infrastructure

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'infrastructure' is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to the basic facilities, services and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society, such as transport and communications systems, power plants, and public institutions. For example, "This city has invested heavily in its infrastructure, creating safer roads and bridges and more reliable public transportation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is because building better infrastructure helps create jobs, building a stronger economy for us all.

The Guardian

The world economy was in a tailspin and facing disaster to match the 1930s, but Brown had a plan which he had compared to the Bretton Woods agreement that shaped the world's postwar economic infrastructure.

The Guardian

Party leadership figures lined up to persuade members to vote for an endorsement of "business of usual" on fiscal policy, albeit accepting some amended language committing us explicitly to prioritising sensible stuff like investment in infrastructure.

The Guardian - Opinion

The ramshackle infrastructure of Central America's smallest country was devastated.

The Guardian - Sport

There was One North's £15bn transport infrastructure plan, including a high-speed rail link, "HS-3", from Manchester to Leeds – reportedly even more extravagant than the proposed high speed rail link, HS2.

The Guardian

Longfield says childcare should also be considered like a long-term infrastructure project.

The Guardian - Opinion

Watson replied: "Was Clinton telling the truth?" Obeid also denied he told former Lehman Brothers banker Gardner Brook that the family's investment in water infrastructure could eclipse their interests in the Mount Penny coal mine which was thought to have the potential to earn the family about $100m.

The Guardian

In addition, our first priority is to invest in the squad and football staff infrastructure to support the manager Eddie Howe and his coaching staff, which we believe is the best strategy to maintain our Premier League status.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet, although even the IMF is crying out for the classic Keynesian boost to infrastructure spending, there is precious little sign of a favourable response from policymakers, especially in the beleaguered eurozone.

The Guardian

Underpinning all of this is our radical programme of investment in infrastructure.

The Guardian - Opinion

You see it in the physical infrastructure: all those new flyovers sprouting up around the city to enable the chauffeur driven classes to get about more easily, even while the commuter trains are still bursting; the crowded, chaotic public hospitals that get by while gleaming new private hospitals open up.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "infrastructure", be specific about the type of infrastructure you are referring to (e.g., transportation, energy, digital) to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "infrastructure" as a catch-all term. Always specify the sector or type of infrastructure to avoid ambiguity and ensure your message is clear.

Linguistic Context

The noun "infrastructure" functions as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes the fundamental facilities and systems serving a community or organization. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in contexts ranging from economic development to technological advancement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "infrastructure" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that refers to the foundational systems and facilities necessary for a community or organization to function effectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most often in contexts related to news, business, and science. When using the term, it's best to be specific about the type of "infrastructure" you're discussing. While alternatives like "basic systems" or "essential facilities" exist, "infrastructure" provides a concise and widely understood way to convey the concept. Its widespread use across various domains underscores its importance in contemporary discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential facilities

Highlights the necessary aspect of the facilities for a society or organization.

basic systems

Focuses on the fundamental nature of the installations and services.

economic backbone

Emphasizes the fundamental role of infrastructure in supporting economic activity.

support systems

Focuses on the supporting role of infrastructure for other activities.

service network

Highlights the interconnectedness of services provided by the infrastructure.

public works

Emphasizes projects built for public use and benefit.

foundational framework

Emphasizes infrastructure's role as a base for further development.

development framework

Suggests a broader scope, including the planning and policies related to infrastructure development.

capital assets

Highlights the financial value and long-term investment aspect of infrastructure.

national grid

Specifically refers to interconnected networks for electricity and other utilities.

FAQs

How can I use "infrastructure" in a sentence?

You can use "infrastructure" to refer to the basic facilities and systems serving a country, city, or area. For example, "The city needs to invest in its transportation infrastructure to reduce traffic congestion."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "basic systems", "essential facilities", or "public works".

Is it correct to say "infrastructures"?

While "infrastructure" is often used as an uncountable noun, "infrastructures" can be used to refer to multiple, distinct systems. However, using "infrastructure" as a singular noun is more common.

What is the difference between "infrastructure" and "architecture"?

"Infrastructure" refers to the fundamental facilities and systems serving a population, while "architecture" refers to the design and construction of buildings or other structures. "Architecture" focuses on the aesthetic and functional aspects of individual structures, whereas infrastructure encompasses the broader supporting systems.