mechanically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mechanically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions performed in a mechanical or automatic manner, often without thought or emotion. Example: "He completed the task mechanically, going through the motions without any real engagement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have developed a lidar that they think can be shrunk to the size of a box of matches and which will, according to Scott Davis, one the firm's co-founders, cost hundreds, rather than thousands of dollars if mass produced.Existing lidars sweep the beam mechanically, and this mechanism takes up space.

The Economist

Mechanically, we're already there: driverless cars, Siri, Facebook ad-targeting algorithms that can pick at your most private insecurities.

The Guardian - Film

Once a year, like clockwork during the third week of March, millions of Americans mechanically pour their hard-earned wages into NCAA tournament pools they have virtually no chance of winning.

The Guardian - Sport

The farms are much bigger and they're all mechanically minded – they sit on tractors".

The Guardian

The fear is that players of his generation can become infantilised, as mechanically dependant as infuriatingly over-dressed modern cars, with their electronically variable valve-timing, their six months in the workshop to recalibrate the flux capacitor that powers the wing mirror hinge.

The Guardian - Sport

Many of those winning designs seem mechanically complex and wholly inappropriate in meeting the needs of the global poor.

The Guardian

Mr Heraud is coy about Lettuce Bot's cost, but says it will be competitive with manual labour.Its creators are also working on a machine capable of excising weeds mechanically using a rotating blade.

The Economist

Russia's president, stricken with fever, pneumonia and perhaps other ailments, gesticulated mechanically at his Chinese visitor, Jiang Zemin.

The Economist

As the ship moves through a spill, the oil-impregnated wool will be gathered mechanically up ramps and taken into the ship.

The Economist

As the pile's other control rods were mechanically withdrawn, radiation counters ticked up.

The Economist

On November 27th a jury chose a winner.To make paper, you either grind woodchips mechanically to separate the fibres, or cook them with chemicals to remove the lignin, which binds the fibres together.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mechanically" to describe processes or actions that occur automatically, without conscious thought, or through the use of machinery. It is particularly useful when emphasizing the non-human or routine nature of an action.

Common error

Do not overuse "mechanically" to describe human behavior that requires thought or emotional engagement. Overusing this term can suggest a lack of empathy or understanding, particularly in contexts where human interaction is important.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "mechanically" primarily functions to modify verbs, indicating that an action is performed in a mechanical manner, typically without conscious thought or emotion. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in describing both machine-driven and human actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adverb "mechanically" is a versatile term used to describe actions performed in a machine-like or automatic manner. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples reveals that it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and scientific contexts. While "mechanically" can effectively convey a lack of conscious thought or emotion, it is important to use it judiciously, especially when describing human actions, to avoid unintended negative connotations. Alternatives such as "automatically" or "by automation" may be more suitable in certain situations. In summary, understanding the nuances of "mechanically" allows for precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

automatically

Implies a process occurs without conscious effort or external intervention.

by automation

Focuses on the use of automated systems to perform a task.

by machine

Highlights that a task is carried out by a piece of machinery.

in an automated fashion

Emphasizes the structured and predictable nature of the action.

without human intervention

Underscores the absence of human involvement in the process.

by rote

Indicates a task performed from memory without understanding or analysis.

perfunctorily

Suggests a task is carried out carelessly or routinely.

in a robotic manner

Highlights the lack of emotion or spontaneity in the action.

instrumentally

Focuses on the use of the action as a means to achieve a specific end.

computationally

Relates to actions performed by a computer or through computational methods.

FAQs

How can I use "mechanically" in a sentence?

You can use "mechanically" to describe actions performed by a machine or without conscious thought. For example, "The robot completed the task mechanically" or "He answered the questions mechanically, without showing any emotion".

What are some synonyms for "mechanically"?

Alternatives to "mechanically" include "automatically", "by automation", or "by machine". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to describe a person's actions as "mechanically"?

Yes, you can describe a person's actions as "mechanically" if they are performing a task in a routine or automatic manner, without much thought or feeling. However, be mindful of the connotation, as it can imply a lack of engagement or emotion.

What's the difference between "mechanically" and "automatically"?

While both terms suggest a lack of conscious control, "mechanically" often implies that the action is performed by or as if by a machine, whereas "automatically" simply means that it happens without deliberate effort.