piece of engineering

USAGE SUMMARY

"piece of engineering" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to something that has been created through engineering, for instance: "The bridge spanning the river is an impressive piece of engineering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"From where I'm sitting," he says, "I'm looking at the most fantastic piece of engineering, the engine sheds at King's Cross.

The Guardian - Books

Although those blue-collar credentials might seem unbecoming of an E-Class aspirant, the 363hp, 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine is a piece of engineering worthy of respect, with features like cylinder deactivation to conserve gasoline.

BBC

It is a wonderful piece of engineering and, of course, Scotland has bred some great engineers.

The Guardian - Travel

Jump those hurdles, and the engine turns out to be a fine piece of engineering, producing smooth, throaty power at high revs.

Los Angeles Times

It's a wonderful piece of engineering.

The Guardian - Opinion

DocSync is a brilliant piece of engineering.

The New York Times - Tech

The NEX-7 is an astonishing piece of engineering.

The New York Times - Tech

Kearns' intermittent wiper was an elegant piece of engineering.

The New Yorker

Overall, the JBR FM is an excellent piece of engineering.

MIT Technology Review

The nuclear envelope is an amazing piece of engineering.

FEBS Letters

As a piece of engineering, the Trico system was not especially distinguished.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as a "piece of engineering", consider specifying what makes it noteworthy. Highlighting particular features or its purpose will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "piece of engineering" as a generic descriptor for all structures. Reserve it for items that truly showcase ingenuity or a complex application of engineering principles.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase. The phrase "piece of engineering" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it often describes a tangible creation or design resulting from engineering practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "piece of engineering" is a common and generally correct noun phrase used to describe something that demonstrates the application of engineering principles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and widespread usage. It's frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, expressing admiration for the ingenuity or complexity of a design or structure. While versatile, it’s best used to describe objects that genuinely showcase engineering expertise rather than as a generic descriptor. Alternatives like "work of engineering" or "engineering marvel" can add nuance depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work of engineering

Emphasizes the creative or constructive aspect.

engineering marvel

Highlights the impressive and astonishing nature of the engineering.

engineering feat

Focuses on the achievement and skill required.

technical achievement

Broader term, includes non-engineering fields.

product of engineering

Highlights the result of the engineering process.

engineering creation

Implies a deliberate act of bringing something into existence through engineering.

example of engineering

Used to point out a particular case or instance.

structure

A general term for something that has been built or constructed.

construction

Refers to the process of building something.

design

Focuses on the planning and specification stage.

FAQs

How can I use "piece of engineering" in a sentence?

You can use "piece of engineering" to describe something that has been designed and built using engineering principles, such as "The new bridge is a remarkable "piece of engineering"".

What is a more formal alternative to "piece of engineering"?

A more formal alternative to "piece of engineering" could be "engineering marvel" or "work of engineering", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a piece of engineering work"?

While not incorrect, ""piece of engineering"" is more concise and commonly used. Saying "engineering work" might be redundant.

What makes something a "piece of engineering" rather than just a "structure"?

A ""piece of engineering"" implies a level of technical skill, planning, and problem-solving in its creation, whereas "structure" is a more general term for any built entity.