Used and loved by millions
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
gear is operated
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "gear is operated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing how a mechanism or system functions, particularly in technical or mechanical contexts. Example: "The gear is operated by a series of levers that control its movement."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Wiki
News & Media
Alternative expressions(4)
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
2 human-written examples
Along the river the net is used to catch Barbus paludinosus; however, if this gear is operated on the lake, it will definitely exploit the juvenile tilapias.
In most cases, the landing gear is operated with a simple hand crank.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
These gears were operated by wading through the very shallow inshore waters.
One aviation official said that the way the plane had veered off the runway suggested several possibilities: that engines were operating at different thrust levels; that brakes on the two main landing gears were operating with different effectiveness; or that thrust reversers on the engine had not deployed symmetrically.
News & Media
Moreover, in the closed season few samples were obtained, although most gears were operating and catching kasawala.
For example, the material and manufacturing process chosen to prototype the gears resulted in gears with significant burrs which required removal before the gear train could be operated.
Hadlow needs those Top Gear ratings because she is operating in a much tougher market than her BBC2 predecessors.
News & Media
They were built with Tomlinson automatic couplers and were also fitted with General Electric PC5L2 control gear and could be operated in multiple, either in pairs or until 1937, as triple car sets.
Wiki
When cruising, the vehicle should be operated at a high gear.
Most of the machinery was operated by means of gears and other rotating parts, which may develop faults.
This article was amended on 3/5/18: the windows are operated with rack and pinion gears, not ratchets.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing technical documentation, specify who or what operates the gear to avoid ambiguity. For instance, clarify whether it's "manually operated" or "electronically operated".
Common error
Avoid using "gear is operated" in contexts where active voice would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "the gear is operated by the technician", consider "the technician operates the gear".
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "gear is operated" functions primarily as a passive construction, describing the state of a mechanical component. As confirmed by Ludwig, this construction highlights the action performed on the gear, often emphasizing the process or method of its operation rather than the actor.
Frequent in
Science
35%
News & Media
30%
Wiki
20%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
5%
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "gear is operated" is a grammatically sound but infrequent passive construction primarily used in technical and instructional contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its role in describing the state or method of operation rather than the actor. When using this phrase, consider whether active voice would provide greater clarity and directness. While the expression is generally neutral in register, tending toward formal, attention to clear and active writing will serve to enhance communication.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
gear is engaged
Focuses on the activation or connection of the gear.
gear is activated
Emphasizes the start or initiation of the gear's function.
gear is in operation
Highlights the current working status of the gear.
gear is running
Implies a continuous action or process involving the gear.
gear is functioning
Stresses the proper and effective working of the gear.
gear is controlled
Highlights the management or regulation of the gear's actions.
gear is driven
Indicates the force or mechanism that propels the gear.
gear is utilized
Focuses on the purpose or use of the gear in a system.
gear is powered
Emphasizes the source of energy that enables the gear's operation.
gear is manipulated
Highlights the handling or adjustment of the gear.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "gear is operated" for clarity?
You can use alternatives like "gear is engaged", "gear is activated", or "gear is functioning depending on the specific context.
What does "gear is operated" imply in a technical context?
In technical contexts, "gear is operated" implies a specific mechanism or system is being used to control or drive the gear, whether manually or automatically. The precise meaning depends on the surrounding description.
Is it better to use active or passive voice with "gear is operated"?
While grammatically correct, "gear is operated" is in passive voice. It's often better to use active voice for clarity and directness. For example, "the technician operates the gear" is clearer than "the gear is operated by the technician".
In what scenarios is using "gear is operated" most appropriate?
Using "gear is operated" is appropriate when the focus is on the gear itself and its state of operation, rather than the actor performing the operation. This is common in technical descriptions or instructions where the process is more important than the operator.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested