What are the definitions of “gear to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Organise or arrange something for a particular purpose, audience, etc. ( Often passive ).
It's not GEARED TO non - specialists.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “gear to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb gear to is to organize or arrange something for a specific purpose, audience, or situation. It is often used in the passive form. For example, it can mean preparing a presentation for a specific audience or designing a product for a particular market.
What are the different verb forms of “gear to”?
| Root Verb | gear to |
| Third Person Singular Present | gears to |
| Present Participle | gearing to |
| Simple Past | geared to |
| Past Participle | geared to |
Example
This program is geared to helping children learn to read.
Example
The workshop gears to the needs of beginners.
Example
The company is gearing to launch a new product line.
Example
The event was geared to raising awareness about environmental issues.
Example
The course was geared to the specific requirements of the students.
What kind of phrasal verb is “gear to”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“gear to” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The presentation was geared to a non-technical audience.
Example
The training program is geared to the needs of the employees.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“gear to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The presentation was geared to a non-technical audience.
Example
The training program is geared to the needs of the employees.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “gear to”?
Gear up
To prepare or get ready for something, especially an event or activity.
Example
The team is gearing up for the big game this weekend.
Gear towards
To design or aim something at a particular group or purpose.
Example
The new software is geared towards helping small businesses manage their finances.
Good things to know
Does “gear to” have an informal or formal tone?
Gear to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.