a computer to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a computer to read" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a computer that is intended for reading or processing information. Example: "I bought a new device, a computer to read e-books and articles more comfortably."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He hurried to a computer to read up.

The New York Times - Magazine

Also, any appliance with an electronic keypad requires a little power to run a computer to read the keypad.

The New York Times - Tech

In an archive clip, a TV reporter introduces a radical new idea: using a computer to read the newspaper.

The Guardian - Film

Instead of relying on the eyes of an assistant referee, though, as he sprints down the sideline and tries to determine where the attacker was at the moment the ball was played, the referee could count on a computer to read images provided by the cameras.

The New York Times - Sports

It's kind of a broken system, since it requires me to get in front of a computer to read the full article.

TechCrunch

Spivack told me that nickel should be able to endure the harsh conditions of the moon ("it's essentially indestructible"), while the microfiche format won't require a computer to read, just a really powerful optical microscope: "We don't want to assume in the distant future that somebody has our operating system".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

You will essentially be telling your computer to read a CD or flash drive upon starting up, rather than accessing data in its hard drive.

WikiHow

Sometimes, when he leaned into the computer to read an article I had sent him, I could see the pores of his face.

The New York Times

Computers find it hard to recognize these words because the ink and paper have degraded over time, but by typing them in as a CAPTCHA, crowds teach computers to read the scanned text.

TechCrunch

If the FBI or NSA could break strong encryption, then they would remove the memory chips from Farook's iPhone, copy the data and run it through a cloud of government computers to read the files.

TechCrunch

But the researchers share the concerns of those who fear a dystopian future in which our traits and habits become an "open book" for computers to read.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more descriptive alternatives like "a reading computer" or "a computer designed for reading" if the context requires greater clarity about the computer's primary function.

Common error

Avoid using "a computer to read" if the computer has multiple functions beyond just reading. In such cases, it's more appropriate to say "a computer that can read" or describe its other capabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a computer to read" functions as a noun phrase modified by an infinitive phrase ("to read"). The infinitive specifies the intended purpose or function of the computer. Ludwig highlights the correctness and usability of this construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a computer to read" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that indicates a computer's intended purpose or function is reading. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase appears in a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki. While generally neutral in tone, more specific alternatives like "a reading computer" can offer greater clarity. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose of reading, and avoid overgeneralizing if the computer has multiple functions. Remember that context always matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a computer for reading

Replaces the 'to' infinitive with a 'for' prepositional phrase, emphasizing the purpose.

a reading computer

Uses 'reading' as an adjective to describe the computer's function.

a computer capable of reading

Emphasizes the computer's capability to perform reading tasks.

a computer designed for reading

Highlights the intended design or purpose of the computer.

a computer that reads

Turns the phrase into a relative clause describing the computer.

a computer used for reading

Focuses on the computer's application in reading activities.

a computer to facilitate reading

Highlights the facilitative role of the computer in the reading process.

a computer that helps with reading

Simplifies the phrase, emphasizing assistance with reading.

a computer equipped for reading

Emphasizes the equipment or features of the computer that enable reading.

a computer intended for reading

Focuses on the intended use or function of the computer.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a computer to read" for better clarity?

Consider alternatives such as "a reading computer" or "a computer for reading" to emphasize the device's purpose.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a computer to read"?

Yes, "a computer to read" is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, ensure that the context clearly indicates the intended purpose of reading. Ludwig confirms its usability with numerous examples.

When should I use "a computer to read" versus "a computer that reads"?

Use "a computer to read" when highlighting the intended function or design purpose. Use "a computer that reads" to describe the computer's capability in a more general sense.

What are some common contexts where "a computer to read" might be used?

"A computer to read" is often found in discussions about technology, education, and accessibility, where the focus is on using computers to consume or process textual information. News & Media, Science and Wiki are all primary contexts.