Cool MateEquipment vs Gear vs Machinery
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Equipment
Gear
Machinery
| Equipment | Gear | Machinery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈkwɪpmənt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈkwɪpmənt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɡɪə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɡɪr/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/məˈʃiːnəri/"]/🇺🇸 /["/məˈʃiːnəri/"]/ |
| Meaning | The tools or gear needed for a specific purpose. | Equipment used for a specific purpose. | Machines and equipment used for doing work. |
| Example | The gym has new equipment for weight training. | He packed his hiking gear including boots, a tent, and a sleeping bag. | **agricultural/industrial machinery** |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | C1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun | noun |
| Collocations | the latest, modern, state-of-the-art, item, piece, buy, purchase, sell, consist of something, work, malfunction, maker, manufacturer, supplier, equipment for, the proper equipment, the right equipment | bottom, top, high, engage, select, change, change, lever, shift, in (a/the) gear, out of gear, bottom, top, high, engage, select, change, change, lever, shift, in (a/the) gear, out of gear, camping, climbing, fishing, be dressed in, have on, wear, in … gear, camping, climbing, fishing, be dressed in, have on, wear, in … gear | heavy, complex, complicated, piece, maintain, repair, manufacture, machinery for, the hum of machinery, heavy, complex, complicated, piece, maintain, repair, manufacture, machinery for, the hum of machinery |
| Antonyms | disequipment, inactivity | disgear | hand tools, manual work |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'equipment' with 'equipments' as it is always uncountable., Using 'equip' incorrectly; it requires an object., Mispronouncing the word, especially the second syllable. | Confused with 'dear' as a term of endearment., Used 'gear' as a verb incorrectly., Forget to specify the type of gear when discussing. | Confused machinery with machine; machinery refers to a collection of machines., Using 'machineries' as a plural form, which is incorrect. |
| Usage notes | Use 'equipment' to refer to tools in various contexts, like sports, work, or technology. It is neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal situations. | Commonly used in both casual and professional contexts. Works well when discussing tools, clothing for activities, or equipment needed for tasks. Avoid using in overly formal settings. | Use 'machinery' when discussing industrial equipment or devices. It’s typically not used in casual conversation. Avoid using it when referring to individual machines; instead, use 'machine.' |
Frequently asked questions: Equipment vs Gear vs Machinery
What's the difference between Equipment, Gear, and Machinery?
Equipment: The tools or gear needed for a specific purpose. Gear: Equipment used for a specific purpose. Machinery: Machines and equipment used for doing work.
Are Equipment, Gear, and Machinery the same CEFR level?
Equipment: A2, Gear: C1, Machinery: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Equipment, Gear, and Machinery?
Equipment: noun, Gear: noun, Machinery: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Equipment: The gym has new equipment for weight training. Gear: He packed his hiking gear including boots, a tent, and a sleeping bag. Machinery: **agricultural/industrial machinery**
Can I use Equipment, Gear, and Machinery interchangeably?
Not always. Equipment, Gear, and Machinery 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.