adjust the throttle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adjust the throttle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to vehicles, machinery, or aviation when referring to changing the power or speed settings. Example: "To increase speed, you need to adjust the throttle gradually."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The driving experience can be tweaked with a system Nissan calls I-Con, which lets drivers adjust the throttle response to maximize performance or efficiency.

The New York Times

Adjust the throttle.

WikiHow

Properly adjust the throttle and shift cables per the factory shop manual.

WikiHow

When the engine fires, adjust the choke inwards to provide a smooth idle, and adjust the throttle to a slow speed.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He adjusts the throttle again.

The New Yorker

Adjusting the throttle of the vessel changes the data flow rate.

Stanford University

He adjusts the throttle and the front end of the plane lifts.

The New Yorker

He adjusts the throttle and peers into his side-view mirror, occasionally pausing to bite a glazed doughnut and slurp some cold coffee.

The New York Times

Adjusting the throttle cable did not cure this; Honda said that recalibrating this bike's electronic engine control should banish the annoyance.

The New York Times

Changed the oil, adjusted the throttle — standard stuff.

TechCrunch

In that car, turbocharged power makes adjusting the throttle akin to hand surgery the average driver simply isn't skilled enough to prevent torque steer.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about vehicles or machinery, use "adjust the throttle" to indicate a deliberate change in power or speed. For instance, "Adjust the throttle carefully to maintain a steady speed on the incline."

Common error

Avoid mixing verb tenses when describing the action of adjusting the throttle. Ensure the tense aligns with the context; for example, use "adjust" for present or future actions and "adjusted" for past actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adjust the throttle" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of modifying the engine's power output. This is evident in the examples provided by Ludwig, where it describes actions taken in various contexts like driving and flying.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adjust the throttle" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes the action of modifying an engine's power or speed. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears in various contexts, including how-to guides, news articles, and scientific papers. While not exceptionally frequent, the phrase is well-understood and appropriate in both technical and general discussions. It's important to maintain consistent verb tense when using this phrase and to consider the specific nuances of related terms like "regulate", "modulate", and "set" to ensure precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

control the throttle

A broader term that encompasses any action taken to manage the throttle.

regulate the throttle

Emphasizes maintaining a specific level of power or speed, implying a more controlled adjustment.

manage the throttle

Focuses on overseeing the throttle to optimize performance or efficiency.

modulate the throttle

Suggests a finer, more nuanced control over the throttle, implying smooth transitions.

handle the throttle

Implies skillfully controlling the throttle in a particular situation.

manipulate the throttle

Focuses on the physical act of controlling the throttle, without necessarily implying precision.

vary the throttle

Highlights the act of changing the throttle position over time.

fine-tune the throttle

Highlights making small, precise adjustments to optimize performance.

operate the throttle

Refers to the general use of the throttle to control speed or power.

set the throttle

Implies establishing a specific throttle position or setting.

FAQs

How is "adjust the throttle" used in a sentence?

You can use "adjust the throttle" to describe changing the engine's power. For example, "The pilot had to "adjust the throttle" to maintain altitude during the turn."

What are some alternatives to "adjust the throttle"?

Depending on the context, you could use "control the throttle", "regulate the throttle", or "modulate the throttle".

In what situations would I need to "adjust the throttle"?

You might "adjust the throttle" when driving uphill, flying an airplane, or operating machinery that requires precise speed control.

What's the difference between "adjust the throttle" and "set the throttle"?

"Adjust the throttle" implies making changes, while "set the throttle" suggests establishing a specific, constant setting.