mechanism

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mechanism" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a system or process for achieving a result. For example, "The company implemented a new mechanism to ensure employees received their wages on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are advocating for a mechanism to end war with more attention to a perpetrator not victims.

The Guardian

But it was already a late-stage product, and the mechanism has not yet been used again.

The Guardian

At the moment it "meets the government's objective that the mechanism will not be a driver of abatement towards the 2020 target", AIG said.

The Guardian

"Compromise is possible on issues like movement of [Palestinian] players and equipment, if a mechanism can be agreed," a member of the Palestinian delegation told the Guardian.

The Guardian

In other words: we do not, as yet, have an adequate response mechanism, an ability to eliminate the threat of terrorism the way decisive steps undertaken by the British SAS, the German GSG-9 and other units succeeded in reducing the number of cases involving hijacked aircraft to almost nil.

The Guardian - Opinion

They know there is no mechanism to elect a new leader.

The Guardian

The foot-dragging will generate an impression to the public that they [the IPCC] are not interested, or they are waiting for relevant people to die, or they are just a bunch of people who cannot sort themselves out and have no intelligent priority mechanism, or if they have, they have prioritised this extremely low".

The Guardian

Both parties confirmed on Monday that they would use a "petition of concern" – a parliamentary mechanism designed to veto bills that do not have the support of each religious/political community in the region – to shoot down the welfare bill.

The Guardian

The authors propose a mechanism for milk's harmful effects – its high content of D-galactose (galactose is a sugar), which is shown to cause oxidative stress, inflammation and ageing in animal studies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It said it would try to redeploy the 172 employees whose jobs are at risk with the closure of the 1,000 megawatt Ferrybridge coal-fired power station in West Yorkshire, which recently missed out on subsidies under the capacity mechanism to ensure security of supply.

The Guardian - Business

Yet what has been unfolding in the past 15 months or so should make even the most ardent pro-European think about an orderly mechanism for making member states exit: the euro crisis and, less obviously, Hungary's backsliding from liberal democracy to a soft form of authoritarianism, or what an American paper recently called "Lukashenko lite".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mechanism", ensure the context clearly defines what parts interact and how they achieve the intended result. Specificity enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "mechanism" when a simpler term like "method" or "process" would suffice. Overusing "mechanism" in abstract contexts can make your writing sound unnecessarily technical or complex.

Linguistic Context

The word "mechanism" primarily functions as a noun. It refers to a system or process designed to achieve a specific outcome, whether it's a physical apparatus or an abstract framework. Ludwig highlights its use in various contexts, from political mechanisms to safety mechanisms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "mechanism" functions as a noun to describe a system or process designed to achieve a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains. While versatile, ensure its use is specific and avoid overuse in overly abstract contexts to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives like "system", "process", or "method" for simpler explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

System

Refers to an organized set of components or procedures, broader than a specific device.

Process

Emphasizes a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end.

Apparatus

Implies a complex piece of machinery or equipment used for a specific purpose.

Device

A piece of equipment or a tool designed for a particular function.

Procedure

A specific method or way of doing something, especially in a series of steps.

Method

A particular form of procedure for accomplishing or approaching something.

Technique

A skillful or efficient way of doing or achieving something.

Operation

The way in which something functions or works.

Machinery

Refers to the working parts of a machine or apparatus.

Instrumentation

The range of instruments used for a particular purpose.

FAQs

How is "mechanism" typically used in a sentence?

The word "mechanism" is used to describe a system, process, or device that achieves a specific result. For example, "The body has a complex mechanism for regulating temperature."

What are some alternatives to using "mechanism"?

You can use alternatives like "system", "process", "device", or "method" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "mechanism" over "system"?

"Mechanism" is more appropriate when describing the specific parts and interactions that make something work. "System", on the other hand, is more general and refers to a set of things working together. For example, a clock has a mechanism, while the solar system is a system.

Can "mechanism" refer to abstract concepts?

Yes, "mechanism" can refer to abstract concepts such as economic or political mechanisms. However, ensure the context still implies a structured process or set of interactions. Overuse in purely abstract contexts can reduce clarity.