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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
decision cannot be geared
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "decision cannot be geared" is not correct in standard English usage.
It seems to be an attempt to convey that a decision cannot be directed or influenced in a certain way, but the wording is awkward. Example: "The decision cannot be geared towards a specific outcome without considering all factors involved."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Since each link does not have information about other channels in the network, the antenna configuration decision cannot be geared toward maximizing network sum capacity.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
The decision cannot be appealed.
News & Media
The decision cannot be reviewed or appealed.
News & Media
The commissioner's decision cannot be appealed.
News & Media
This decision cannot be delayed.
News & Media
The decision cannot be a political one.
News & Media
Your decision cannot be my decision or your mother's decision.
News & Media
The EFTA court's decision cannot be appealed.
News & Media
This decision cannot be appealed.
News & Media
A rational withdrawal decision cannot be justified.
Science
But decisions cannot be long in coming.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When you need to convey that a decision should not be influenced in a specific way, consider using clearer and more common alternatives such as "directed", "tailored", or "oriented" instead of "geared".
Common error
Avoid using "geared" to describe the influence or direction of a decision. This usage is uncommon and may sound awkward. Instead, opt for verbs like "directed", "tailored", or "focused" for better clarity.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "decision cannot be geared" functions as a statement expressing that a particular decision should not be directed or influenced in a specific way. Ludwig indicates that this phrasing is not standard English.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "decision cannot be geared" is an uncommon and somewhat awkward way to express that a decision should not be directed or influenced in a specific way. Ludwig reports that this is not considered standard English. As such, it is advisable to use clearer and more common alternatives like ""decision cannot be directed"", "decision cannot be tailored", or "decision cannot be oriented" to ensure clarity and avoid confusion. While the intention behind the phrase is understandable, these alternatives provide a more precise and widely accepted way to convey the intended meaning.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
the decision cannot be directed
Replaces "geared" with the more common and direct verb "directed".
the decision cannot be tailored
Substitutes "geared" with "tailored", implying a more precise adjustment.
the decision cannot be oriented
Replaces "geared" with "oriented", focusing on the alignment or direction of the decision.
the decision cannot be aimed
Substitutes "geared" with "aimed", suggesting a specific target or goal.
the decision cannot be focused
Replaces "geared" with "focused", emphasizing concentration on a particular aspect.
the decision must not be influenced
Replaces the original phrase with a prohibition against influence.
the decision cannot be manipulated
Substitutes "geared" with "manipulated", highlighting the prevention of biased control.
the decision should not be directed solely
Adds "solely" to emphasize that the decision shouldn't be exclusively directed.
the decision cannot be predisposed
Replaces "geared" with "predisposed", suggesting the decision should not be biased beforehand.
the decision shouldn't be slanted
Changes the verb to "slanted", indicating a bias towards a particular outcome.
FAQs
What does it mean if a decision "cannot be geared" toward something?
The phrase "decision cannot be geared" is an uncommon way to express that a decision should not be directed or influenced towards a specific outcome. It's better to use phrases like "the "decision cannot be directed"" or "the "decision should not be influenced"".
What are some alternatives to saying a "decision cannot be geared"?
Instead of "decision cannot be geared", you can use alternatives such as "decision cannot be tailored", "decision cannot be oriented", or "decision cannot be aimed" depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.
Is it grammatically correct to say "decision cannot be geared"?
While understandable, the phrase "decision cannot be geared" is not considered standard English usage. It is more accurate and clear to use alternative phrasings like "the "decision cannot be directed"".
How can I make my writing clearer when discussing decisions and their direction?
To ensure clarity, avoid using "geared" in relation to decisions. Instead, choose more precise verbs such as "directed", "focused", or "tailored". This will make your writing more easily understood.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested