Cool MateEquipment vs Gear vs Machinery vs Supplies
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Equipment
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Gear
Top 1,000 (very common)C1noun
Machinery
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Supplies
Top 1,000 (very common)
| Equipment | Gear | Machinery | Supplies | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈkwɪpmənt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈkwɪpmənt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɡɪə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɡɪr/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/məˈʃiːnəri/"]/🇺🇸 /["/məˈʃiːnəri/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //səˈplaɪz//🇺🇸 //səˈplaɪz// |
| Meaning | The tools or gear needed for a specific purpose. | Equipment used for a specific purpose. | Machines and equipment used for doing work. | Things that are needed for a particular purpose. |
| 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** | We need to restock the office supplies before the meeting. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very 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 | office supplies, art supplies, emergency supplies, medical supplies, school supplies |
| Antonyms | disequipment, inactivity | disgear | hand tools, manual work | shortages, deficiencies |
| 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. | Confused with 'supply' which is singular., Using as a verb instead of a noun., Omitting the plural form when talking about multiple items. |
| 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.' | Use 'supplies' when referring to items needed for work, school, or personal use. It can refer to both general materials and specific provisions. |
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Frequently asked questions: Equipment vs Gear vs Machinery vs Supplies
What's the difference between Equipment, Gear, Machinery, and Supplies?
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. Supplies: Things that are needed for a particular purpose.
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** Supplies: We need to restock the office supplies before the meeting.
Can I use Equipment, Gear, Machinery, and Supplies interchangeably?
Not always. Equipment, Gear, Machinery, and Supplies 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.