gearing up for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gearing up for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about preparing for or getting ready for something. For example: We're gearing up for a busy summer season by stocking up on pool supplies and outdoor furniture.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

America is gearing up for war.

The Guardian - Books

"We're gearing up for the Chase.

The New York Times

"So now I'm gearing up for Christmas".

The New York Times

But we're gearing up for the third.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now Disney is gearing up for "Poppins".

The New York Times

"We were gearing up for a retrospective.

The Guardian

"That's what we're gearing up for.

The Guardian

We're gearing up for a busy one".

The Guardian

People are kind of gearing up for this.

The New York Times

Social media, meanwhile, are gearing up for Sunday.

The New York Times

This has left Baku gearing up for the limelight.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gearing up for" to convey a sense of active preparation and anticipation, especially when highlighting a series of actions or initiatives undertaken to get ready for a specific event or task. It adds a dynamic feel to your writing.

Common error

While versatile, "gearing up for" may sound too informal in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "preparing for" or "making preparations for" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gearing up for" functions as a phrasal verb, often acting as part of the predicate in a sentence. It indicates that someone or something is in the process of preparing or getting ready for a specific event, activity, or situation. Ludwig confirms the accuracy of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gearing up for" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the process of preparing for an upcoming event or activity. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its frequent use in news and media, as well as business contexts. While generally neutral in register, it might be less suitable for strictly formal writing where more precise alternatives are preferred. The phrase conveys a sense of active preparation and anticipation, making it useful for signaling that measures are being taken to prepare for something in the future.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preparing for

Focuses more directly on the act of making preparations.

getting ready for

A more informal and general way of expressing preparation.

making preparations for

Emphasizes the actions taken to prepare.

bracing oneself for

Implies preparing for something difficult or unpleasant.

laying the groundwork for

Highlights the foundational steps taken in preparation.

priming for

Suggests preparing something or someone for a specific function or event.

positioning for

Focuses on strategic preparation to gain an advantage.

ramping up for

Emphasizes increasing activity or resources in preparation.

setting the stage for

Highlights the act of arranging conditions to make something possible.

building up to

Suggests a gradual increase in intensity or preparation towards a final event.

FAQs

How can I use "gearing up for" in a sentence?

You can use "gearing up for" to describe preparing for an event or activity. For example, "The company is "gearing up for" the holiday season by increasing its inventory."

What are some alternatives to "gearing up for"?

You can use alternatives like "preparing for", "getting ready for", or "making preparations for", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "gearing up for" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "gearing up for" may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using "preparing for" or "making preparations for".

What does "gearing up for" imply?

"Gearing up for" implies active and intentional preparation for a future event or task, often involving a series of steps or actions.