grammar
Dictionary form
arrange
IPA
GB/ɚˈeɪnd͡ʒ/
US/ɚˈeɪnd͡ʒ/
Syllables & stress
ar - range (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ar)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: arrange
- 3rd Person Singular: arranges
- Present Participle: arranging
- Past: arranged
Word family
Forms
arranges
verb
arranging
verb
arranged
verb
Core family
arrangement
noun B1
Related words
rearrange
verb B2
arranger
noun
Advanced or less common
rearrangement
noun
Expressions
arrange for
1/ɚˈeɪnd͡ʒ fɚ/
phrasal verb
Make plans so something happens
To plan and organize for something to happen.
Examples
- She will arrange for someone to meet you at the airport.
- We need to arrange for extra chairs before the meeting.
arrange in advance
1/ɚˈeɪnd͡ʒ ˈɪn ədvˈæns/
fixed phrase
Plan before it happens
To plan and prepare for something early, before it is needed.
Examples
- It's better to arrange in advance if you want good seats.
- They arranged in advance so everything was ready on time.
arrange to meet
1/ɚˈeɪnd͡ʒ tə mˈit/
fixed phrase
Plan to meet someone
To decide and plan with someone when and where you will meet.
Examples
- We arranged to meet outside the cinema at 7 p.m.
- I arranged to meet my friend after work.