machinery

USAGE SUMMARY

"machinery" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to machines generally, or a complex system of machines that accomplish a specific task. For example, you might say "The factory relies heavily on its sophisticated machinery to produce its products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unless dramatic measures are taken, and fast, Labour will continue to be punished for the strategic error of neglecting its machinery in Scotland and for taking voters for granted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Aside from the increased pollution and heavy machinery, there is more segregation along economic and class lines.

The Guardian - Arts

The ruthless tactics adopted include the use of government machinery and media.

The Guardian - Opinion

We need to think about what other parties would have, in terms of the machinery to make sure people are properly briefed.

The Guardian

But this is not really bad news, because the jump was mostly due to a massive increase in the import of machinery and equipment from Korea to Western Australia: The rumour is the that it was a number of locomotives for Gina Rinehart's Roy Hill mine.

The Guardian - Business

The Federation of Small Businesses said its members are still refused loans to buy machinery, cover cashflow problems and expand sales.

The Guardian - Business

The struggle for social justice takes place no longer just amid lines of machinery, but in places such as the Focus E15 occupation by single mums and the Sex Worker Open University projects in London and Glasgow.

The Guardian - Opinion

On through Hay, machinery stores dot the landscape which has made money from sheep and wool, though in later years crops like rice and cotton have been grown.

The Guardian

In one image five lifeless youths lie beside farm machinery.

The Guardian

Yesterday, I joined about 150 others in a demonstration to occupy parts of the area being developed by Whitehaven Coal, who have set up amazing machinery to destroy the Leard State Forest.

The Guardian - Opinion

Secondly, the UK has for many years tended to spend less on investment in new plant and machinery than its peers.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to complex systems, use "machinery" to emphasize the interconnectedness and operational aspects of the various components. For instance, describe a country's administrative structure as 'the machinery of government' to highlight its functional aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "machinery" when simpler terms like "equipment" or "tools" are more appropriate. Overusing "machinery" in basic contexts can sound unnecessarily complex and formal.

Linguistic Context

The word "machinery" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a collection of machines or the working parts of a machine. Ludwig AI highlights various contexts where it denotes either physical equipment or the organizational structure of a system. For example, it can describe factory equipment or the functions of government.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "machinery" is a noun widely used to describe a collection of machines or the operational components of a system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct and is frequently found in diverse contexts, particularly in news and business publications. While the word conveys a sense of complexity and integration, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly formal in simple contexts. Related phrases include "equipment", "apparatus", and "mechanism", each offering slightly different nuances. When incorporating "machinery" in your writing, consider the target audience and aim for clarity and precision to enhance the overall impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equipment

Refers to a set of tools or physical resources used for a specific purpose.

apparatus

Indicates a complex instrument or piece of equipment for a specific purpose.

mechanism

Focuses on the internal workings or system of parts that make something function.

system

Highlights an organized set of connected parts that form a complex whole.

gear

Denotes equipment or apparatus used for a particular purpose.

implements

Refers to tools or instruments used to carry out a task.

plant

Implies a collection of equipment used in an industrial or manufacturing context.

tooling

Focuses on the tools and equipment used in manufacturing processes.

workings

Describes the operational parts or inner functions of a device or system.

gadgetry

Refers to a collection of innovative or specialized devices.

FAQs

How to use "machinery" in a sentence?

You can use "machinery" to refer to the working parts of a machine, such as, "The factory relies heavily on its sophisticated machinery to produce its products." Alternatively, it can refer to a system or organization, like "The machinery of government needs reform".

What can I say instead of "machinery"?

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

Which is correct, "machinery" or "machines"?

"Machinery" is a collective noun that refers to a group of machines or the working parts of a machine. "Machines" is the plural form referring to individual units. Use "machinery" when referring to the overall system and "machines" when referring to individual items.

What's the difference between "machinery" and "equipment"?

"Machinery" often implies a complex, interconnected system of machines working together, whereas "equipment" is a more general term for tools or items used for a specific purpose. "Machinery" typically suggests a higher degree of complexity and integration.