computer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "computer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to a device used for processing and storing data, such as "I need to buy a new computer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Computational science applies computer simulation, scientific visualization, mathematical modeling, algorithms, data structures, networking, database design, symbolic computation, and high-performance computing to help advance the goals of various disciplines.

Britannica

Another set of services, variously called utility computing, grid computing, and hardware as a service (HaaS), involves the provision of computer processing and data storage to outside users, who are able to run their own applications and store their own data on the remote system.

Britannica

It was in the course of his work on the Entscheidungsproblem that Turing invented the universal Turing machine, an abstract computing machine that encapsulates the fundamental logical principles of the digital computer.

Britannica

He highlights his skills with computer software, but also stresses that he is happy to take any kind of work.

The Guardian

It seems Zoolander and Hansel now have a better grasp on technology than they did during the first film, when there was some confusion about how to get files out of the computer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Steve Jobs introduced Apple's revolutionary computer Macintosh, two days after the groundbreaking commercial "1984" aired before a national TV audience and heralded the product's impending release.

Britannica

Like Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine (from the 19th century) and the British World War II computer Colossus, it had conditional branching that is, it had the ability to execute different instructions or to alter the order of execution of instructions based on the value of some data.

Britannica

He was reported to have been given a high position on the state computer committee and to have helped establish the closed Internet system used within North Korea.

Britannica

Sergey Brin, (born August 21, 1973, Moscow, Russia, U.S.S.R ., American computer scientist and entrepreneur who created, along with Larry Page, the online search engine Google, one of the most successful sites on the Internet.

Britannica

In 1997 the WTO's Information Technology Agreement ITA and Basic Telecommunications Agreement BTABTA) reduced the tariffs on computer and telecommunications products and some intangible goods considered to be drivers of the developing knowledge-based economy.

Britannica

The very existence of computer hardware inside such devices is not apparent to the user.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about computers, be specific about the type of "computer" you are referring to (e.g., desktop, laptop, server) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of the word "computer" by using synonyms like "device", "system", or more specific terms like "processor" or "workstation" to improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "computer" is as a noun. It typically refers to a programmable electronic device that can perform calculations and logical operations. Ludwig confirms its role as a noun denoting a machine used for data processing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "computer" functions primarily as a noun, widely employed to refer to electronic devices capable of processing data. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While ubiquitous, it's most frequently observed in encyclopedic, news, and scientific contexts. For enhanced clarity in writing, it is often beneficial to specify the type of "computer" being referenced (e.g., laptop, server). To prevent redundancy, consider using synonyms such as "device" or "system".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal computer

Specifies a computer designed for individual use.

desktop computer

Refers to a computer designed to stay on a desk.

laptop

Describes a portable computer.

computing device

A broader term encompassing any device capable of performing computations.

processor

Refers to the central processing unit, the 'brain' of a computer.

workstation

A high-performance computer usually for professional use.

machine

A general term for a device performing a task, can refer to a computer.

digital device

A device using digital technology, frequently a computer.

electronic device

Any device powered by electricity, but can sometimes mean a computer.

system

In computing, 'system' can imply both hardware and software.

FAQs

How to use "computer" in a sentence?

You can use "computer" as a noun to refer to a device used for processing and storing data, such as "I need to buy a new computer".

What can I say instead of "computer"?

You can use alternatives like "computing device", "processor", or "machine" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "computer" and "computing device"?

"Computer" typically refers to a specific device, while "computing device" is a broader term that encompasses any device capable of performing computations, including smartphones and tablets.

Which is correct, "computer" or "computer device"?

"Computer" is generally preferred. "Computer device" is less common and can sound redundant, as a computer is already a device.