be geared to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be geared to" is correct and usable in written English.
You may use it when you need to express that something is intended for (or adapted to) a particular purpose. For example, "This program is geared to helping young people in disadvantaged communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The situations will be geared to a boomer-aged audience.

The New York Times

To maintain nutritional balance, feeding must then be geared to metabolic rate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Transport, energy, telecommunications, water and sanitation sectors must be geared to function during disasters.

The Guardian

Many of the activities will be geared to the costume parade at 3 p.m.

The New York Times - Arts

The conversation about any given issue may be geared to one or the other.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Obama's approach may be geared to that kind of legislation.

The New York Times

And many of the museum's new programs will be geared to children.

The New York Times - Arts

Under another heading, "World Class Pathway," it says "investment-per-athlete" will be geared to medal prospects.

The New York Times - Sports

He said further studies would be geared to trying to figure out what the mechanism might be.

The New York Times - Science

Seeking fuel efficiency in order to reduce their load of fuel, teams will be geared to environmentally friendly solutions.

The New York Times

Between now and polling day, all the central government's policies and announcements will be geared to this election.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be geared to", ensure the context clearly indicates the intended purpose or target. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "be geared to" when the subject is only generally related or tangentially connected to the intended purpose. The phrase implies a direct and intentional alignment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be geared to" functions as a linking verb followed by a past participle and a preposition, indicating that something is designed or intended for a specific purpose. Ludwig examples show this is used to describe plans, programs, or policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be geared to" is a versatile and commonly used expression that means to be designed or adapted for a specific purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Predominantly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, it effectively communicates intention and direction. While versatile, ensure that the context clearly indicates the intended purpose. For alternatives, consider "be designed for", "be tailored to", or "be intended for" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be focused on

Highlights the concentration and attention given to a specific subject or area.

be intended for

Directly states the purpose or target of something.

be tailored to

Emphasizes the customization and specific adjustment to meet particular needs.

be directed at

Specifies the target audience or recipient of an action or product.

be adapted to

Suggests a modification process to fit a particular requirement or condition.

be designed for

Focuses on the planning and creation aspect of something being made for a specific purpose.

be purposed for

A more formal way of stating the intended use or function.

be suited for

Highlights the appropriateness and compatibility for a certain situation or task.

be oriented toward

Indicates a direction or focus towards a specific goal or objective.

be aligned with

Emphasizes the coordination and agreement with a particular standard or objective.

FAQs

How can I use "be geared to" in a sentence?

Use "be geared to" to indicate that something is designed or organized to achieve a specific purpose. For example, "The training program will "be geared to" improving employee skills".

What's a good alternative to "be geared to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be designed for", "be tailored to", or "be intended for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it formal to use "be geared to"?

The phrase ""be geared to"" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "be directed at" for a more sophisticated tone.

What does "be geared to" mean?

"Be geared to" means to be designed, organized, or adapted to achieve a particular aim or suit a specific purpose. It implies a deliberate arrangement to meet certain requirements.