machines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "machines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to mechanical devices or systems that perform tasks, often in a technological or industrial context. Example: "The factory relies heavily on machines to increase production efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have introduced "self service" machines that perform most library duties, and have radically cut down on staff.

The Guardian - Books

The money is accessed through their mobile phones, with M-Pepea sending a special pin code to be used in cash machines.

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

Bookmakers, already week after last week's budget raised the tax on lucrative fixed odds betting machines from 20% to 25%, dipped again on reports that the weekend's Premier League football fixtures were bad news, with all the favourites winning and costing them £20m.

The Guardian - Business

"He needs to improve his circulation by using our machines and he will need to take our products.

The Guardian

This used to be known as idling, but in a multi-tasking world, in which we seem to be living at a pace dictated by machines, going at human speed suddenly begins to look like sanity and freedom.

The Guardian - Travel

I blew the whistle on the NSA's surveillance practices not because I believed that the United States was uniquely at fault, but because I believe that mass surveillance of innocents – the construction of enormous, state-run surveillance time machines that can turn back the clock on the most intimate details of our lives – is a threat to all people, everywhere, no matter who runs them.

The Guardian - Opinion

These people are vaping from heavy chrome and black machines with gorgeous industrial detailing, all intricately engraved, and they are generating Flying Scotsman levels of vapour.

The Guardian

"There are some tumours that require radiotherapy to the whole brain and whole spinal cord," said Dr Yen-Ching Chang, a specialist in paediatric radiotherapy and lead on proton beam therapy at University College London hospitals, which will have one of the UK's two machines from 2018.

The Guardian

The filters are based on the technology used in kidney dialysis machines.

The Guardian

We started looking at ways to get sewing machines to local women.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "machines" when referring to multiple mechanical or electronic devices performing tasks. For a single device, use "machine."

Common error

Avoid using "machines" in very informal contexts where simpler terms like "devices" or "gadgets" might be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "I have many machines in my house," consider "I have many devices in my house."

Linguistic Context

The word "machines" primarily functions as a plural noun. It refers to multiple mechanical or electronic devices that perform a specific task or set of tasks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "machines" is a grammatically sound and frequently used plural noun that refers to various mechanical or electronic devices designed to perform specific functions. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely applicable and correct. Predominantly found in news, media, scientific, and business contexts, its formality level is typically neutral but can lean towards formal depending on the context. When using the term "machines", consider alternatives like "equipment" or "devices" for broader applications or "mechanisms" when emphasizing internal workings. Remember to avoid overuse in extremely casual conversations where simpler vocabulary may suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devices

More generic term referring to any piece of equipment designed to serve a specific function.

equipment

Broader term encompassing tools, devices, and apparatus used for a particular purpose.

mechanisms

Focuses on the internal workings and processes within a machine or system.

apparatus

Formal term denoting a complex instrument or equipment used for a specific purpose.

appliances

Specifically refers to devices designed for household tasks.

instrumentation

Refers to a collection of instruments used for observation, measurement, or control.

robotics

Relates to advanced machines capable of automated tasks.

systems

Implies a complex network of interconnected components working together.

gadgets

Informal term for small, often novel, technological devices.

contraptions

Often refers to peculiar or complicated devices, sometimes with a negative connotation.

FAQs

How do I use "machines" in a sentence?

Use "machines" as a plural noun to refer to multiple devices or systems that perform a task. For example, "The factory uses automated "machines" to increase efficiency."

What are some synonyms for "machines"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "equipment", "devices", or "mechanisms". Each has a slightly different nuance.

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

"Machines" typically refer to devices with moving parts that perform a specific function, while "equipment" is a broader term that can include any tools or supplies needed for a particular activity.

Is it correct to use "machines" when referring to computers?

Yes, "machines" can be used to refer to computers, especially in technical contexts. For example, "The data is processed by powerful "machines"."