apparatus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apparatus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a complex structure or system designed for a specific purpose, often in scientific or technical contexts. Example: "The laboratory was equipped with advanced apparatus for conducting experiments on chemical reactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As well as whalers' harpoons, whales must navigate the dangers of ship strikes, entanglements in shipping nets and other ocean apparatus, disorientating man-made ocean noises, habitat destruction, resource exploitation, climate change and pollution.

The Guardian

A large apparatus, however, always faces the same battle – over national visions, sovereignty, money, positions.

The Guardian

Living quietly in retirement from the end of 1990, Jaruzelski tried hard for the rest of his life to convince the world he had never been less than a Polish patriot, and that from 1989 he dismantled the apparatus of communist rule setting Poland firmly on the path to democracy and the free market.

The Guardian

Chris O'Dowd has some feminine elements – he has big eyes and a full mouth, but he is also very hairy and the sheer bulk of his facial apparatus would put him out of the running in any "passing for a woman" competition.

The Guardian - Film

The US spying apparatus and Silicon Valley's top tech firms are basically in the same business, collecting information on people, he said.

The Guardian - Tech

The Vatan-e-Emrooz newspaper, which has a conspiratorial mindset, published a front-page article in April warning that the event is aimed at orchestrating a "soft overthrow" in Iran and urged the country's intelligence apparatus to be vigilant.

The Guardian - Tech

As part of a long-term counterinsurgency strategy, successive British governments poured billions into Northern Ireland not just to meet the paramilitary threat through a vast security apparatus but in addition to reform and rebuild.

The Guardian

In reality, as 50 MPs declared when some of these revelations first surfaced, Thatcher's government and its security apparatus were themselves guilty of the mass "subversion of democratic liberties".

The Guardian - Opinion

During a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Monday, Paul said he will "do everything possible" to reign in the government's surveillance apparatus.

The Guardian

The "head hunters'" quarry included true-believers that the British state security apparatus (or at least some parts of it) were happy to be rid of such as IRA Derry Brigade activist Paddy Flood, whom most republicans in the city now admit was not an informer.

The Guardian

(updated below [Wed.]) Since we began began publishing stories about the NSA's massive domestic spying apparatus, various NSA defenders – beginning with President Obama - have sought to assure the public that this is all done under robust judicial oversight.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apparatus", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific function or purpose of the equipment or system being referenced. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "apparatus" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler terms like "equipment" or "tools" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "apparatus" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a complex machine, instrument, or system designed for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. Examples show usage in both scientific and political contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun "apparatus" refers to a complex system or collection of tools designed for a specific function, often in scientific, technical, or bureaucratic settings. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is grammatically correct and frequently used. The word "apparatus" is considered very common in News & Media sources. When writing, use "apparatus" when you want to convey complexity. For more informal scenarios, consider alternatives like "equipment" or "tools". Keep in mind that sources like The Guardian and The Economist frequently employ this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equipment

Focuses more on the physical tools and resources used for a specific task.

machinery

Emphasizes the mechanical or operational aspect of the system.

instrumentation

Highlights the use of precise instruments for measurement or control.

mechanism

Draws attention to the internal workings and processes of a system.

system

Refers to a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole.

device

A general term for a tool or piece of equipment designed for a specific purpose.

setup

Refers to the arrangement or configuration of equipment for a particular task.

infrastructure

Emphasizes the basic physical and organizational structures needed for a society or enterprise.

complex

Highlights the intricate or elaborate nature of a system or structure.

organization

Focuses on the structured arrangement of elements for a specific purpose, often in a bureaucratic context.

FAQs

How is "apparatus" typically used in a sentence?

The word "apparatus" is a noun that usually refers to a complex set of equipment or machinery designed for a specific purpose. For example, "The laboratory was filled with scientific apparatus." It can also refer to a bureaucratic system or organization.

What are some alternatives to using "apparatus"?

You can use alternatives like "equipment", "machinery", "instrumentation", or "system" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "apparatus" to describe a simple tool?

While "apparatus" can refer to tools, it's generally more appropriate for complex or specialized equipment. For simpler tools, consider using words like "tool", "device", or "instrument".

Can "apparatus" refer to non-physical entities?

Yes, "apparatus" can also refer to an organization or system, especially a bureaucratic one. For example, "the state apparatus" refers to the governmental structure and its functions.