compute

USAGE SUMMARY

'compute' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe the process or result of using a computer or some form of calculation to work out an answer. For example, "I used a computer to compute the answer to the math problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although it is often said that modern computers can compute anything (i.e., any function of natural numbers, or equivalently, any function of strings of letters from a finite alphabet), this is incorrect.

SEP

The above result should not be confused with the common claim that computers can compute anything.

SEP

Since an uncountable infinity is much larger than a countable one, it follows that Turing machines (and hence digital computers) can compute only a tiny portion of all functions (over denumerable domains, such as natural numbers or strings of letters).

SEP

Turing also showed that there are universal Turing machines — machines that can compute any function computable by any other Turing machine.

SEP

By contrast, according to the mechanistic account, the computer simply failed to compute, or at least it failed to complete its computation correctly.

SEP

By adopting a convention for representing TRUE and FALSE, perhaps that TRUE is represented as a sequence of two '1's and FALSE as one '1', we can design Turing-machines to compute the characteristic functions of computable predicates.

SEP

This is the question of how to compute the consequences of an action without the computation having to range over the action's non-effects.

SEP

It was made of DNA.The computer was so small that a trillion could exist, and compute in parallel, inside a small drop of water.

The Economist

The task in 50-over cricket is almost rote now, its formula exhausted by repetition, while the blunt challenge of T20 remains brutally simple to compute.

The Guardian - Sport

Then, under arbitrary assumptions regarding growth rates, inflation, privatisation receipts, and so forth, they compute what primary surpluses are necessary in every year, working backward to the present.

The Guardian - Business

At 10 o'clock, bang, it's the exit polls, and this time there will be Scottish exit polls to look at again, then you've got the slow bit up until 1am, then it starts to happen and you're trying to figure out if the first results compute against the exit poll".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compute", ensure the context clearly indicates the type of calculation being performed, whether it's a mathematical equation, a statistical analysis, or a complex algorithm.

Common error

Avoid using "compute" when a precise calculation isn't possible or required. "Estimate" is more appropriate for approximations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "compute" is as a verb, indicating the action of performing a calculation or computation. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, confirming its usage in various sentence structures to describe the process of arriving at a numerical or logical conclusion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "compute" is a versatile verb primarily used to describe the process of calculating or determining something, especially through mathematical or logical operations. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in scientific, news, and business contexts. While alternatives like "calculate" and "determine" exist, each carries slightly different nuances. To use the term effectively, consider the precision needed and the audience. Whether calculating complex equations or processing data, "compute" remains a standard and widely accepted term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calculate

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the mathematical aspect of finding a result.

determine

This alternative focuses on the process of establishing a result or value through analysis or calculation.

figure out

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes the cognitive effort involved in reaching a solution.

work out

Similar to "figure out", this alternative is more colloquial and focuses on finding a solution to a problem.

assess

This alternative implies evaluating or estimating something, often with a degree of approximation.

estimate

This alternative refers to approximating a value, especially when precise calculation is not possible or necessary.

quantify

This alternative emphasizes expressing something numerically or in terms of a quantity.

evaluate

This alternative suggests a more comprehensive assessment, potentially involving multiple factors or criteria.

process

This alternative shifts the focus to the action of transforming data or information, as in a computer program.

reckon

This alternative is an older term for calculating or estimating, often used in specific regional dialects or contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "compute" in a sentence?

You can use "compute" to describe the process of calculating something, especially with a computer. For example, "The computer can "compute" complex equations quickly".

What are some alternatives to "compute"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "calculate", "determine", or "figure out".

What's the difference between "compute" and "calculate"?

"Calculate" is a general term for finding a numerical result, while "compute" often implies using a computer or a more complex method to arrive at the result. However, they are frequently interchangeable.

Is it correct to say "does not compute"?

Yes, the phrase "does not "compute"" is an idiom often used to express that something doesn't make sense or is illogical.