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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?
plato
plato OP
1,543 posts
 
Then again, I suppose that if you were speaking metaphorically with the individual components each representing respective cogs in the chain, you could use "gears" in that context. But I think it's a stretch.

Cornfed gets the cigar for his "collective noun" answer. I'll buy that. :)

I actually know a couple of reviewers who use "gears" improperly in print, so it's no wonder that folks are confused as to the term's proper usage.
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
meant to address my last post to michael (swampwalker) not craig. oops! -cfb
aroc
760 posts
 
New gears? Only for my Ford Mustang! I like 3.73:1 gears the best. They really get you in the powerband quick. And when I'm not "banging gears," I can haul most of my gear in the back with the seats down (sans speakers). All my gear.

Though I wish I'd kept the 2.73:1 gears. The stereo gear would slide around less since I'd be shifting gears less often. And we all know _shifting gears_ will definitely cause your _gear to shift_. That's a lot of gear! gears? :-/ I need to lie down. (or is it *lay*, LOL. pun not intended!) I NEED HELP!
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
2.73 gears? what do you want to do 250mph? 4.11 tops out at 160 mph but will do it in 1/4 mile or is it 1/4 miles. I was never any good at English!
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,541 posts
 
Plato: No, it is not proper useage in the US, but it "kits" Vs "kit" perhaps proper?
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