mechanisms

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mechanisms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a device or system for creating or controlling motion or other forces. For example: "The mechanisms in a car engine work together to power the vehicle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A better understanding of the genetic and environmental mechanisms of the disease will lead to improved diagnosis and therapies.

The Guardian

Early attempts to introduce payment by results into public services may have been met with scepticism, but the coalition government made important progress in developing new commissioning mechanisms that focus on paying for outcomes rather than simply paying for services, and showed a willingness to learn.

The Guardian

Inclusion and participation of poor people can be ensured through a range of mechanisms.

The Guardian

"Sometimes they don't have proper mechanisms [for updates], where they can just produce a security fix and get it quickly installed on the systems and devices," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

It is a 700ft ballet of precisely considered mechanisms, where even the counterweights, set within coloured frames, resemble works of art.

The Guardian - Arts

Since the crisis began, citizens in creditor countries have become resistant to taking responsibility for the debts of others without having mechanisms for controlling their spending.

The Guardian - Opinion

Solomon Islands is a Melanesian country, and in most Melanesian cultures men control the decision making and governance mechanisms in the villages – girls and women are excluded.

The Guardian

Opportunity Now has set out recommendations for employers on tackling bullying and harassment, including training managers, establishing more informal reporting mechanisms and monitoring the diversity of employees bringing complaints.

The Guardian

Typically, the mechanisms involved include retribution against perpetrators through the criminal justice system, and reparations to victims, including the return of property, financial compensation for suffering, or symbolic gestures such as overturning unjust convictions – as well as simply saying sorry.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Of course, there are the generally available support mechanisms – R&D and others available to the industry – but we are working closely with the component suppliers to see what is viable in that industry.

The Guardian

He also promised to improve "operational and legal mechanisms so that disciplinary steps are taken against proven human right violations by the armed forces".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mechanisms" when referring to the specific functional components of a system, rather than the system as a whole.

Common error

Avoid using "mechanisms" as a catch-all term when more precise vocabulary is available. For example, instead of saying "the mechanisms for change", specify the actual "processes" or "methods" involved.

Linguistic Context

The word "mechanisms" functions primarily as a noun, often used in a technical or descriptive sense to refer to a system's components or processes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and widely accepted term, appearing in examples that showcase its descriptive power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mechanisms" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun, primarily found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe the components and processes within systems, requiring clarity and precision. When using "mechanisms", it's important to be specific and avoid overgeneralization. Related phrases include "systems", "processes", and "procedures". To enhance writing, focus on describing what the "mechanisms" do and how they function, ensuring precise and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

systems

Focuses on the overall organization rather than specific functional parts.

processes

Emphasizes the series of actions or steps taken to achieve a result.

procedures

Highlights the established method or official way of doing something.

devices

Refers to a piece of equipment or a tool used for a specific purpose.

instruments

Suggests tools or means used to achieve a particular effect.

operations

Implies a series of actions performed to achieve a goal.

arrangements

Refers to the way things are organized or planned.

techniques

Emphasizes a specific method or way of doing something skillfully.

methods

Denotes a particular procedure for accomplishing or approaching something.

approaches

Focuses on a way of dealing with a situation or problem.

FAQs

How can I use "mechanisms" in a sentence?

You can use "mechanisms" to refer to the components of a system or process, such as, "The car's braking mechanisms need repair" or "The body has various mechanisms for regulating temperature".

What are some alternatives to using "mechanisms"?

Depending on the context, you could use "systems", "processes", "methods", or "devices" instead of "mechanisms".

Is it appropriate to use "mechanisms" in formal writing?

Yes, "mechanisms" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in technical, scientific, and academic contexts where detailed descriptions of how things work are necessary.

How does the use of "mechanisms" differ from "methods"?

"Mechanisms" generally refer to the working parts or processes within a system, while "methods" are specific procedures or ways of achieving a particular outcome. "Mechanisms" are often components of the "methods" used.