gears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gears" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it when referring to mechanical components that transmit motion or in a metaphorical sense to describe processes or systems in action. Example: "The gears of the machine began to turn as soon as the power was switched on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Technology

Economics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

On a muggy, absorbing, oddly processional night Barcelona reached their eighth European Cup final with their first win in Munich, cruising past the champions of Germany without ever really having to thrum up through the gears.

The Guardian - Sport

The preparations by the "golden triangle" – cabinet secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood, the Queen's private secretary, Sir Christopher Geidt, and the prime minister's principal private secretary, Chris Martin – show how discreet work is underway as Whitehall gears up for a second successive hung parliament, which could prove still more complicated than the last one.

The Guardian

But it was easy to shift gears, because whatever I have gathered in my 20 years' experience, all those notes and all those stories can be brought into a book form.

The Guardian

There is always a tinge of sadness when any footballer leaves his boyhood club, not least at a time in the Premier League when young English players aren't so much nurtured gently to maturity as yanked squealing into the light and then hurled beneath the wheels of the machine at the first downward wrench of the gears.

The Guardian - Sport

After a rough midweek for MLS ambitions at the hands of Mexican teams, it's back to domestic action as MLS gears up for week three — where perhaps we'll see the first frontrunners for the honor of being beaten up on south of the border sometime in spring 2016.

The Guardian - Sport

Kiska's triumph clouds the future for Fico, who previously enjoyed ironclad popularity, as he gears up for the 2016 general election.

The Guardian

A van stopped with two wired guys, who crashed the gears in a way that did not sound healthy: "Been to a party, mate?" "Yeah, how about you?" "Oh, we've been out nicking vans".

The Guardian - Opinion

Over the past few weeks, I have been travelling across France trying to make sense of this as the country gears up for the elections.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Potter said he was studying aerodynamics and aerospace technology and was committed to developing safer gear and flying protocols.

The Guardian

Of the unseen Top Gear footage, Shillinglaw said it would definitely make it on to BBC2 – although not enough had been shot for three full one-hour episodes.

The Guardian

And everyone knows that the only thing that can even come close to matching a decade-old repeat of Top Gear in terms of witty banter is a dank polling booth set up in an abandoned church hall on a drizzly Thursday afternoon".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gears" when describing the mechanics of a system or process, both literally and metaphorically. For instance, "the gears of government" or "shifting gears in a project".

Common error

Avoid using "gears" when a simpler term like "steps" or "processes" would suffice. Overusing technical jargon can make your writing less accessible.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gears" is as a plural noun, referring to mechanical components that transmit motion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's also used metaphorically to describe the workings of a system or process, as seen in examples like "the wheels of the machine".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "gears" functions primarily as a plural noun, often used to describe mechanical components or the workings of a system. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. Its usage ranges from technical descriptions to metaphorical explanations, appearing frequently in News & Media, Sports, and Formal & Business contexts. While widely used, avoid overuse in non-mechanical contexts for clarity. Related terms include "mechanism" and "cogs", offering alternative ways to convey similar concepts. Whether discussing machinery or strategic preparations, "gears" remains a valuable term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cogs

Synonymous, referring to the toothed wheels within a "gear" system.

mechanism

Focuses on the internal workings or structure of a system, rather than the specific components.

machinery

Refers to the overall system of machines or equipment, rather than individual "gears".

switching tracks

Implies a change in strategy or approach, similar to changing "gears".

shifting focus

Describes a change in direction or emphasis, akin to shifting "gears".

changing direction

Indicates a change in course, similar to adjusting "gears".

getting ready

An informal substitute for "gearing up", focusing on the preparation phase.

transitioning

Highlights the process of moving from one state to another, like switching "gears".

preparations

Emphasizes the act of getting ready, similar to "gearing" up.

arrangements

Highlights the organizational aspect, like setting the "gears" in place.

FAQs

How is "gears" used in technical contexts?

In technical fields, "gears" typically refers to mechanical components that transmit rotational force. They are essential in systems ranging from vehicles to machinery.

What does it mean to "gear up" for something?

To "gear up" means to prepare or get ready for an activity or event. For example, "The team is "gearing up" for the competition".

Are there metaphorical uses of "gears" in writing?

Yes, "gears" can be used metaphorically to describe how different parts of a system or organization work together. For example, "the "gears of the economy"".

What is the difference between "gears" and "cogs"?

"Gears" refers to the entire system of toothed wheels, while "cogs" specifically refers to the individual teeth on those wheels. They are often used interchangeably, though "gears" has a broader scope.