generator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to machines or devices that produce something, such as electricity or ideas. Example: "The power generator provided electricity to the entire building during the outage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since it is attached to a generator, that nodding generates electricity.Even with innovations like these, tidal power has a long way to go before it becomes an important source of electricity.

The Economist

BP Amoco claimed that the FTC's approval strengthened the case for its $33 billion takeover of Atlantic Richfield.National Grid, a British electricity generator, agreed on a pricing formula with the Massachusetts attorney-general to improve its chances of winning regulatory approval for its $3.8 billion acquisition of New England Electric and Eastern Utilities.

The Economist

Unlikely to be as pleasant on the eye, but no less explosive, that particular showdown is scheduled for Saturday, with the fixture generator having unwittingly maximised excitement among Iceland's football followers by pitting the Premier League's two potential title winners against each other on the final day of the season.

The Guardian - Sport

To avert disappointment, there are even spare tellers waiting in the wings, and a backup generator on standby in case of power cuts.

The Guardian

In its winter outlook, the operator of pipes and pylons said the electricity margin – the difference between expected peak demand and available supply – has fallen to 4.1%, from a restated 5.9% last year, because of planned generator closures, breakdowns and delays to new plants.

The Guardian - Business

The generator spluttered to a stop, but they kept dancing anyway.

The Guardian

To an unsuspecting America – he'd already shown his true colours on UK TV on Pop Idol – Simon Cowell was the waspish, perma roll-necked quote generator whose aim was to destroy people's dreams one quip at a time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A close reading leaves little room for doubt that vendors like Microsoft, IBM, Siemens, Cisco and Hitachi construct the resident of the smart city as someone without agency; merely a passive consumer of municipal services – at best, perhaps, a generator of data that can later be aggregated, mined for relevant inference, and acted upon.

The Guardian

But while other businesses struggle the hotel's guaranteed customers make it one of the few places that can afford to run an electric generator most of the night, which in turn transforms the courtyard into a makeshift club at weekends.

The Guardian

It was hooked up to some magic circuit, powered by the owner's tiny generator.

The Guardian - Opinion

An artist may well have invented the internet's dream: a North Korea meme generator.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific type of "generator", specify its function (e.g., "diesel generator", "wind generator", "random number generator") to provide clarity.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "generator" (a device that produces something) with "generation" (the act of producing or a group of people born around the same time). For example, use "the diesel generator provides power" instead of "the diesel generation provides power".

Linguistic Context

The word "generator" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a device or system that produces something, often electricity. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from power generation to data creation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "generator" is a versatile noun primarily used to describe a device or system that produces something, most commonly electricity, but also applicable to ideas, data, or other outputs. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts. While primarily neutral in register, it finds frequent use in news, business, and science. It is important to differentiate the word "generator" with "generation". When referring to an electricity-producing device, consider alternatives like "power source" or "generating set".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

power source

Focuses specifically on the function of producing power or energy.

generating set

Implies a complete, self-contained unit for generating power.

producing device

Highlights the act of creation or production in a general sense.

electrical source

Specifies that the source is electrical in nature.

prime mover

Indicates the initial source of mechanical power for a system.

energy converter

Emphasizes the transformation of energy from one form to another.

power plant

Refers to a large-scale facility for generating electrical power.

creation engine

A more metaphorical term for something that generates ideas or products.

yield mechanism

Emphasizes the process by which something is produced or yielded.

fuel cell

Implies the production of electricity through chemical reactions.

FAQs

How is a "generator" typically used in a sentence?

A "generator" is typically used to describe a machine or device that produces something, like electricity. For example, "The power "generator" kicked in during the blackout" or "This algorithm is a random number "generator"".

What are some alternatives to the word "generator"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "power source", "generating set", or "producing device".

What's the difference between a "generator" and a "turbine"?

A "generator" converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, while a "turbine" converts the energy of a moving fluid (like steam or water) into mechanical energy. A turbine often drives a "generator".

Is it correct to use "generator" to describe something that produces ideas?

Yes, "generator" can be used metaphorically to describe something that produces ideas, content, or other intangible things. For example, "This tool is a quote "generator"".