machine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "machine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing technology, equipment, or devices that perform tasks automatically or with minimal human intervention. Example: "The new machine in the factory has significantly increased our production efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet – to quote Lanier again – "people are the only sources or destinations of information, or indeed of any meaning to the machine at all".

The Guardian - Opinion

It treats the child as if it were a machine that needs to be maintained.

The Guardian

They don't want to be firebrands; their music is what Holman calls "social documentation" in the lineage of the Streets, rather than Rage Against The Machine.

The Guardian - Music

Related: From online dating to driverless cars, machine learning is everywhere "It's that idea of focus and perspective as two ends of that spectrum, and that for anything you're doing, you're moving back and forth between them.

The Guardian - Tech

Bin Laden also wrote that he found the suggestion of one militant in Yemen that blades be attached to a tractor or other farm machine to create a "killing machine" in the US unacceptablee".

The Guardian

Are there more coffee shops now than there were in the 1950s, the last time youth culture revolved around the espresso machine?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The machine hit Japanese shelves on 3 December 1994, barely a week after Sega's rival Saturn console.

The Guardian - Tech

As party chair, she made enemies of MPs who found her manner abrasive and who doubted her grasp of the party machine.

The Guardian - Opinion

Until the last few weeks the conventional wisdom in Washington, London and Arab capitals was that Isis had been forced on to the back foot, suffering from shortages of cash, weapons and problems of resupply, even if its morale was sustained by a slick propaganda machine that kept attracting recruits.

The Guardian

But the cogs of the machine are turning slowly.

The Guardian

For machines like the Surface Pro (which has a detachable keyboard), when the keyboard is attached it behaves like a desktop machine; without it, Windows switches to a more touch-friendly interface with an on-screen back button and other touch elements to make things a bit easier with fingers on a screen.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "machine", consider the level of technical detail required. For general audiences, "device" or "equipment" might be clearer. In technical contexts, "apparatus" or "mechanism" could be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "machine" when simpler terms like "tool" or "gadget" are more fitting. Overusing technical terms in casual conversation can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The noun "machine" primarily functions as a referential noun, denoting a device that performs a specific task. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from espresso machines to complex industrial machinery. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Tech

25%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Travel

5%

Sport

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "machine" is a versatile noun with broad applications, from everyday appliances to complex systems. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its frequency and presence across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Tech, and Opinion, underscores its importance in modern communication. While "machine" is generally neutral in tone, choosing more specific alternatives like "device" or "mechanism" can enhance clarity in certain situations. Keep in mind, "machine" is a singular noun, and the collective plural can be referred to as "machinery". The sources show it is frequently used in the context of daily living, technology and politics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

machinery

Collective term for machines

device

A more general term for a piece of equipment designed for a specific purpose.

equipment

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

apparatus

Refers to a complex piece of equipment or machinery.

mechanism

Focuses on the working parts of a machine and how they interact.

system

Highlights the interconnected components working together.

tool

A simpler instrument used to perform a task.

engine

Specifically refers to a machine that converts energy into mechanical force or motion.

contraption

Often refers to a strange or complex machine.

automation

Emphasizes the automated aspect of a machine.

FAQs

How to use "machine" in a sentence?

You can use "machine" to refer to various devices, such as "The vending machine is out of order" or "The factory uses advanced machinery".

What can I say instead of "machine"?

You can use alternatives like "device", "apparatus", or "mechanism" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "machine" and "machinery"?

"Machine" refers to a single device, while "machinery" is a collective term for multiple machines or a system of machines.

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

Yes, "machine" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing technology, engineering, or industrial processes. However, consider the specific context and choose the most precise term available.