Cool MateEquipment vs Machinery
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Equipment
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Machinery
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Most common: Equipment
| Equipment | Machinery | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈkwɪpmənt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈkwɪpmənt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/məˈʃiːnəri/"]/🇺🇸 /["/məˈʃiːnəri/"]/ |
| Meaning | The tools or gear needed for a specific purpose. | Machines and equipment used for doing work. |
| Example | The gym has new equipment for weight training. | **agricultural/industrial machinery** |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | C1 |
| 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 | 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 | 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 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. | 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.' |
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Frequently asked questions: Equipment vs Machinery
What's the difference between Equipment and Machinery?
Equipment: The tools or gear needed for a specific purpose. Machinery: Machines and equipment used for doing work.
Which is more common: Equipment and Machinery?
Equipment is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Equipment and Machinery?
Machinery is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Equipment and Machinery the same CEFR level?
Equipment: A2, Machinery: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Equipment and Machinery?
Equipment: noun, Machinery: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Equipment: The gym has new equipment for weight training. Machinery: **agricultural/industrial machinery**
Can I use Equipment and Machinery interchangeably?
Not always. Equipment 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.