gas pedal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gas pedal" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the accelerator in a vehicle. An example is: "He pressed the gas pedal to speed up." Alternative expressions include "accelerator" and "throttle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Near the gas pedal?

The New Yorker

The gas pedal, I think.

The New Yorker

The justices control the gas pedal.

The New York Times

"Let me guess your gas pedal stuck".

The New Yorker

There's going to be no gas pedal.

The New York Times

"Now it's about stepping on the gas pedal".

The New York Times

You would see the gas pedal going up and down.

The Economist

The gas pedal and the wedged-in stone.

The New Yorker

I just held the gas pedal down and prayed".

The New York Times - Magazine

"The gas pedal would get so hot," she said.

The New York Times

And, of course, the famous barefoot gas pedal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about vehicles, ensure that you use "gas pedal" to clearly refer to the accelerator, differentiating it from the brake or clutch.

Common error

Avoid mistakenly using "gas pedal" when you mean "brake pedal", especially in critical situations like describing an accident. The brake pedal is for slowing down or stopping, while the gas pedal is for acceleration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gas pedal" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a compound noun, referring to a specific part of a vehicle. It is the foot-operated control that regulates the engine's power and, consequently, the vehicle's speed. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples from varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "gas pedal" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the accelerator in a vehicle. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is to denote a specific component related to driving and speed control. The phrase maintains a neutral register and is widely found in news, media, and business contexts. While alternatives like "accelerator pedal" exist, "gas pedal" remains the most frequently used and readily understood term. It's crucial to avoid confusing "gas pedal" with other pedals, like the "brake pedal".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accelerator pedal

Synonymous term that highlights the accelerating function.

throttle pedal

Focuses on controlling engine power.

foot throttle

Specifies the method of control using one's foot.

accelerator

Shorter, more general term referring to the device.

throttle control

Emphasizes the control aspect of the device.

speed control

Highlights the function of regulating speed.

go pedal

Informal term emphasizing forward movement.

power pedal

Focuses on the power aspect of acceleration.

fuel pedal

Relates directly to fuel injection and usage.

driving pedal

General term connected to driving.

FAQs

What is another name for the "gas pedal"?

The "gas pedal" is also commonly referred to as the "accelerator pedal", throttle, or simply the accelerator.

How does pressing the "gas pedal" affect a car's engine?

Pressing the "gas pedal" increases the flow of fuel and air to the engine, which in turn increases the engine's power output and causes the car to accelerate.

Is it correct to call the "gas pedal" the "fuel pedal"?

While the "gas pedal" controls the fuel flow, it is more accurate and commonly accepted to call it the "gas pedal" or "accelerator pedal".

What does it mean to "take your foot off the gas pedal"?

To "take your foot off the gas pedal" means to reduce or stop accelerating, often to slow down or maintain a constant speed. Figuratively, it can mean to reduce effort or intensity in any activity.