Cool MateMachinery vs Machines
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Machinery
Top 2,000 (common)C1noun
Machines
Top 2,000 (common)
| Machinery | Machines | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/məˈʃiːnəri/"]/🇺🇸 /["/məˈʃiːnəri/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //məˈʃiːnz//🇺🇸 //məˈʃinz// |
| Meaning | Machines and equipment used for doing work. | Devices that use power to perform work. |
| Example | **agricultural/industrial machinery** | The factory has many different **machines** for assembling products. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | 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 | heavy machines, industrial machines, printing machines, electronic machines, farming machines |
| Antonyms | hand tools, manual work | humans, organic, nature |
| Common mistakes | Confused machinery with machine; machinery refers to a collection of machines., Using 'machineries' as a plural form, which is incorrect. | 'Machinery' is often incorrectly used as a synonym for 'machines.', Confusing 'machine' as a countable noun and forgetting the plural form., Using 'machines' when referring to non-mechanical devices. |
| Usage notes | 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 'machines' in contexts related to technology, manufacturing, or tasks performed using devices. Avoid using in very casual speech unless discussing technology. |
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Frequently asked questions: Machinery vs Machines
What's the difference between Machinery and Machines?
Machinery: Machines and equipment used for doing work. Machines: Devices that use power to perform work.
Can you show an example of each?
Machinery: **agricultural/industrial machinery** Machines: The factory has many different **machines** for assembling products.
Can I use Machinery and Machines interchangeably?
Not always. Machinery and Machines 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.