gear is engaged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'gear is engaged' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a physical device being put into operation. For example: After we flicked the switch, the gear was engaged and the engine started running.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Second gear is engaged by using a long, thin brass lever on the driver's side.

The New York Times

Motor B, spun by the engine, operates as a generator to supply electrical current to Motor A. At speeds below 30 m.p.h., the transaxle's lower gear is engaged.

The New York Times

At parking-lot speeds, though, this has to be the most obnoxious transmission in any performance car, resisting commands and rolling on grades even when first gear is engaged.

The New York Times

Because starting a manual transmission from a stop requires letting off the brakes and engaging the clutch (essentially placing the car in neutral), the car will roll backwards until first gear is engaged.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In the end writers write short stories because a different set of mental gears is engaged.

The Guardian - Books

It is important to make sure the transmission is in neutral — meaning that none of the gears are engaged - before attempting to start the car.

WikiHow

Effects of the centrifugal load-deformed thin-walled spur gear on tooth contact pattern, surface contact stress, root bending stress and tooth load-sharing ratio of the gear are also investigated through performing loaded tooth contact analyses of the gear when it is engaged with a solid mating gear under a torque.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

When the tap is brought down against the work, a friction clutch is engaged with a bevel gear that rotates the tap in the cutting direction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the gear test, the gear pairs are engaged to transfer power.

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

"Be sure brain is engaged before putting Send button in gear".

Huffington Post

The engine starts up immediately when the clutch is engaged and the car is put in gear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gear is engaged" to clearly indicate that a mechanical component is actively connected and functioning within a system.

Common error

Avoid using "gear is engaged" when you actually mean that someone is "geared up" (prepared) for an activity. The former is mechanical, while the latter is about readiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gear is engaged" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a specific mechanical component is actively connected and in operation. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and the examples provided, which highlight its use in describing machinery and vehicle operation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gear is engaged" is a grammatically correct and technically descriptive term, indicating that a gear mechanism is actively connected and functioning. Ludwig AI's assessment confirms its validity, and the examples showcase its use across various contexts like news, technical documentation, and wikis. While its frequency is relatively uncommon, its meaning is clear and its usage should be reserved for scenarios where the mechanical state of engagement needs to be explicitly stated. Remember to avoid confusing it with the idiomatic expression "geared up", which refers to readiness or preparation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gear is activated

Replaces "engaged" with "activated", focusing on the act of starting the gear's function.

gear is in operation

Emphasizes the active state of the gear, replacing "engaged" with "in operation".

gear is functioning

Focuses on the functionality of the gear, suggesting it is working correctly.

gear is connected

Highlights the physical connection of the gear, essential for its engagement.

gear is coupled

Uses "coupled" to describe the linking or joining of the gear.

gear is interlocked

Indicates that the gear is securely fastened or meshed with another component.

gear is meshed

Specifically refers to the interlocking of gear teeth, implying engagement.

gear is synchronized

Suggests the gear is operating in harmony with other parts.

gear is in drive

Specifies that the gear is set for forward motion, often in vehicles.

gear is ready

Implies that the gear is prepared for immediate use or action.

FAQs

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

Use "gear is engaged" to describe a state where a gear mechanism is actively connected and transmitting power, such as "Once the "clutch is engaged", the gear is engaged and the vehicle moves".

What does "gear is engaged" mean in a mechanical context?

In a mechanical context, "gear is engaged" means that the teeth of one gear are interlocked with another, allowing for the transfer of motion and power between them.

What are some alternatives to saying "gear is engaged"?

Alternatives include "gear is activated", "gear is in operation", or "gear is functioning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "gear was engaged" instead of "gear is engaged"?

Yes, "gear was engaged" is correct when describing a past event or state. For example, "The gear was engaged before the malfunction occurred".