innards

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "innards" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the internal organs of a person or animal, although it can be used more generally to refer to the internal parts of any object. For example: "The mechanic pulled apart the engine to inspect its inner workings and its various innards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"First you take the liver out, then you open the rib cage and take the innards out.

The Guardian - Film

With an MRI scanner, a bespoke finger-pulling device, and a gifted and willing knuckle-cracker, they set about recording the first video footage of the innards of a knuckle being cracked.

The Guardian

What makes ARM processors ideal for the cramped innards of a handheld gizmo is their compact design, low operating temperature and frugal power consumption.

The Economist

Much of the fun in interpreting pictures of Pluto may thus come from comparing it with Triton, a sort-of-sibling which has had its innards warmed by Neptune's tides.

The Economist

In ancient Egypt cassia and cinnamon fetched a high price because they were essential for embalming; so too were anise, marjoram and cumin, used to rinse out the innards of the worthy dead.

The Economist

American AIBO buyers tend to be computer geeks who want to hack the robotic dog's programming and delve in its innards.

The Economist

At previous console launches, executives have boasted about their boxes' whizzy technological innards.

The Economist

They are commodities: regardless of the brand emblazoned on the plastic shell, the innards are essentially the same.

The Economist

Its sophistication and stealth led Symantec to conclude that it must have been written by a nation-state.In this section Feast and famine The spy who hacked me ReprintsRegin (the arbitrarily chosen name comes from a text string found in the bug's innards) is only the latest in a long line of government-sponsored malware (see table).

The Economist

And as with all new technologies, unmanned vehicles will have uses that have not yet been imagined.Already, the technology is so easily available that you can build a basic UAV for around $1,000 from model-aircraft parts, the innards of a GPS unit and a Lego Mindstorms robotics kit just as Chris Anderson has done.

The Economist

IN THE Hindu ghetto, a maze of winding alleys and bright-coloured temples, Lal Chand sluices water over the dried blood and innards of his neighbour.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "innards" to describe the internal components of a machine, ensure the context is clear and that the word choice doesn't sound too graphic or informal.

Common error

Avoid using "innards" when describing abstract concepts or systems where a more metaphorical term like "core" or "foundation" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The noun "innards" primarily functions as a plural noun, referring to the internal organs of an animal or human. It can also describe the internal components of a device or system, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "innards" is a grammatically correct plural noun frequently used in English to describe the internal organs of an animal or human, or the internal components of a device. According to Ludwig, it's commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. While "innards" is a neutral term, writers should consider the specific context and tone when choosing between it and alternatives like "internal organs" or "inner workings". It's important to avoid overly literal interpretations and use more appropriate terms for abstract contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

internal organs

Refers specifically to the organs within a body.

viscera

A more technical term for the internal organs, especially those in the abdomen.

entrails

Refers to the intestines and other internal organs, often in the context of butchering or dissection.

bowels

Specifically refers to the intestines.

guts

An informal term for the intestines or internal organs.

insides

A general term for the internal parts of something.

inner workings

Refers to the internal mechanisms or processes of something, not necessarily biological.

internal components

Describes the parts that make up the inside of a device or system.

mechanism

Focuses on the functional parts inside a system or device.

core

Refers to the central or most important part of something.

FAQs

How is the word "innards" typically used in a sentence?

The word "innards" is used to describe the internal organs of an animal or human or the internal parts of a mechanical device. For example: "The chef prepared the animal's "internal organs" for the dish." or "The mechanic inspected the car's "inner workings"."

What are some words I can use instead of "innards"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "internal organs", "viscera", "entrails", or "insides".

Is it appropriate to use "innards" to describe the internal parts of a computer?

Yes, it is acceptable, although it might be considered somewhat informal. More formal alternatives include "internal components" or "inner workings".

What is the difference between "innards" and "guts"?

"Innards" is a more general term for internal organs, while "guts" often specifically refers to the intestines or the visceral contents. "Guts" can also carry a more colloquial or visceral connotation. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.