brake is engaged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brake is engaged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to vehicles or machinery, indicating that the braking system is active or applied. Example: "Before starting the engine, ensure that the brake is engaged to prevent any accidental movement."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The front-wheel brake is controlled by a lever near the handgrip; the rear-wheel brake is engaged by a foot pedal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While the entertainment systems sold with new cars are designed only for the back seats, some aftermarket screens can be installed in the front (although most work only when the emergency brake is engaged).

The New York Times - Tech

According to the NHTSA, EDRs typically record "pre-crash vehicle dynamics and system status" (such as the car's speed), "driver inputs" (the position of the steering wheel and throttle and whether the brake is engaged), the "vehicle crash signature" (the car's change in velocity during a crash), and "restraint usage/deployment status" (how quickly the air bags were released).

MIT Technology Review

Double-check that the vehicle is in park and that the parking brake is engaged before jacking up the vehicle.

WikiHow

Make sure you're on a flat surface and that your parking brake is engaged before attempting to wrangle with tenacious stuck-on lug nuts.

WikiHow

Ensure that the chain is on properly, has the tension adjusted appropriately, and cannot rotate when the chain brake is engaged.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The man was trying to leave in the pickup, but the vehicle's emergency brake was engaged.

The Guardian

Closer examination of the original video showed that the speedometer was at zero, lights indicated that the parking brake was engaged and a door was open, and the transmission was in park.

The New York Times

I fried the brakes one day driving a few miles without realizing the emergency brake was engaged.

Huffington Post

The brakes are engaged only if the car decelerates sharply, so most of the energy wasted in braking in an ordinary car is recaptured in the hybrid.

The New York Times - Travel

And one way or the other, according to the National Transportation Safety Board, the brakes were engaged late, just seconds before the crash killed four people and injured more than sixty.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about vehicle safety procedures, ensure you clearly state that "brake is engaged" before any maintenance or adjustments.

Common error

Avoid using "brake is engaged" when you specifically mean the parking brake or emergency brake; specify which brake is being used for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brake is engaged" primarily functions as a statement of condition, indicating that a braking system is in an active state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

20%

News & Media

34%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brake is engaged" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as supported by Ludwig AI. It serves primarily to indicate the active status of a braking system, conveying important safety or procedural information. While generally neutral in tone, specifying the type of brake (e.g., parking brake) improves clarity. While the phrase appears in several contexts and authoritative sources, remember to be direct and clear when using this terminology.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brake is activated

Replaces "engaged" with "activated", focusing on the action of making the brake system operational.

brakes are applied

Shifts from singular "brake" to plural "brakes" and uses "applied", emphasizing the act of applying the braking force.

braking system is active

Rephrases to highlight the system's state of being active, rather than the engagement of a specific component.

parking brake is set

Specifies the type of brake (parking brake) and uses "set" to indicate its activation.

emergency brake is on

Focuses on the emergency brake and its "on" state, indicating it's in use.

handbrake is pulled

Specifically mentions the handbrake and the action of pulling it to engage it.

brakes are working

Highlights that the braking system is functioning, indicating engagement or readiness.

braking mechanism is in operation

Uses more formal language to describe the braking mechanism's operational status.

the vehicle is braked

Emphasizes the result of braking on the vehicle, indicating that the braking action is applied.

deceleration system is enabled

Rephrases to describe a broader deceleration system being enabled, which includes braking.

FAQs

What does it mean when the phrase "brake is engaged" is used?

The phrase "brake is engaged" means that the braking system of a vehicle or machine is activated, preventing movement or slowing it down.

What's the difference between "brake is engaged" and "brakes are applied"?

While both phrases are similar, "brake is engaged" implies the system is generally active, while "brakes are applied" suggests the specific action of using the brakes to slow down or stop.

How can I use "brake is engaged" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "Ensure the parking "brake is engaged" before exiting the vehicle on a slope."

What can I say instead of "brake is engaged"?

Alternatives include "brake is activated", "parking brake is set", or "emergency brake is on", depending on the specific context.