ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gear to

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to design or organize something so that it is suitable for a specific group of people or a particular purpose.

phr. v.. to adjust or adapt something to suit a specific need, audience, or objective; frequently used in the passive voice to describe the intended target of a service or product.


SIMPLE

The course is geared to beginners.

CONTEXTUAL

The new fitness program is geared to busy professionals who only have thirty minutes to exercise.

COMPLEX

While the initial marketing campaign was geared to domestic consumers, the company eventually pivoted toward an international audience to maximize growth.

Particles
to
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
gear + object + to + recipient
Usage

often used in the passive voice as 'be geared to' or 'be geared toward'.

Teaching tip

explain that 'gear' relates to machinery and settings; just as you change gears on a bike for different hills, you 'gear' a service for different people.

Pitfall

The book is gear to children.The book is geared to children.this phrase is almost always used in the passive form, requiring the past participle 'geared'.

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