What are the definitions of “gear up”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Get ready for a busy period.
The shops are GEARING UP for the New Year sales.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “gear up”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb gear up is to prepare or get ready for a busy period or an important event. It often refers to making necessary arrangements or taking steps to ensure that everything is in place for the upcoming situation.
What are the different verb forms of “gear up”?
| Root Verb | gear up |
| Third Person Singular Present | gears up |
| Present Participle | gearing up |
| Simple Past | geared up |
| Past Participle | geared up |
Example
The team is gearing up for the big game this weekend.
Example
She gears up for her exams by studying every day.
Example
The company is gearing up for the product launch.
Example
They geared up for the holiday season by decorating their store.
Example
The athletes had geared up for the competition by training hard.
What kind of phrasal verb is “gear up”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“gear up” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The city is gearing up for the annual festival.
Example
The students geared up for their final exams.
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 up” 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 city is gearing up for the annual festival.
Example
The students geared up for their final exams.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “gear up”?
Good things to know
Does “gear up” have an informal or formal tone?
Gear up 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.
