change down
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To switch to a smaller gear in a car, usually because you're slowing down or going uphill.
Literal meaning: To change the gear selection downward to a numerically lower gear.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To select a lower gear in a vehicle with a manual transmission, typically when slowing down or approaching a hazard.
"You need to change down before you reach the sharp bend, not during it."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Primarily British English. American English prefers 'downshift' or 'gear down'. Used in the context of driving manual (stick-shift) vehicles. Less relevant as automatic transmissions become more common.
Commonly used with
gear corner hill junction roundabout speed
Forms
Base
change down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
changes down
he/she/it
Past simple
changed down
yesterday
Past participle
changed down
have + pp
-ing form
changing down
continuous
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Synonyms
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