were geared up for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were geared up for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or a group is prepared or ready for a specific event or situation. Example: "The team were geared up for the big game, ensuring they had all their strategies in place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Toulon were geared up for it, but, from the opening moments, after the hosts made a hash of the kick-off, Saracens widened the point of their attacks, often passing to the second man out rather than the first.

The Guardian - Sport

He was one of those we'd bombarded with calls all week, as if he were geared up for what he described on Saturday night as the "other what-not" which Johnson would be willing to discuss.

Independent

NYRB went with a 4-5-1 line up, which tells me that they were geared up for a draw rather than a win.

The Guardian - Sport

This pattern of BOLD signal "deactivation" could suggest that participants were "geared up" for better task performance after they committed a mistake (Greicius et al. 2003; Li et al. 2008c, d; Raichle et al. 2001; Shulman et al. 1997; Tomasi et al. 2006; Weissman et al. 2006).

Brain Imaging and Behavior

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"We were gearing up for a retrospective.

The Guardian

Both campaigns were gearing up for another big push in the final week.

The New York Times

A month ago, the president and his team were gearing up for a fight.

The New York Times

Around the country, immigrant advocate organizations were gearing up for protests and vigils.

The New York Times

And he is geared up for it.

The Economist

Hospitals, meanwhile, are geared up for the "granny dumping" season.

The Guardian

On your bike Many Alpine resorts are geared up for mountain biking.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were geared up for" when you want to emphasize that a group or individual has taken specific steps to prepare for something, often involving equipment, strategies, or training.

Common error

Avoid using "were geared up for" interchangeably with simpler phrases like "were ready for" if you want to specifically highlight the preparations and resources involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were geared up for" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying the subject and indicating a state of readiness or preparation. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show the phrase describing the condition of various subjects ranging from teams to organizations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were geared up for" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that indicates preparedness for a specific event or situation. Ludwig examples highlight its use in news and scientific contexts, with a generally neutral register. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives, it effectively conveys that specific preparations and resources were involved. Use it to emphasize readiness backed by tangible actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were prepared for

This alternative focuses on the state of being ready and equipped for something, similar to being geared up.

were ready for

This is a more straightforward way of expressing readiness, without the implication of specific equipment or strategy.

were equipped for

This highlights the provision of necessary tools or resources for a task.

were primed for

This suggests a state of being fully prepared and optimized for a specific outcome.

were set for

This is a more casual way of saying that arrangements have been made and readiness is achieved.

were arranged for

This suggests that plans and preparations have been completed.

were in preparation for

This emphasizes the process of getting ready rather than the state of readiness itself.

had prepared themselves for

This reflects a personal effort to make sure everything is ready for something to come.

were anticipating

Focuses on expecting something and making preparations but might miss the explicit readiness.

were braced for

Implies preparing for something potentially difficult or negative.

FAQs

What does "were geared up for" mean?

The phrase "were geared up for" means that someone or a group was prepared and equipped for a particular event or situation. It suggests they had made necessary arrangements and preparations.

How can I use "were geared up for" in a sentence?

You can use "were geared up for" like this: "The team "were geared up for" the competition after months of training".

What can I say instead of "were geared up for"?

You can use alternatives like "were prepared for", "were ready for", or "were equipped for" depending on the context.

Is "geared up for" formal or informal?

"Geared up for" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "prepared" might be preferred in highly professional settings.