software

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "software" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to computer programs or applications that perform specific tasks on a computer or device. Example: "The software we installed has significantly improved our workflow and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their talk was of rival software packages and camera types, and the scholarships to western universities they always just seemed to miss.

The Guardian - Opinion

Python is an extremely powerful and flexible language that will let you build lots of software and you can even use it to interface with hardware on the Pi.

The Guardian - Tech

Connie, via email A To get started with programming on the Pi, you could use the drag and drop software Scratch from MIT to get used to the concepts and fundamentals such as variables, loops and input/output.

The Guardian - Tech

By the end of the day our new software had been given more of a workout than we could have guessed, but it served us all admirably.

The Guardian

The app replaces a paper checklist and digital camera with software.

The Guardian

The LGAQ encourage councils to use apps but advise buying them "off the shelf" or partnering with software developers as it can be more benefitial than going it alone.

The Guardian

Regularly check for updates of router software, as these will fix vulnerabilities.

The Guardian - Tech

Now we need to concentrate on the software, getting rid of the sectarian virus and maintaining a cycle of non-violence.

The Guardian

Mike Rogers of Michigan, who also chairs the intelligence committee, criticised a decision to add new software improvements to the website while it was still running, or "hot-swapping code", which he said exposed users to the potentially insecure updates.

The Guardian

US technology companies routinely complain about the difficulty of obtaining visas for foreign software engineers.

The Guardian - Tech

The San Francisco-based firm also said on Thursday that it had set up a software development team in Amsterdam, its international headquarters.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Regularly update your "software" to protect against security vulnerabilities.

Common error

Avoid using "software" without context. Be specific about the application or function to ensure your audience understands what you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "software" is as a noun, referring to the encoded computer instructions that enable machines to perform specific tasks. Ludwig confirms this usage, providing numerous examples where "software" acts as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Tech

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Books

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "software" functions as a noun, commonly used to describe computer programs and applications across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While generally neutral, specifying the type of "software" is advisable for clarity. Alternative phrases include "computer programs" and "applications", depending on the specific context. The frequency of its use and presence in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscore its importance in modern communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

computer programs

Refers specifically to the programs that run on a computer.

applications

Focuses on the practical use of software for specific tasks.

digital tools

Highlights the functionality of software as instruments for digital tasks.

computer code

Emphasizes the underlying instructions that make up the software.

program suite

Indicates a collection of software designed to work together.

system software

Refers to software that manages the computer hardware and provides services for other software.

utilities

Highlights tools designed to help manage and optimize the computer system.

firmware

Software embedded in hardware devices.

middleware

Software that connects separate software components or enterprise applications.

digital solutions

Broad term referring to software solving specific problems.

FAQs

How to use "software" in a sentence?

You can use "software" to refer to computer programs or applications. For example, "The new accounting "application" has significantly improved our workflow."

What can I say instead of "software"?

Alternatives include "computer programs", "applications", or "digital tools" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "software" or "softwares"?

"Software" is a mass noun and is generally used in the singular form. "Softwares" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "software" and "firmware"?

"Software" is a general term for programs, while "firmware" is a specific type of software embedded in hardware devices, controlling their basic functions.