Cool MateComputer vs Machine
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Computer
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Machine
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
| Computer | Machine | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kəmˈpjuːtə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kəmˈpjuːtər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/məˈʃiːn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/məˈʃiːn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A machine that can store and process information. | A machine is a device that uses energy to do work or perform a task. |
| Example | I use my computer to complete my homework. | The machine was broken, so we couldn't finish our work. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | fast, high-speed, powerful, access, operate, run, run, work, hold something, network, program, system, on (a/the) computer | giant, great, huge, operate, run, use, go, work, break down, operator, parts, tool, by machine, in a/the machine, on a/the machine, a make of machine, party, political, marketing, politician, politics, a cog in the machine, a well-oiled machine |
| Antonyms | human, person | human, organism |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'laptop' which is a type of computer., Using 'computer' as a verb (it's only a noun)., Incorrectly spelling 'computer' as 'computor'. | Confusing 'machine' with 'mechanism'—a mechanism is a part of a machine., Using 'machine' to refer to non-mechanical items like software., Overgeneralizing 'machine' to include tools that don't use power. |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Appropriate in discussions about technology, education, and everyday tasks. Avoid using in slang-heavy or overly casual conversations. | Use 'machine' for mechanical devices like cars or computers. Avoid using it for living beings or to describe simple tools. |
Frequently asked questions: Computer vs Machine
What's the difference between Computer and Machine?
Computer: A machine that can store and process information. Machine: A machine is a device that uses energy to do work or perform a task.
Are Computer and Machine the same CEFR level?
Computer: A1, Machine: A1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Computer and Machine interchangeably?
Not always. Computer and Machine are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.