Cool MateEquipment vs Machine
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Equipment
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Machine
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
| Equipment | Machine | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈkwɪpmənt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈkwɪpmənt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/məˈʃiːn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/məˈʃiːn/"]/ |
| Meaning | The tools or gear needed for a specific purpose. | A machine is a device that uses energy to do work or perform a task. |
| Example | The gym has new equipment for weight training. | 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 | A2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | 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 | 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 | disequipment, inactivity | human, organism |
| 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. | 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 | 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. | Use 'machine' for mechanical devices like cars or computers. Avoid using it for living beings or to describe simple tools. |
Frequently asked questions: Equipment vs Machine
What's the difference between Equipment and Machine?
Equipment: The tools or gear needed for a specific purpose. Machine: A machine is a device that uses energy to do work or perform a task.
Which is more advanced: Equipment and Machine?
Equipment is the highest level, at A2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Equipment and Machine the same CEFR level?
Equipment: A2, Machine: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Equipment and Machine?
Equipment: noun, Machine: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Equipment: The gym has new equipment for weight training. Machine: The machine was broken, so we couldn't finish our work.
Can I use Equipment and Machine interchangeably?
Not always. Equipment 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.