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machinery

B1 Noun (Uncountable) #27 가장 일반적인 13분 분량

machinery

상위 27

At the A1 level, think of 'machinery' as a big word for 'many machines'. Imagine a farm with many tractors or a factory with many big tools. We don't say 'one machinery'. We just say 'machinery' for all of them together. It is a word for things that have motors and moving parts. For example, 'The farm has big machinery.' It is like the word 'furniture'—you don't count it with 1, 2, 3. You use it to talk about the group of machines. It is a very important word for jobs like farming or building things. When you see a big crane or a bulldozer, you are looking at heavy machinery. Just remember: always use 'is' with machinery, not 'are'. 'The machinery is big.'

At the A2 level, you should know that 'machinery' is an uncountable noun used to describe a collection of machines. You often hear it in phrases like 'heavy machinery' or 'farm machinery'. It is different from the word 'machine' because 'machine' is just one thing, but 'machinery' is the whole group. If you want to talk about just one, you say 'a piece of machinery'. You will see this word on signs at construction sites or in books about how things are made. It's also used to talk about the parts inside a machine, like the gears in a clock. Remember, never add an 's' to the end of the word. Even if there are twenty machines, it is still called 'machinery'.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'machinery' in both physical and slightly more abstract contexts. Physically, it refers to the machines in a factory or the moving parts of an engine. Grammatically, you must remember it is uncountable. You should also start to recognize it in more formal contexts, such as 'the machinery of government'. This means the system or the way the government works. It's a useful word for describing complex systems that function like a machine. For example, 'The machinery of the law can be very slow.' This shows you understand that the word can describe not just metal objects, but also organized human systems. Pay attention to collocations like 'industrial machinery' and 'operate machinery'.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'machinery' to describe complex systems and bureaucratic processes. You understand that it implies a set of rules and procedures that work together. In business or economics, you might discuss 'investment in machinery' as a way to improve productivity. You should also be aware of the stylistic difference between 'machinery', 'equipment', and 'apparatus'. 'Machinery' suggests something with moving parts or a systematic nature. You can use it to describe the 'inner machinery' of a plot in a book or the 'biological machinery' of a cell. Your grammar should be perfect: always singular verbs and no indefinite articles without 'piece of'. It is a versatile word for high-level descriptions of how things operate.

At the C1 level, 'machinery' becomes a tool for nuanced metaphorical expression. You can use it to critique or describe the 'administrative machinery' of a state, implying a sense of impersonality or inevitability. You might discuss the 'machinery of social control' or the 'cognitive machinery' behind human decision-making. At this level, you recognize that the word carries a certain weight and can evoke imagery of a large, powerful, and perhaps unstoppable force. You should be able to use it in academic writing to describe the 'methodological machinery' of a research project—the specific steps and tools used to reach a conclusion. The word allows you to discuss the 'how' of a complex system with precision and sophistication.

At the C2 level, you master the full range of 'machinery', from its literal industrial roots to its most abstract philosophical applications. You might use it to discuss the 'machinery of existence' or the 'machinery of fate', where the word takes on a deterministic quality. You understand its historical significance in the Industrial Revolution and can use it to analyze the relationship between humanity and technology. In professional or legal discourse, you use it to describe the 'procedural machinery' that ensures due process. You are also aware of its use in literary criticism to describe the 'supernatural machinery' (like gods or ghosts) in epic poetry. At this level, 'machinery' is not just a noun; it's a conceptual framework for describing any complex, interdependent system of parts or processes.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

machinery 30초 만에

Machinery is an uncountable noun referring to machines collectively or their internal parts.
It is commonly used in industrial, agricultural, and bureaucratic contexts.
Metaphorically, it describes the complex systems of organizations or governments.
Grammatically, it always takes a singular verb and never has a plural form.

The word machinery is a sophisticated noun that serves two primary functions in the English language. At its most literal level, it refers to machines collectively or the complex arrangement of moving parts within a specific machine. Imagine walking into a massive automotive factory; you aren't just seeing one drill or one robot arm, you are seeing the entire machinery of production. It is an uncountable noun, which is a crucial grammatical point for learners to master. You would never say 'many machineries'; instead, you would refer to 'a lot of machinery' or 'pieces of machinery'. This collective sense gives the word a weightier, more industrial feel than the simple word 'machine'.

Physical Application: In a physical context, machinery encompasses everything from the gears inside a watch to the massive turbines in a hydroelectric dam. It suggests a level of complexity and interconnectedness. When a mechanic talks about the machinery of an engine, they are thinking about how the pistons, valves, and crankshaft work in unison.

The farmers spent the entire morning maintaining their heavy machinery before the harvest began.

Beyond the physical, machinery is frequently used as a powerful metaphor for systems and organizations. This is the 'abstract' definition. It describes the organized systems, structures, and procedures that allow a large entity, like a government or a corporation, to function. When we speak of the 'machinery of government', we are referring to the departments, the civil servants, the laws, and the bureaucratic processes that keep a country running. It implies a system that is large, perhaps a bit slow or impersonal, but functioning according to set rules.

Metaphorical Application: In political science or business, the 'machinery' of an organization refers to the administrative apparatus. If someone says 'the machinery of justice is slow', they mean the entire legal system—courts, lawyers, and paperwork—takes a long time to produce a result.

It takes time for the machinery of democracy to respond to new social challenges.

The word carries a connotation of inevitability and power. Once the 'machinery' is set in motion, it can be difficult to stop. This applies to both a literal conveyor belt and a metaphorical legal process. Writers often use this word to evoke a sense of scale. Whether it is the 'industrial machinery' of the 19th century or the 'digital machinery' of the modern age, the word suggests a complex web of parts working toward a single output. It is a word that bridges the gap between the tangible world of steel and grease and the intangible world of policy and administration.

Historical Context: Historically, the rise of machinery defined the Industrial Revolution. It shifted human labor from hand-tools to large-scale mechanical systems. Today, the word has evolved to include the 'machinery' of software algorithms and global supply chains, showing its enduring relevance in describing how our world is organized and operated.

The inner machinery of the clock was a masterpiece of Swiss engineering.

Using machinery correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical constraints and its stylistic nuances. Because it is an uncountable noun, it functions similarly to words like 'furniture' or 'information'. You cannot count 'one machinery' or 'two machineries'. If you need to specify a single unit, you must use a 'partitive' phrase, such as 'a piece of machinery' or 'an item of machinery'. This is the most common pitfall for non-native speakers. For example, 'The factory bought three new machineries' is incorrect; the correct version is 'The factory bought three new pieces of machinery'.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Since machinery is uncountable, it always takes a singular verb. 'The machinery is being repaired' is correct. 'The machinery are being repaired' is a common error. Even if you are referring to a thousand machines, the word 'machinery' remains singular in its grammatical treatment.

Modern machinery has significantly reduced the time required for textile production.

In professional writing, machinery is often paired with descriptive adjectives to specify the industry. Common pairings include 'heavy machinery' (construction and mining), 'agricultural machinery' (farming), 'industrial machinery' (manufacturing), and 'office machinery' (printers, copiers). Using these collocations makes your English sound more natural and precise. When discussing the abstract sense, we often use the preposition 'of'. Phrases like 'the machinery of state', 'the machinery of the law', or 'the machinery of the mind' are standard in academic and journalistic contexts.

Using 'Piece of': When you want to focus on one specific machine but still use the word machinery, use 'piece of'. Example: 'That expensive piece of machinery is vital for our research.' This emphasizes the value and complexity of the individual unit.

The technicians are trained to operate every piece of machinery in the laboratory.

Furthermore, machinery can be used to describe the 'inner workings' of something. For instance, 'the machinery of a watch' refers to the gears and springs inside. In a literary sense, a writer might describe 'the machinery of the plot', referring to the various events and characters that drive a story forward. This versatility makes it a favorite for authors who want to describe how different parts contribute to a whole. Whether you are writing a technical manual or a political essay, 'machinery' provides a robust way to describe complex, functioning systems.

Passive Voice Usage: Machinery is often the subject of passive sentences in technical writing. 'The machinery was installed last June' or 'The machinery is maintained weekly.' This shifts the focus from the person doing the work to the equipment itself.

The political machinery was already in motion to ensure the bill's passage.

You will encounter the word machinery in several distinct environments, each utilizing its different shades of meaning. The most common place is in industrial and economic news. When a news anchor discusses 'investment in new machinery', they are talking about the health of the manufacturing sector. It is a key indicator of economic growth. If businesses are buying machinery, they are preparing to produce more goods, which usually means the economy is expanding. You will hear this in financial reports, business podcasts, and during discussions about the 'means of production'.

The Political Arena: In political commentary, 'machinery' is used to describe the bureaucracy. You might hear a commentator say, 'The machinery of government is grinding to a halt.' This paints a vivid picture of a government that is stuck in its own rules and procedures, unable to make decisions. It is a standard term in political science lectures and high-level journalism like The Economist or The New York Times.

'We must streamline the administrative machinery to better serve our citizens,' the minister declared.

Another frequent setting is construction sites and farms. If you are near a large building project, you might see signs that say 'Caution: Heavy Machinery'. This is a safety warning referring to cranes, bulldozers, and excavators. Similarly, in rural areas, farmers talk about their 'farm machinery'—tractors, harvesters, and irrigation systems. In these contexts, the word is very literal and refers to the powerful, often dangerous, equipment used for physical labor. It is a word that commands respect for the power of the tools being used.

Legal and Formal Contexts: Lawyers and judges often speak of the 'machinery of justice'. This refers to the entire process from arrest to trial to sentencing. It suggests a system that, once triggered, follows a set path. You will find this in legal thrillers, court transcripts, and news reports about high-profile trials.

The machinery of the law can be intimidating for those who have never encountered it before.

Finally, you will hear it in academic and scientific discourse. Biologists might speak of the 'cellular machinery'—the complex proteins and organelles that keep a cell alive. Philosophers might discuss the 'machinery of the mind' when exploring how thoughts and emotions are generated. In these cases, the word is used to describe systems that are so complex they resemble man-made machines in their precision and purpose. It is a word that helps experts explain the invisible processes that drive life and thought.

Workplace Safety: In any job involving physical equipment, safety briefings will constantly mention 'machinery'. 'Do not operate machinery while under the influence of medication' is a standard warning found on many prescriptions and in employee handbooks.

The safety inspector checked the machinery for any signs of wear and tear.

The most frequent error learners make with machinery is treating it as a countable noun. Because we can count 'machines' (one machine, two machines), it is natural to assume we can count 'machineries'. However, 'machinery' is an uncountable (mass) noun. This means it has no plural form. You should never add an 's' to the end. Incorrect: 'The factory has many machineries.' Correct: 'The factory has a lot of machinery' or 'The factory has many machines.' This is a classic mistake that instantly identifies a non-native speaker, so mastering the uncountable nature of the word is a high priority.

The 'A' Mistake: Another common error is using the indefinite article 'a' directly before 'machinery'. Since it is uncountable, you cannot have 'a machinery'. Incorrect: 'He bought a new machinery for his shop.' Correct: 'He bought a new piece of machinery' or 'He bought a new machine.' Just like you wouldn't say 'a water' or 'a furniture', you must avoid 'a machinery'.

Incorrect: The machineries are old.
Correct: The machinery is old.

Confusing 'machinery' with 'machine' is also common. While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. 'Machine' refers to a single, specific device. 'Machinery' refers to a group of machines or the internal system of a machine. If you are pointing at a single blender, call it a 'machine'. If you are talking about the entire collection of equipment in a commercial kitchen, 'machinery' is more appropriate. Using 'machinery' for a simple, single tool like a hammer or a screwdriver is also a mistake; these are 'tools', not 'machinery'. Machinery implies complexity and usually involves moving parts or power sources.

Metaphorical Misuse: Sometimes learners use 'machinery' to describe any system, but it usually implies a system that is somewhat mechanical or bureaucratic. You wouldn't typically talk about the 'machinery of a friendship' unless you were being very ironic or clinical. It is best reserved for formal, industrial, or complex organizational contexts.

Incorrect: I need to fix this machinery (referring to a simple pair of scissors).
Correct: I need to fix these scissors.

Finally, be careful with the spelling. The 'e' before the 'r' is often forgotten (machinry) or replaced with an 'a' (machinary). The correct spelling is M-A-C-H-I-N-E-R-Y. Also, remember that 'machinist' is the person who operates the machinery. Confusing the person with the equipment is a rare but possible error. 'The machinist is broken' means the person is hurt; 'The machinery is broken' means the equipment is non-functional. Always double-check your subject when discussing repairs or malfunctions.

Pronunciation Pitfall: The stress is on the second syllable: ma-CHIN-er-y. Some learners mistakenly stress the first syllable (MA-chin-ery) or the third. Proper stress is key to being understood in a noisy industrial environment.

The company is investing in new machinery to increase efficiency.

Understanding the synonyms and alternatives for machinery helps you choose the most precise word for your context. While 'machinery' is a great general term, sometimes a more specific word is better. For example, equipment is a very close synonym. However, 'equipment' is even broader. It can include non-mechanical things like clothing, tools, or supplies. You have 'camping equipment' (tents, sleeping bags), but you wouldn't call those 'machinery'. 'Machinery' specifically implies mechanical parts and power.

Machinery vs. Equipment: Use 'machinery' for things with engines, gears, and complex moving parts. Use 'equipment' for the total set of items needed for a task, which might include machinery but also includes simpler tools and gear.

The laboratory has all the necessary equipment, including specialized machinery for DNA sequencing.

Another alternative is apparatus. This word is often used in scientific or technical contexts to describe a complex device or a set of equipment used for a specific experiment or task. It sounds more formal and technical than 'machinery'. For instance, a chemist might use a 'distillation apparatus'. In a metaphorical sense, 'apparatus' is also used similarly to 'machinery' to describe political systems, as in 'the state apparatus'. However, 'apparatus' often implies a more rigid or controlled structure than 'machinery'.

Machinery vs. Mechanism: A 'mechanism' is usually a smaller, specific part of a machine that performs a single function (like the locking mechanism on a door). 'Machinery' is the whole collection or the entire internal system.

The mechanism that triggers the alarm is part of a larger security machinery.

In the realm of systems, organization or structure are good alternatives. If you find yourself overusing 'the machinery of government', you can switch to 'the administrative structure' or 'the governmental organization'. These words are less metaphorical and more direct. However, they lack the 'moving parts' imagery that 'machinery' provides. If you want to emphasize how different departments interact and 'grind' together, 'machinery' remains the superior choice. Finally, instrumentality is a very formal, almost philosophical alternative, used to describe the means by which something is achieved, but it is much rarer in everyday English.

Comparison Table: - **Machinery**: Uncountable, complex, mechanical or systemic.
- **Machine**: Countable, single unit.
- **Equipment**: Uncountable, broad (includes non-mechanical).
- **Apparatus**: Countable/Uncountable, scientific/formal.
- **System**: Broadest term for organized parts.

The entire machinery of the global economy relies on stable shipping routes.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

중립

비격식체

Child friendly

속어

재미있는 사실

The word 'machinery' was once used in theater to describe the cranes and pulleys used to lower 'gods' onto the stage (deus ex machina).

발음 가이드

UK /məˈʃiːnəri/

US /məˈʃiːnəri/

ma-CHIN-er-y

라임이 맞는 단어

scenery greenery beanery deanery finery winery refinery shrubbery

자주 하는 실수

Stressing the first syllable (MA-chinery)
Pronouncing the 'ch' as 'k' (it should be 'sh')
Forgetting the 'e' sound in the third syllable
Adding an 's' at the end
Pronouncing it like 'machine-ry' with two distinct words

난이도

독해 3/5

Common in news and technical texts.

쓰기 4/5

Difficult due to uncountable grammar rules.

말하기 3/5

Pronunciation and stress are important.

듣기 2/5

Usually clear in context.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

machine tool part work system

다음에 배울 것

apparatus mechanism bureaucracy industrial automation

고급

machination instrumentality technocracy infrastructure

알아야 할 문법

Uncountable Nouns

Machinery is (not are).

Partitive Nouns

A piece of machinery.

Compound Nouns

Heavy machinery.

Passive Voice

The machinery was repaired.

Zero Article

Machinery is expensive (general statement).

수준별 예문

The farm has new machinery.

La granja tiene maquinaria nueva.

Uncountable noun.

Do not touch the machinery.

No toques la maquinaria.

Imperative sentence.

This machinery is very loud.

Esta maquinaria es muy ruidosa.

Singular verb 'is'.

They use machinery to build roads.

Usan maquinaria para construir carreteras.

Present simple.

The machinery is made of steel.

La maquinaria está hecha de acero.

Passive construction.

Big machinery is dangerous.

La maquinaria grande es peligrosa.

Adjective + noun.

Where is the machinery?

¿Dónde está la maquinaria?

Question form.

I like to look at the machinery.

Me gusta mirar la maquinaria.

Infinitive phrase.

He bought a new piece of machinery for the factory.

Compró una nueva pieza de maquinaria para la fábrica.

Use 'piece of' for a single unit.

The heavy machinery moved the large rocks.

La maquinaria pesada movió las rocas grandes.

Compound noun: heavy machinery.

You must wear a helmet near the machinery.

Debes usar un casco cerca de la maquinaria.

Modal verb 'must'.

The farm machinery needs to be cleaned.

La maquinaria agrícola necesita ser limpiada.

Passive infinitive.

How does this machinery work?

¿Cómo funciona esta maquinaria?

Wh- question.

The machinery was very expensive.

La maquinaria era muy cara.

Past tense.

We saw old machinery at the museum.

Vimos maquinaria antigua en el museo.

Past simple.

The machinery helps us work faster.

La maquinaria nos ayuda a trabajar más rápido.

Third person singular verb.

The machinery of government is often slow to change.

La maquinaria del gobierno suele ser lenta para cambiar.

Metaphorical use.

Regular maintenance is essential for all industrial machinery.

El mantenimiento regular es esencial para toda la maquinaria industrial.

Adjective 'industrial'.

They are investing in automated machinery to reduce costs.

Están invirtiendo en maquinaria automatizada para reducir costos.

Present continuous.

The inner machinery of the watch is incredibly complex.

La maquinaria interna del reloj es increíblemente compleja.

Refers to internal parts.

Operating heavy machinery requires a special license.

Operar maquinaria pesada requiere una licencia especial.

Gerund as subject.

The factory's machinery was damaged during the flood.

La maquinaria de la fábrica se dañó durante la inundación.

Passive voice.

We need to modernize our production machinery.

Necesitamos modernizar nuestra maquinaria de producción.

Infinitive of purpose.

The machinery is controlled by a central computer.

La maquinaria es controlada por una computadora central.

Passive voice with 'by'.

The administrative machinery was overwhelmed by the number of applications.

La maquinaria administrativa se vio abrumada por el número de solicitudes.

Abstract system.

Technological progress has led to more efficient machinery.

El progreso tecnológico ha llevado a una maquinaria más eficiente.

Present perfect.

The machinery of the law ensures that everyone gets a fair trial.

La maquinaria de la ley asegura que todos tengan un juicio justo.

Metaphorical 'machinery of the law'.

She studied the biological machinery that allows cells to divide.

Ella estudió la maquinaria biológica que permite que las células se dividan.

Scientific context.

The machinery of the state was used to suppress dissent.

La maquinaria del estado fue utilizada para suprimir la disidencia.

Political context.

The company specializes in the export of textile machinery.

La empresa se especializa en la exportación de maquinaria textil.

Specific industry term.

Despite its age, the machinery is still in perfect working order.

A pesar de su edad, la maquinaria todavía está en perfecto estado de funcionamiento.

Concession clause with 'despite'.

The sheer scale of the machinery in the mine was breathtaking.

La pura escala de la maquinaria en la mina era impresionante.

Noun phrase 'sheer scale'.

The machinery of propaganda was deployed to influence the election.

La maquinaria de propaganda fue desplegada para influir en las elecciones.

Metaphorical use in politics.

We must examine the machinery of the mind to understand human behavior.

Debemos examinar la maquinaria de la mente para comprender el comportamiento humano.

Psychological context.

The bureaucratic machinery often hinders innovation within large corporations.

La maquinaria burocrática a menudo dificulta la innovación dentro de las grandes corporaciones.

Abstract noun phrase.

The machinery of the global financial system is highly interconnected.

La maquinaria del sistema financiero global está altamente interconectada.

Economic context.

The play explores the machinery of fate and how it traps the characters.

La obra explora la maquinaria del destino y cómo atrapa a los personajes.

Literary context.

The intricate machinery of the treaty took years to negotiate.

La intrincada maquinaria del tratado tomó años en negociarse.

Describing a complex agreement.

The machinery of the market eventually corrected the price imbalance.

La maquinaria del mercado eventualmente corrigió el desequilibrio de precios.

Economic metaphor.

The sheer complexity of the cellular machinery is a marvel of evolution.

La pura complejidad de la maquinaria celular es una maravilla de la evolución.

Scientific/Academic tone.

The machinery of the universe operates on laws we are only beginning to grasp.

La maquinaria del universo opera bajo leyes que apenas estamos comenzando a comprender.

Cosmological metaphor.

He felt like a mere cog in the vast machinery of the industrial complex.

Se sentía como un simple engranaje en la vasta maquinaria del complejo industrial.

Idiomatic expression 'cog in the machinery'.

The machinery of justice, though impartial, can be devastatingly impersonal.

La maquinaria de la justicia, aunque imparcial, puede ser devastadoramente impersonal.

Sophisticated descriptive adjectives.

The novel deconstructs the machinery of social class in Victorian England.

La novela deconstruye la maquinaria de la clase social en la Inglaterra victoriana.

Analytical literary context.

The machinery of war was set in motion, and there was no turning back.

La maquinaria de la guerra se puso en marcha y no había vuelta atrás.

Historical/Dramatic context.

The procedural machinery of the international court is notoriously complex.

La maquinaria procesal del tribunal internacional es notoriamente compleja.

Legal/Technical terminology.

The machinery of the subconscious mind remains one of science's greatest mysteries.

La maquinaria de la mente subconsciente sigue siendo uno de los mayores misterios de la ciencia.

Philosophical/Scientific context.

The machinery of global supply chains was severely tested during the pandemic.

La maquinaria de las cadenas de suministro globales fue severamente puesta a prueba durante la pandemia.

Contemporary economic context.

자주 쓰는 조합

heavy machinery

agricultural machinery

political machinery

machinery of government

piece of machinery

industrial machinery

operate machinery

maintain machinery

internal machinery

bureaucratic machinery

자주 쓰는 구문

the machinery of state

the machinery of justice

a cog in the machinery

set the machinery in motion

industrial-scale machinery

the machinery of the mind

office machinery

textile machinery

modern machinery

the machinery of the plot

자주 혼동되는 단어

machinery vs machine

Machine is countable (one machine), machinery is uncountable (all the machines).

machinery vs mechanic

A mechanic is a person; machinery is the equipment.

machinery vs mechanism

A mechanism is a specific part or process; machinery is the whole system.

관용어 및 표현

"a cog in the machine/machinery"

A person who is part of a large organization but has little power.

I'm just a cog in the machinery of this corporation.

Common

"the machinery of war"

The resources and systems used to fight a war.

The machinery of war was fully engaged.

Formal

"oil the machinery"

To make a system or process run more smoothly, often with money or favors.

They had to oil the machinery of the local council.

Metaphorical

"the machinery of the law"

The legal system and its processes.

The machinery of the law can be unforgiving.

Formal

"well-oiled machinery"

A system or organization that works very efficiently.

The team worked like well-oiled machinery.

Common

"the machinery of the state"

The administrative and governing bodies of a country.

The machinery of the state is vast.

Formal

"grind the machinery to a halt"

To cause a system to stop working completely.

The strike ground the machinery of the city to a halt.

Common

"the machinery of fate"

The idea that events are predetermined by a system.

She felt caught in the machinery of fate.

Literary

"the machinery of the market"

The economic forces that determine prices and supply.

The machinery of the market is self-correcting.

Economic

"the machinery of democracy"

The processes like voting that make democracy work.

We must protect the machinery of democracy.

Political

혼동하기 쉬운

machinery vs Equipment

Both are uncountable and refer to tools.

Equipment is broader (includes clothes, tools); machinery is specifically mechanical.

Camping equipment vs. Industrial machinery.

machinery vs Apparatus

Both describe complex systems.

Apparatus is more technical/scientific or refers to a specific set of tools for a task.

A breathing apparatus vs. factory machinery.

machinery vs Hardware

Both refer to physical things.

Hardware is for computers or metal goods; machinery is for powered machines with moving parts.

Computer hardware vs. heavy machinery.

machinery vs Instrument

Both are tools.

An instrument is usually for precision (music, surgery); machinery is for power and production.

Surgical instrument vs. textile machinery.

machinery vs Engine

Both are mechanical.

An engine is the power source; machinery is the whole system of machines.

The car engine vs. the factory machinery.

문장 패턴

The [noun] has [machinery].

The farm has machinery.

This [piece of machinery] is [adjective].

This piece of machinery is new.

The [machinery] is used for [verb-ing].

The machinery is used for printing.

The [adjective] machinery of [noun] is [adjective].

The complex machinery of government is slow.

By examining the [machinery] of [abstract noun]...

By examining the machinery of propaganda...

To be a mere cog in the [adjective] machinery of...

To be a mere cog in the vast machinery of the state...

Operating [machinery] requires [noun].

Operating machinery requires training.

Investment in [machinery] leads to [noun].

Investment in machinery leads to growth.

어휘 가족

명사

동사

형용사

사용법

frequency

Common in professional, industrial, and academic English.

자주 하는 실수

The machineries are new. → The machinery is new.
Machinery is uncountable and takes a singular verb.
I bought a machinery. → I bought a piece of machinery.
You cannot use 'a' directly with an uncountable noun.
The farm machineries are broken. → The farm machinery is broken.
Even with an adjective, it remains uncountable.
He is a machinery. → He is a machinist.
A person is a machinist; the equipment is machinery.
The machinery of government are slow. → The machinery of government is slow.
The subject is 'machinery', which is singular.

팁

Never Pluralize

Always remember that machinery is uncountable. Never add an 's' even if you are talking about a million machines.

Use 'Piece of'

If you want to talk about one machine but use the word machinery, say 'a piece of machinery'.

Metaphorical Power

Use 'machinery' to describe complex systems like law or government to sound more sophisticated.

Heavy Machinery

In a workplace, 'heavy machinery' always refers to large, dangerous equipment. Be careful!

Avoid 'A'

Never say 'a machinery'. Say 'some machinery' or 'the machinery' or 'a piece of machinery'.

Stress the Middle

The stress is on 'CHIN'. ma-CHIN-ery. Practicing this will make you sound more natural.

Common Pairs

Learn 'agricultural machinery' and 'industrial machinery' as single units of meaning.

Business English

In business, 'investment in machinery' is a very common phrase for buying new equipment.

Vs. Equipment

Remember: Machinery has moving parts; equipment can be anything (like a tent or a hammer).

Social Sciences

In essays, use 'machinery of the state' to describe bureaucratic structures.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Machine' + 'ery'. The 'ery' is like 'bakery' or 'scenery'—it describes a place or a collection of things.

시각적 연상

Imagine a giant factory floor with hundreds of gears turning together in a single system.

Word Web

factory gears industrial system government uncountable heavy maintenance

챌린지

Write three sentences about a government system using 'machinery' without using the word 'machine'.

어원

From Middle French 'machinerie', from Latin 'machina', which comes from Ancient Greek 'makhana' (device, means).

원래 의미: The structure or parts of a machine.

Indo-European (Greek -> Latin -> French -> English).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when calling a person's work 'machinery' as it might imply they are robotic or lack creativity.

Commonly used in safety warnings and economic news.

The 'machinery of government' in British political satire. The 'monstrous machinery' in 19th-century industrial novels. The 'war machinery' in historical documentaries.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Manufacturing

production machinery
assembly line
maintenance schedule
industrial capacity

Agriculture

farm machinery
harvesting equipment
tractor maintenance
irrigation system

Politics

machinery of government
bureaucratic process
state apparatus
administrative system

Law

machinery of justice
legal proceedings
court system
procedural rules

Science

cellular machinery
experimental apparatus
biological mechanism
scientific equipment

대화 시작하기

"Do you think the machinery of government in your country is efficient?"

"What kind of heavy machinery have you seen on construction sites?"

"How has modern machinery changed the way we live today?"

"Would you rather work with machinery or with people?"

"What is the most complex piece of machinery you have ever used?"

일기 주제

Describe a time you felt like a 'cog in the machinery' of a large organization.

Write about the impact of agricultural machinery on a small village.

Discuss the 'machinery of the mind' and how it processes emotions.

If you could invent a new piece of machinery, what would it do?

How does the machinery of justice protect or fail citizens?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Machinery is grammatically singular but refers to a group of things. You say 'The machinery is' not 'The machinery are'.

No, 'machineries' is incorrect. Use 'machinery' for any amount, or 'pieces of machinery' if you need to count.

A machine is one single device. Machinery is a collection of machines or the internal parts of a machine.

Yes, it is very common in construction and industry to describe large vehicles like cranes and bulldozers.

Only metaphorically. If you call a group of people 'machinery', it implies they work like a system, often without emotion.

You use the phrase 'piece of'. For example: 'We bought two pieces of machinery'.

It is more formal than 'machines' and is preferred in business, technical, and political writing.

It refers to the departments, rules, and people that make a government function.

It's rare. 'Hardware' or 'equipment' is better for computers, though 'machinery' can describe the internal physical parts.

A machinist is a person who operates or repairs machinery.