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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
bow to the machine
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "bow to the machine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express submission or acknowledgment of the power or authority of technology or automation. Example: "In today's world, we often find ourselves having to bow to the machine, as technology dictates the pace of our lives."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
'I bow to the machine.' It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Motherwell had to bow to the inevitable in selling goal machine Louis Moult and they might struggle to fend off end-of-season interest in his striking successor, Curtis Main.
News & Media
Bow to the tradesmen, bow to the masses!
News & Media
U.S. will bow to the Indians!
Academia
He did not bow to the king.
News & Media
I bow to the god of convenience.
News & Media
This is Iolanthe - upside-down: bow, bow, to the lower-middle classes!
News & Media
Then, you bow to the audience.
News & Media
"I bow to the forces of serendipity".
News & Media
"I bow to the divine in you".
News & Media
Smile and bow to the audience.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "bow to the machine" when you want to express acceptance or resignation to the power and influence of technology in a particular situation.
Common error
While technology plays a significant role, be mindful not to use "bow to the machine" in situations where human decisions and actions are still critical. Overusing the phrase can undermine the importance of individual responsibility and ethical considerations.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "bow to the machine" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating submission or yielding to the power or influence of technology. As Ludwig AI explains, it can be used to acknowledge the increasing role of automation.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Wiki
20%
Science
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
10%
Encyclopedias
10%
Academia
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "bow to the machine" is used to express the idea of submitting or yielding to the power and influence of technology. As Ludwig AI indicates, it acknowledges the increasing role of automation in various aspects of life. The phrase, though grammatically correct, is relatively rare in usage. It’s found in contexts like News & Media, Science, and Wiki, and carries a neutral register, suitable for discussions about technology’s pervasive influence. While using this phrase, be mindful not to overuse it in situations where human agency and ethical considerations remain critical. Alternatives like "yield to technology" or "submit to automation" can provide similar meanings depending on the context.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
yield to technology
Focuses specifically on technology as the dominant force.
submit to automation
Highlights the aspect of automation and its increasing influence.
accept technological dominance
Emphasizes the acceptance of technology's powerful role.
adapt to the digital age
Shifts focus to adapting to the era defined by digital technology.
conform to the system
Generalizes the idea to conforming to any established system, not just technological ones.
embrace automation
Suggests a more positive and willing acceptance of automation.
acquiesce to the algorithm
Refers specifically to algorithms, implying a more precise and potentially opaque system.
defer to the program
Highlights the act of deferring to a specific program or software.
surrender to the code
Uses "code" metaphorically to refer to underlying technological systems.
comply with technological imperatives
Places emphasis on the necessity of complying with demands driven by technology.
FAQs
How can I use "bow to the machine" in a sentence?
You can use "bow to the machine" to indicate yielding or submitting to the influence or power of technology. For example, "In manufacturing, companies often must "bow to the machine" to increase efficiency".
What does it mean to "bow to the machine"?
To ""bow to the machine"" means to accept or submit to the power, authority, or demands of technology or automated systems, often implying a lack of control or choice.
Are there situations where it's better not to use "bow to the machine"?
Yes, it's best to avoid using ""bow to the machine"" when you want to emphasize human agency, critical thinking, or ethical considerations. In such cases, focus on the importance of human decisions and responsibilities.
What are some alternatives to "bow to the machine" that I can use?
Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "yield to technology", "submit to automation", or "accept technological dominance" to convey a similar meaning.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested