Cool MateApparatus vs Device vs Equipment vs Gear vs Machine
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Apparatus
Top 3,000 (common)C1noun
Device
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Equipment
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Gear
Top 1,000 (very common)C1noun
Machine
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
| Apparatus | Device | Equipment | Gear | Machine | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌæpəˈreɪtəs/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌæpəˈrætəs/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈvaɪs/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈvaɪs/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈkwɪpmənt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈkwɪpmənt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɡɪə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɡɪr/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/məˈʃiːn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/məˈʃiːn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A set of tools or equipment for a specific purpose. | A tool or machine used for a specific purpose. | The tools or gear needed for a specific purpose. | Equipment used for a specific purpose. | A machine is a device that uses energy to do work or perform a task. |
| Example | a piece of laboratory apparatus | I use a smartphone as my main device for communication. | The gym has new equipment for weight training. | He packed his hiking gear including boots, a tent, and a sleeping bag. | The machine was broken, so we couldn't finish our work. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | A2 | A2 | C1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun | noun | noun | noun |
| Collocations | breathing, electrical, experimental, piece, the apparatus of government, the apparatus of the state, breathing, electrical, experimental, piece, the apparatus of government, the apparatus of the state | clever, ingenious, labour-saving/labor-saving, be fitted with, have, connect, comprise something, consist of something, be designed to, device for, clever, ingenious, labour-saving/labor-saving, be fitted with, have, connect, comprise something, consist of something, be designed to, device for | 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 | 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 | disassembly, dismantling, removal | disuse, neglect | disequipment, inactivity | disgear | human, organism |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'appliance' – 'appliance' refers to household devices like microwaves., Using it in informal contexts – 'apparatus' is more formal and technical. | Confused with 'devise', which means to create or plan something., Using 'device' as a verb; it is only a noun., Assuming all devices are electronic; can refer to any tool. | 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. | 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 'apparatus' when referring to complex machinery or systems, often in scientific or technical contexts. It is less common in casual conversation. | Used to refer to gadgets or instruments, often in technology. More common in tech contexts. Avoid in very casual settings where simpler terms (like 'thing') might be used. | 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 'machine' for mechanical devices like cars or computers. Avoid using it for living beings or to describe simple tools. |
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Frequently asked questions: Apparatus vs Device vs Equipment vs Gear vs Machine
What's the difference between Apparatus, Device, Equipment, Gear, and Machine?
Apparatus: A set of tools or equipment for a specific purpose. Device: A tool or machine used for a specific purpose. Equipment: The tools or gear needed for a specific purpose. Gear: Equipment used for a specific purpose. Machine: A machine is a device that uses energy to do work or perform a task.
Are Apparatus, Device, Equipment, Gear, and Machine the same CEFR level?
Apparatus: C1, Device: A2, Equipment: A2, Gear: C1, Machine: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Apparatus, Device, Equipment, Gear, and Machine?
Apparatus: noun, Device: noun, Equipment: noun, Gear: noun, Machine: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Apparatus: a piece of laboratory apparatus Device: I use a smartphone as my main device for communication. Equipment: The gym has new equipment for weight training. Gear: He packed his hiking gear including boots, a tent, and a sleeping bag. Machine: The machine was broken, so we couldn't finish our work.
Can I use Apparatus, Device, Equipment, Gear, and Machine interchangeably?
Not always. Apparatus, Device, Equipment, Gear, 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.