a fuel pump

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fuel pump" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific component in a vehicle or machinery that pumps fuel to the engine. Example: "The mechanic diagnosed the issue as a faulty fuel pump that needed replacement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"We had buckets and hoses and a fuel pump in our swimming pool.

The Guardian

The fuel system, including a fuel pump, regulator and a five-gallon tank, had to be pieced together.

The New York Times

And if something does go wrong -- like a fuel pump failing on an airplane -- Abrams' crew tries to make sure safety is not compromised.

The New York Times

The bad seal should have been thrown away as a factory reject, but instead was installed in a fuel pump that flew on Discovery six weeks ago.

The New York Times - Science

A fuel pump will be moved to a higher spot, and the elevator pits will be waterproofed and sealed, she said.

The New York Times

Under its special-coverage policy, G.M. would only replace a fuel pump if it were leaking or if the smell of gasoline could be detected, Mr. Adler wrote.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

In a letter (PDF) posted on the Web site of the safety agency over the weekend, G.M. said high temperatures could cause a fuel-pump component to crack, allowing fuel to leak.

The New York Times

A prototype system is introduced, detailed and verified with the example of a fuel-pump.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

Button missed five hours' running with a fuel-pump problem before going nearly a second clear of his closest pursuer, Mark Webber's Red Bull.

BBC

The victory, the 19th of Raikkonen's career, came in an incident-packed race and after McLaren's Lewis Hamilton retired from a comfortable lead with a fuel-pump failure.

BBC

The problem was later found to be a fuel-pump failure, continuing a dismal run of reliability from McLaren in recent races.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about vehicle maintenance, specify the type of "a fuel pump" if relevant (e.g., electric, mechanical) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a fuel pump" without context when discussing complex fuel systems; detail its specific role or type for technical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fuel pump" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. It refers to a specific component within a larger system, commonly in vehicles or machinery, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fuel pump" is a common noun phrase that refers to a component responsible for delivering fuel in engines. Ludwig confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in news, science, and general information settings. While generally neutral in tone, specifications of its usage in vehicles or machineries is expected in more technical discussions. Given the diversity of contexts in which it appears, writers should prioritize clarity by specifying the type or function of the "fuel pump" being discussed. The phrase sees frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pump for fuel

Rearranges the words while retaining the meaning.

gasoline pump

Specifies the type of fuel being pumped.

petrol pump

Uses an alternative term for gasoline.

automotive fuel pump

Specifically names the general use case of the fuel pump.

electric fuel pump

Specifies the method of actuation.

fuel pump mechanism

Focuses on the internal workings of the fuel pump.

fuel transfer pump

Highlights the movement of fuel.

fuel delivery system component

Positions the fuel pump within a larger system.

fuel-metering pump

Focuses on the precise measurement of fuel.

fuel pressurization device

Emphasizes the pressure aspect of the pump's function.

FAQs

How is "a fuel pump" typically used in a sentence?

It's used to describe a component in a vehicle or machinery that pumps fuel to the engine. For example, "The mechanic replaced "a fuel pump"."

What are some alternative terms for "a fuel pump"?

Depending on the context, you could use "gasoline pump", "petrol pump", or "fuel delivery system component".

Which is correct, "a fuel pump" or "the fuel pump"?

Both are correct, but "a fuel pump" is used when referring to a general instance, while "the fuel pump" refers to a specific fuel pump, like the one in your car.

What is the difference between "a fuel pump" and "an alcohol fuel pump"?

"A fuel pump" generally refers to a standard pump for gasoline or diesel, while "an alcohol fuel pump" is specifically designed for alcohol-based fuels like ethanol.