Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Understanding the Phrasal Verb: Gear Up For

📖 Definition

To prepare oneself or others for a particular task, event, or situation, often involving gathering resources or mental readiness.

Examples in context

The festival organizers gear up for the massive influx of visitors every year.
Students gear up for the new semester by buying books and supplies.
Families gear up for the holiday season with decorations and festive menus.

📖 Definition

To prepare oneself or others for a particular task, event, or situation, often involving gathering resources or mental readiness.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

Object can split the verb and particle.

Neutral

Used in both formal and informal situations.

Transitive

No direct object is required after the phrasal verb.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	gear up for	They gear up for the annual marathon.
Past Simple	geared up for	We geared up for the final exam.
Present Continuous	gearing up for	She is gearing up for her first solo concert.
Present Perfect	have geared up for	They have geared up for the big launch.

💡 When to Use

Before an important event

Use when preparing for significant occasions, requiring mental and physical readiness.

Example: "Athletes gear up for the championship weeks in advance."

Starting a new project

Appropriate when setting up resources and plans for a new endeavor.

Example: "The team geared up for the new product development."

Anticipating challenges

Utilize it when getting ready to face foreseen difficulties or hardships.

Example: "As winter approached, they geared up for harsh weather conditions."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect object placement

❌ Wrong: Gear up the equipment for the test.

✅ Correct: Gear up for the test with the equipment.

💡 Tip: Keep 'up for' together with the task or event.

Wrong verb tense

❌ Wrong: We gears up for the meeting.

✅ Correct: We gear up for the meeting.

💡 Tip: Ensure subject-verb agreement in present tense.

Omitting 'for'

❌ Wrong: They are gearing up the new project.

✅ Correct: They are gearing up for the new project.

💡 Tip: Always include 'for' after 'gearing up'.

Practice

GEAR UP FOR - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

The festival organizers gear up for the massive influx of visitors every year.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

Students gear up for the new semester by buying books and supplies.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

Families gear up for the holiday season with decorations and festive menus.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

prepare for brace for

Antonyms

unprepared

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"As they ___ the performance, excitement filled the air."

gear about

gear up for

gear from

gear with

"To gear up for life's journeys is to embrace the art of preparation, ensuring readiness amid life’s unpredictability and constant change."

In Context

During World War II, the Allied forces had to gear up for one of the most significant military operations in history, known as D-Day. The planning for the Normandy invasion began months in advance, recognizing the need to coordinate troops from various nations, including the United States, Britain, and Canada. As the date of June 6, 1944, approached, soldiers and commanders alike had to gear up for the monumental task ahead. Training was rigorous; every detail, from logistics to landing strategies, was meticulously planned. The troops geared up for crossing the English Channel, aware that success depended on their readiness and coordination. On the night before the invasion, tension mingled with determination as forces made their final preparations. As dawn broke, the Allies geared up for the assault, braving treacherous beaches under fire. This operation marked a turning point in the war, underscoring how well-prepared forces could alter history's course. In the aftermath, the lessons of D-Day demonstrated the necessity of gearing up for challenges with foresight and unity, a testament to the combined efforts that overcame formidable obstacles.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Gear Up For

What is the origin of gear up for?

Originating in the 20th century, 'gear up for' combines the idea of gearing mechanisms with preparation, reflecting readiness through analogies of adjusting machinery for action.

Can gear up for be used in formal and informal contexts?

'Gear up for' suits both formal and informal contexts. Its versatility means it's applicable in business, education, and casual settings whenever preparation is key.

What is the difference between gear up for and prepare for?

Both 'gear up for' and 'prepare for' imply readiness; however, 'gear up for' often suggests a more active, dynamic process compared to the straightforward preparation in 'prepare for'.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

GEAR UP FOR - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Gear Up For

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega