boiler

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "boiler" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a device for heating water or producing steam. For example, "The broken boiler needed to be replaced before we could use the steam room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Axact employees operating a boiler room-style operation also allegedly posed as US officials to bully potential customers into paying thousands of dollars for worthless accreditation.

The Guardian

Ben Jackson, a student at King's College London, lived in a rented house in Lewisham and dealt with flooding and a broken boiler, and resorted to showering at university.

The Guardian

I suppose it's because while there are a lot more electric items in the home, I only have a gas fire, gas hob and the central heating boiler and water heater, most of which I've switched off since starting the experiment because of the warm weather.

The Guardian

I can't put in double-glazing, but the windows are now better fitted and less draughty; I've also got a more efficient boiler and good insulation.

The Guardian

Injustice sustained at the exact degree of necessary tension to turn the cogs of the huge machine-for-the-making-of-rich men, without bursting the boiler".

The Guardian - Books

Already in Tralee, a large wood-fuelled boiler plant provides piped heating to scores of new houses and renewed properties – older houses that are "retro-fitted" with external insulation panels – a large school, a community centre and a government building.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

As for the "bunny-boiler" plot, I think this has been quite cleverly handled.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Blank Space is her bunny-boiler anthem where she doesn't entirely convince us she's driven insane by lust into courting a series of players – and its minimalist verses make for a rather tempered, non-bombastic opener.

The Guardian - Music

Hey come in, all you redundant politicians, businessmen, scientists, (particularly forensic, because we all love CSI), bankers, soldiers, statisticians, boiler-makers, dog-trainers, customs officers and police superintendents, and teach classes of 30-plus.

The Guardian

The Ghost Polanski's political pot-boiler.

The Guardian - Film

It's rarely a shock, then, when the boiler-room pressure occasionally blows through legal safeguards.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about home heating systems, specify the type of "boiler" (e.g., gas "boiler", oil "boiler", electric "boiler") to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "boiler" interchangeably with terms like "furnace" or "heater". A "boiler" specifically heats water or produces steam, while a furnace heats air.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "boiler" is that of a noun. It refers to a specific type of apparatus used for heating water or generating steam. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correctly and widely used in this context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "boiler" functions as a noun referring to a device for heating water or generating steam. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used correctly and frequently across various contexts. Its usage spans from general discussions in news and media to more technical applications in formal and scientific writing. When describing home heating systems, it's recommended to specify the type of "boiler" for clarity. The term is widely recognized, making it a versatile and appropriate choice for describing heating apparatuses in diverse settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steam boiler

Specifically refers to a boiler that produces steam, emphasizing the steam production function.

steam generator

Refers specifically to a device that generates steam, emphasizing the steam production aspect.

water heater

Specifically heats water for domestic or industrial use, focusing on water heating.

heating unit

A more general term for any device that provides heat, applicable in various heating systems.

thermal generator

Highlights the generation of thermal energy, suitable in scientific or engineering contexts.

furnace

A broader term, typically used for industrial heating processes, can also refer to a home heating system.

heating apparatus

A formal term for any device used for heating, applicable in technical or industrial contexts.

domestic hot water system

Refers specifically to systems that provides domestic hot water.

central heating system

Encompasses the entire system for distributing heat throughout a building, not just the heating device.

hot water tank

Focuses on the storage aspect of hot water, rather than the heating process itself.

FAQs

How is a "boiler" different from a furnace?

A "boiler" heats water or produces steam for heating or hot water supply, while a furnace heats air, which is then distributed through ducts. They serve similar purposes but use different methods.

What are common types of "boilers" used in homes?

Common types include gas "boilers", oil "boilers", and electric "boilers". The choice depends on fuel availability, efficiency, and cost.

What maintenance is typically required for a "boiler"?

Regular maintenance includes checking pressure, venting air, inspecting for leaks, and annual servicing by a qualified technician to ensure efficient and safe operation.

When should I consider replacing my "boiler"?

Consider replacing your "boiler" if it's over 15 years old, frequently needs repairs, or shows signs of inefficiency, such as rising energy bills. A new, efficient model can save money in the long run.