Meaning & use
turbocharging
Last updated
“turbocharging” is a form of “turbocharge”.
Meanings
noununcountabletechnical
The process or system of using a turbocharger to force more air into an engine, increasing its power.
Grammar: Used as a mass noun: 'Turbocharging improves performance.' No plural form.
Patterns
- turbocharging of an engine
- turbocharging system
- turbocharging technology
Turbocharging allows a smaller engine to produce the power of a larger one.
The new model features turbocharging for better fuel efficiency.
Engineers are constantly refining turbocharging to reduce lag.
verbtransitivetechnical
Present participle of turbocharge: fitting or powering an engine with a turbocharger.
Grammar: Takes an object: 'They are turbocharging the engine.' Often used in passive: 'The car was turbocharged.'
Patterns
- turbocharging an engine
- turbocharging a car
The mechanic is turbocharging the old engine to boost its output.
They are turbocharging the fleet of trucks to meet new emission standards.
Word forms
| third person singular | turbocharges |
|---|---|
| past tense | turbocharged |
| past participle | turbocharged |
| present participle | turbocharging |
Common combinations
- turbocharging system
- The turbocharging system adds significant power.
- turbocharging technology
- Modern turbocharging technology reduces turbo lag.
- turbocharging an engine
- Turbocharging an engine requires precise tuning.
- twin-turbocharging
- Twin-turbocharging uses two turbochargers for smoother power delivery.
Synonyms and how they differ
- supercharging
- Supercharging also forces more air into an engine, but it is driven mechanically by the engine's belt rather than by exhaust gases.
Word family
- turbocharger noun
- The device that uses exhaust gas to spin a turbine and compress intake air.
- turbocharged adjective
- Describing an engine equipped with a turbocharger.
- turbocharge verb
- To equip or power an engine with a turbocharger.
Commonly confused: turbocharging or supercharging?
turbocharging vs supercharging
Supercharging uses a mechanically driven compressor, while turbocharging uses exhaust gas. Both increase power but work differently.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'turbocharging' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 1 is correct because 'turbocharging' as a gerund takes an object ('the engine') and functions as a subject. Option 0 is wrong because 'turbocharging' as a noun refers to the process, not a physical part. Option 2 is ungrammatical: the present participle needs 'is' or 'was'. Option 3 has subject-verb agreement error: 'Turbocharging' is singular.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “turbocharging”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.