torque

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "torque" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "torque" when referring to a force that produces or tends to produce rotation or torsion. For example, "The motor's torque was tested by the engineer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is the thing about electric motors: they produce a twisting force called torque instantly.

The Economist

So much torque, in fact, there is no need for a gearbox.

The Economist

Maybe it was a need for thematic simplicity, a desire to maintain a link to the literal racism of South African apartheid, or a political-aesthetic tendency to torque up the accusation.

The Economist

At low speeds, torque vectoring can be used on the Porsche to assist with steering by powering the rear wheels at different rates to create a turning action.

The Economist

It burns hotter than petrol, giving cars better torque (acceleration) and overall handling.

The Economist

By using torque vectoring, it will be capable of an even more responsive version of the brand's famous "quattro" four-wheel drive system.The quiet future that electric cars could usher in, though, may have to be postponed.

The Economist

Electric motors produce maximum torque from a standing start, which can mean great performance.

The Economist

The single set of rotors on a standard helicopter produces a rotational force, or torque.

The Economist

Then the Volt's 1.4 litre petrol-engine has to kick in to cover the extra ten miles not to drive the wheels directly, like the Prius's engine does, but to recharge the battery, which then feeds juice to the electric motor, which, in turn, drives the wheels.If that were an efficient way of delivering torque to the wheels, all cars would have electric transmission systems instead of mechanical ones.

The Economist

They have higher torque at low revs which makes them accelerate faster.

The Economist

In a synchronous motor, the stator's rotating magnetic field imposes an electromagnetic torque directly on the fixed magnetic field of the rotor, causing the latter assembly to spin on its axis in sync with the stator field.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing vehicles, especially electric ones, use "torque" to highlight their rapid acceleration capabilities due to the immediate availability of twisting force.

Common error

Avoid using "torque" and "power" interchangeably. "Torque" is the twisting force, while power is the rate at which work is done. A motor can have high torque but low power, or vice versa.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "torque" is as a noun, referring to a rotational or twisting force. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correctly used in written English and appears frequently in discussions about mechanics and engineering.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "torque" is a grammatically correct and very common noun referring to rotational or twisting force. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is primarily used in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media, to describe mechanical performance, often in relation to vehicles. While alternatives like "rotational force" and "twisting power" exist, "torque" is the most precise and widely recognized term in engineering and automotive discussions. Understanding its meaning is essential for interpreting technical specifications and assessing the performance of rotating machinery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rotational force

Focuses on the force aspect of the rotation, rather than the twisting power.

twisting force

Emphasizes the twisting action involved, highlighting a specific type of force.

moment of force

A more technical and physics-oriented term for the same concept, emphasizing the mathematical definition.

turning power

A simpler, more descriptive term focusing on the ability to turn something.

twisting moment

Similar to "moment of force", but emphasizes the twisting nature of the force.

torsional force

Highlights the force that causes torsion or twisting deformation.

rotational energy

Shifts the focus to the energy associated with the rotation, rather than the force itself.

rotary power

Focuses on the power output in a rotational context.

angular momentum

Refers to the quantity of rotation of a body, considering its mass, shape, and speed.

wrenching force

Implies a more forceful and potentially damaging twisting action.

FAQs

How is "torque" measured?

Torque is typically measured in newton-metres (Nm) in the SI system, or foot-pounds (ft-lb) in the imperial system. These units reflect the force applied at a distance from the axis of rotation.

What does high "torque" mean for a vehicle?

High "torque" in a vehicle generally means better acceleration and the ability to handle heavy loads or climb steep hills more easily. It indicates strong pulling power.

In what contexts is "torque" commonly discussed?

"Torque" is frequently discussed in contexts related to vehicle performance, engine design, electric motors, and mechanical engineering. It's a key parameter for evaluating the rotational force produced by engines and motors.

What's the difference between "torque" and "horsepower"?

"Torque" is the rotational force that causes an object to turn, while "horsepower" is a measure of how quickly that force can be applied. Think of torque as the ability to do work, and horsepower as how fast that work can be done.