mechanic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'mechanic' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person who repairs and maintains engines, machines, and vehicles. Example sentence: My car broke down, so I took it to the mechanic to get it fixed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For me, being an actor was synonymous with wandering round with a gin and tonic and plotting how to murder your wife by cutting the brakes on her car, having offered to fix them ("You fools, anyone could have told you I wasn't a qualified mechanic").

The Guardian

Jump!, the debut exhibition, offers a specific exploration of the titular gameplay mechanic.

The Guardian - Travel

After leaving Holland, Ali had hoped to find work as a mechanic in the UK.

The Guardian

Until August, the 30-year-old balanced his boxing career with a full-time day job as a mechanic in the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia's facilities department.

The Guardian - Sport

Originally from Somalia, Ali, 50, emigrated to Holland in the mid-80s, where he worked as a train mechanic for 21 years, before coming with his family to the UK.

The Guardian

One day, a Ukrainian friend, Eugeniusz Bendera, a gifted mechanic who worked in the camp's garage, came to him.

The Guardian

The coffee shop, bar and general hangout recently started selling cheep, cheerful and very colourful single-speeds from China, and a bike workshop is attached, run by mechanic Dawa Rumba.

The Guardian

Our old car is being given to our mechanic in lieu of some money we owe him for repairs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Unlike puzzle games, where the mechanic gets tiring after a couple of hours, they offer a dizzying range of activities.

The Guardian - Opinion

The mechanic had picked the Steyr 220 – the fastest car in Auschwitz, there for the sole use of the commandant.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The car-mechanic industry in the United States is a $60 billion market, and that excludes things like bodywork, oil changes and air-conditioning maintenance, according to IBISWorld, a market-research firm.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's profession, use "mechanic" if their primary role involves repairing and maintaining machinery. Be specific about the type of mechanic if relevant (e.g., "car mechanic", "aircraft mechanic").

Common error

Avoid using "technician" interchangeably with "mechanic" unless the individual possesses a strong theoretical understanding alongside hands-on experience. A "mechanic" typically has more practical experience, while a "technician" often has stronger theoretical knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The word "mechanic" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a skilled worker who repairs and maintains machinery. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing professions and specific roles. The word can also function as an adjective related to mechanics or mechanical principles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "mechanic" is a common noun that refers to someone skilled in repairing machinery. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its primary function is to identify professionals or game elements, with a neutral register suitable for news, business, and general contexts. When writing, be mindful of differentiating "mechanic" from "technician" and specifying the type of mechanic where relevant. Common alternative include "repair person" or "automotive technician". As shown by the examples in Ludwig, it's a versatile term applicable across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

auto repairer

Focuses specifically on car repairs, a subcategory of general mechanical work.

engine specialist

Highlights a deep understanding and skill in working with engines.

automotive technician

Implies a more technical and diagnostic approach to car maintenance.

service technician

Emphasizes the service aspect of repairing and maintaining equipment.

machinery maintenance worker

Highlights the role of maintaining machines, broadening the scope beyond vehicles.

garage worker

Specifies the workplace of a mechanic, implying car-related repairs.

maintenance engineer

Suggests a higher level of technical skill and engineering knowledge in maintaining systems.

maintenance professional

A more formal and professional way to describe someone in the maintenance field.

repair person

A more general term for someone who fixes things, not necessarily specialized in mechanics.

skilled tradesperson

Broader term encompassing various skilled trades, including mechanics.

FAQs

How is the term "mechanic" used in a sentence?

You can use "mechanic" to refer to a person who repairs machines, as in "The "mechanic" fixed my car quickly". It can also refer to a specific element of a game, as in "The jumping "mechanic" is central to the game."

What are some alternative words for "mechanic"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "repair person", "technician", "machinist", or "auto repairer".

Is it better to say "mechanic" or "engineer" when referring to someone who fixes cars?

While both roles involve working with machinery, a ""mechanic"" typically focuses on repairs and maintenance, whereas an "engineer" is involved in the design and development of machines. If the person primarily fixes cars, "mechanic" is more accurate.

What is the difference between a game "mechanic" and a game "feature"?

A game ""mechanic"" is a specific rule or system that allows a player to perform an action, while a "feature" is a broader aspect of the game's design or content. For example, jumping is a mechanic, while character customization is a feature.