in american english usage, "gear" is a collective noun that refers to a group of things regarded as a unit. hence, there is generally no plural form needed or appropriate. the verb form for many collective nouns is different, however, in american vs. british english. here, for example, we say "the jury was polled," while across the pond "the jury were polled" is the preferred usage. -cfb
New gears?
Hey yous guys,
Guess what -- the word "gear" is a plural form without the added "s" when used in the context of audio (or any other) type of equipment. When I think of "gears," it's usually in the context of individual mechanical gears, like those found in a watch or a multi-speed bicycle. I don't believe it should be used to refer to individual components.
Am I wrong? Is "gears" also acceptable when used in this context? It sounds very odd to me. Any English scholars out there?
Guess what -- the word "gear" is a plural form without the added "s" when used in the context of audio (or any other) type of equipment. When I think of "gears," it's usually in the context of individual mechanical gears, like those found in a watch or a multi-speed bicycle. I don't believe it should be used to refer to individual components.
Am I wrong? Is "gears" also acceptable when used in this context? It sounds very odd to me. Any English scholars out there?
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- 17 posts total
- 17 posts total