gadgets

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'gadgets' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to electronic or mechanical devices that have been designed to solve a specific task or situation. For example: "My grandfather loves to buy the latest gadgets from the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The announcement of the Nobel prize in chemistry follows on Wednesday, with a China-US duo – Ching Tang and Steven van Slyke – cited as potential winners for the invention of the organic light-emitting diode, used in a range of gadgets including mobile phones.

The Guardian

But in general, technology sites and newspaper tech sections seem to be still obsessed with gadgets and novelties.

The Guardian - Tech

"Mostly little things like a toaster and other gadgets you realise are unnecessary," he says.

The Guardian - Travel

In my day-to-day life I am a gadgety person but the thing I've found in what I do is that there aren't really many gadgets that can help or do anything.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many areas of IoT show such benefits, though some smart gadgets are more about whizz-bang effects than efficiency, which may well be why we're seeing more smart heating than smart fridges in the UK.

The Guardian - Tech

She's looking forward to seeing just how much having all her gadgets on standby really costs.

The Guardian

I'd been looking forward to browsing the shelves for zany gadgets, but the reality was slightly disappointing.

The Guardian - Travel

Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi, which outsold Samsung and Apple in its domestic market at Christmas, is expanding to 10 new countries as it races larger rivals to flood emerging economies with low-cost gadgets.

The Guardian - Tech

Every iPhone and iPad release since 2007 has been accompanied by long lines of expectant fans queuing around the block – often for days and nights – ahead the new gadgets going on sale.

The Guardian - Tech

In Breaking the Spell, Dennett quotes Pascal Boyer, who suggests that music is a supernormal stimulus which mimics and heightens the effects of speech, and that we make symmetrical patterns with textiles, buildings, gadgets to deliberately "overstimulate [our] visual cortex".

The Guardian - Tech

Ghosts have acclimatised themselves to our media (think of the fictitious haunted videotapes in the Japanese horror film Ringu), and our new technologies look for them (think of the gadgets used by the numerous international ghost-hunting societies).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Highlight the specific features of the "gadgets" you are mentioning, avoid using a generic definition. For example, say "wearable gadgets", or "kitchen gadgets".

Common error

Avoid using "gadgets" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional terms like "devices", "instruments", or "systems" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gadgets" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple small, often ingenious or novel, technological objects or devices. According to Ludwig AI, this term is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Tech

18%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Travel

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "gadgets" functions primarily as a plural noun, denoting multiple technological devices. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, revealing it to be commonly used in neutral to informal registers. The word frequently appears in News & Media, Tech, and Lifestyle contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "devices" or "instruments". When writing about "gadgets" try to be specific by adding a category like "wearable gadgets" or "kitchen gadgets".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devices

A broader term that encompasses all types of equipment or instruments used to perform a specific function.

gizmos

Informal term referring to a small, often ingenious device or mechanism.

appliances

Specifically refers to devices designed for a particular use, often in the home.

contraptions

Implies a complex or unusual piece of equipment, often with a slightly negative connotation of being overly complicated.

electronics

Refers more generally to items that work via electrical currents and components.

implements

Tools or instruments, often implying a practical or functional use.

instrumentalities

A formal word for tools or instruments used to achieve a goal.

equipment

A collection of items used for a specific purpose or activity.

hardware

The physical components of a computer or electronic system.

digital accessories

Items that enhance or supplement the functionality of digital devices.

FAQs

How can I use "gadgets" in a sentence?

You can use "gadgets" to refer to various devices. For example: "The store sells the latest "wearable gadgets"."

What are some alternatives to using the word "gadgets"?

Depending on the context, you could use words like "devices", "gizmos", or "appliances".

Is it appropriate to use "gadgets" in formal writing?

While "gadgets" is widely understood, it's generally better to use more formal terms like "devices" or "instruments" in formal writing.

What is the difference between "gadgets" and "appliances"?

"Gadgets" is a general term for any device. "Appliances" typically refers to devices designed for specific household tasks.