like a machine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like a machine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that operates with precision, efficiency, or relentless consistency, often in a mechanical or unemotional manner. Example: "He worked through the night, processing data like a machine, without taking a single break."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'd like a machine that could make me food too.

The Guardian

"He's like a machine".

The New York Times

He spoke like a machine gun.

Independent

The life cycle is like a machine.

The New York Times

"I just work like a machine".

The New Yorker

"Recruitment, it's like a machine," he said.

The New York Times

"It's like a machine," Zaramella told me.

The New Yorker

You are treated like a machine.

The New York Times

It is shaped like a machine gun.

The New York Times - Magazine

He talks like a machine gun.

The Guardian

He's like a machine in the ring.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like a machine" when you want to emphasize efficiency, precision, or a lack of emotion in someone's actions. It’s particularly effective when contrasting human and mechanical behavior, or when highlighting someone's relentless work ethic.

Common error

While "like a machine" is a vivid simile, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and uninspired. Vary your descriptions with more nuanced comparisons or direct characterizations to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like a machine" functions primarily as a simile, used to draw a comparison between someone or something and the efficient, often emotionless, operation of a machine. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like a machine" is a simile that's used to describe something operating with efficiency, precision, and often without emotion. Ludwig confirms that it’s grammatically correct and frequently used. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it serves to highlight the mechanical nature of actions or processes. Alternatives include "operate mechanically" or "work tirelessly", offering subtle variations in meaning. While effective, overuse should be avoided to maintain writing freshness. It is important to consider all possible contexts to prevent misinterpretations of your writing purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

operate mechanically

Focuses on the mechanical nature of the action, removing the simile.

function with robotic precision

Emphasizes precision and uses a "robotic" comparison instead of "machine".

work like clockwork

Uses a different metaphor, comparing to the precise operation of a clock.

work tirelessly

Highlights the relentless effort, focusing on endurance.

perform with unwavering consistency

Stresses the consistent nature of the performance, a key aspect of machine-like behavior.

execute flawlessly

Concentrates on the error-free execution, implying precision.

operate efficiently

Highlights the efficiency aspect of the action.

act methodically

Focuses on a systematic and orderly approach, similar to a machine's programmed actions.

process information rapidly

Emphasizes the speed and efficiency of information processing, a common trait associated with machines.

perform automatically

Highlights the automatic and unthinking nature of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "like a machine" in a sentence?

You can use "like a machine" to describe someone or something that operates with precision, efficiency, or relentless consistency. For example, "He worked through the night," processing data" like a machine, without taking a single break."

What can I say instead of "like a machine"?

You can use alternatives such as "operate mechanically", "function with robotic precision", or "work tirelessly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a person as "like a machine"?

Yes, it's acceptable, but be mindful of the context. It can suggest admiration for their efficiency and focus, or it can imply a lack of empathy or emotion, depending on how it's used.

Which is correct, "working like a machine" or "working as a machine"?

"Working like a machine" is generally more common and idiomatic. "Working as a machine" is less frequently used and may sound slightly unnatural.