2. tech-talk
  3. 1012660865

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
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
You bought some new gears? They sell audio gears. I don't think so.

I saw some deers on the way to work (Nope)

Now, "let's drink some beers" is probably wrong (could be slang), but "how many beers" is correct.

Check with Brittany Spear (or Spears?)

cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
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
clueless
763 posts
 
and cfb, when is the last time you've had some corns? (Other than if your shoes don't fit.)

Sincerely, I remain
swampwalker's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
Not to be a party pooper, (and I've never been accused of being p.c.), but I've gotten the impression that this may just be an artifact of some folks difficulty with English.
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
craig: you may be correct but i see nothing wrong with a little polite discourse on english usage. like it or not, english is the language of the 'net. BTW, it should be "some folks'." :o) -kelly
More to discover