a highly geared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a highly geared" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to mechanics, finance, or business to describe something that is finely tuned or has a high level of leverage or gearing. Example: "The company's highly geared financial structure allowed it to maximize returns on investment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

And the UK science base is a highly geared, fiercely competitive system - even seemingly straightforward changes could have major consequences.

The Guardian

The flat cash settlement from 2010 has been very difficult for such a highly geared, competitive system to cope with over such an extended period.

The Guardian

Carlyle launched a highly geared fund to invest in mortgage-backed securities last July, just as the credit crunch was setting in.

The Economist

"The company will be left with a highly geared balance sheet and the management effort to integrate the two businesses could easily lead to the larger pharmaceutical business being neglected".

The Guardian - Business

As such, the idea of buying England's most famous club in a highly geared deal at eye-wateringly punishing interest rates did not cause the Glazers to skip a beat.

The Guardian - Sport

Commentators at the time raised eyebrows at the creation of such a highly geared buyout structure for a group with heavy capital spending commitments - some £9.5bn is earmarked for BAA's three London airports in the next decade.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But it is noteworthy that a company so highly geared to fine dining can attract more than a glimpse from investors during a recession.

The New York Times

But most analysts think his analysis is based on a misunderstanding.Monolines may be highly geared compared with traditional insurers.

The Economist

"The central plank of this proposition is regulators' concern about utilities being delisted and highly geared," an executive close to the deal said.

The New York Times

This is partly because they tend to be more highly geared, and to have a less clear view of their competitive position vis-à-vis their rivals.

The Economist

A separate report by the Resolution Foundation thinktank found that as many as 2.3m "highly geared" mortgage payers are who spending more than a third of their after-tax income on repayments could be forced to default by 2018 if interest rates rise.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a highly geared" in financial contexts, ensure you clearly define what is being leveraged, whether it's assets, debt, or equity. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a highly geared" when the context requires a focus on operational efficiency rather than financial leverage. Overusing the term in non-financial settings can dilute its impact and lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a highly geared" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its characteristics. It commonly denotes a state of high leverage or sensitivity, indicating that relatively small inputs can produce significant outputs. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective phrase "a highly geared" is used to describe something with a high degree of leverage or sensitivity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage, typically found in financial, business, and scientific contexts. It implies that small inputs can lead to significant outputs, highlighting both opportunities and risks. Related phrases include "highly leveraged" and "finely tuned", each providing a nuance depending on the specific context. When writing, remember to clarify what exactly is being leveraged to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly leveraged financially

Similar to “highly leveraged” but explicitly mentions the financial aspect.

highly leveraged

Focuses specifically on financial leverage, emphasizing the use of debt.

geared for maximum performance

Highlights the intention behind the gearing, focusing on achieving peak efficiency.

finely tuned

Emphasizes precision and optimization, often in a mechanical or operational context.

strategically leveraged

Highlights the strategic element of how something has been leveraged.

highly optimized

Emphasizes that something has been made as effective as possible.

highly sensitive

Highlights responsiveness to change, suggesting a strong reaction to stimuli.

operationally efficient

Focuses on how efficiently operations are carried out.

maximally responsive

Emphasizes the level of responsiveness of a system or entity.

heavily indebted

Focuses on the debt burden, implying a large amount of borrowed money.

FAQs

How is "a highly geared" typically used in financial contexts?

In finance, "a highly geared" typically describes a company or investment with a high level of debt relative to its equity. It implies the entity is using a significant amount of borrowed funds to amplify returns, which can increase both potential profits and risks.

What are some alternatives to "a highly geared" that emphasize financial leverage?

Alternatives include "highly leveraged", "heavily indebted", or "debt-laden", each highlighting the extent to which debt is used to finance operations or investments.

In what situations might "finely tuned" be a better alternative to "a highly geared"?

"Finely tuned" is more suitable when describing systems or processes that are optimized for performance. It implies precision and careful adjustment, rather than a focus on financial leverage. For example, an engine can be "finely tuned" for optimal fuel efficiency.

What is the difference between "a highly geared" and "a highly sensitive" system?

"A highly geared" system refers to one where small changes in input can result in large changes in output due to leverage or efficiency. In contrast, "highly sensitive" refers to a system that is very responsive to external stimuli or changes, often reacting strongly to even minor variations.