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B1 noun #32 most common 16 min read

batteries

Top 32

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips batteries in 30 Seconds

Explanation batteries in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'batteries' is a very important word because it relates to things you use every day. Think about your TV remote, your small toys, or a flashlight. These things need 'batteries' to work. A battery is a small object that gives electricity to a machine. You can buy them at a supermarket. They come in different sizes like AA (double A) or AAA (triple A). When a battery has no more electricity, we say it is 'dead.' You need to 'change' the batteries or 'put in' new ones. For example: 'I need two batteries for my remote.' It is a simple noun. You should learn that 'battery' is one, and 'batteries' is more than one. You will see this word on the back of many electronic products. It is one of the first 'tech' words you will learn because it is so common in the home. You don't need to know how they work, just that they give power to your devices.

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'batteries' in more complete sentences and understand different types. You might know the difference between 'rechargeable batteries' and 'disposable batteries.' Rechargeable ones can be used many times if you use a 'charger.' Disposable ones are used once and then you must throw them away (or recycle them). You can also use the word 'battery' to talk about your mobile phone or laptop. You might say, 'My battery is low' or 'I need to charge my battery.' You are learning common verbs that go with this word, like 'charge,' 'replace,' and 'run out.' For example: 'My phone's battery ran out, so I couldn't call you.' You also understand that batteries are necessary for mobility—without them, we would always have to be near a wall plug. You might also notice that some things, like cars, have a very large battery under the hood.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'batteries' in both literal and metaphorical contexts. You understand that 'batteries' are essential for a wide range of modern technologies, including electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. You can discuss the environmental impact of batteries, such as the importance of recycling them properly because they contain chemicals. You are also familiar with the common idiom 'to recharge one's batteries,' which means to rest and get your energy back. For example: 'I'm going to the countryside this weekend to recharge my batteries.' You can describe the 'battery life' of your gadgets and compare different products based on how long their batteries last. You also know more specific vocabulary like 'alkaline,' 'lithium,' and '9-volt.' Your grammar is more accurate, and you correctly use plural and singular forms depending on the device you are talking about.

At the B2 level, you can use 'batteries' in more technical and abstract discussions. You might talk about the 'efficiency' or 'capacity' of batteries in the context of climate change and the transition to green energy. You understand the role of batteries in stabilizing the electrical grid when using solar or wind power. You are also aware of the word's other meanings, such as a 'battery of tests' (a series of tests) or the military use of the word. You can use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'The device is powered by a set of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.' You can also discuss the 'degradation' of batteries over time and the 'cycles' of charging. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'anode,' 'cathode,' and 'electrolyte,' even if you aren't a scientist. You can express opinions on the geopolitical importance of materials used in batteries, like lithium and cobalt.

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'batteries' and can use the word fluently in any context. You can engage in deep conversations about battery technology breakthroughs, such as solid-state batteries or graphene-based storage. You understand the subtle differences in register, knowing when to use 'accumulator' in a technical report versus 'battery' in a casual conversation. You are familiar with the legal term 'assault and battery' and can distinguish it from the electrical meaning without hesitation. You can use the word metaphorically in sophisticated ways, perhaps discussing how a company has a 'battery of resources' at its disposal. Your writing is precise, and you can explain complex concepts like 'energy density' and 'thermal runaway' in relation to battery safety. You are also aware of the historical etymology of the word, connecting its military origins (a group of cannons) to its electrical application (a group of cells).

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'batteries' is complete. You can use the word in all its varied forms—electrical, military, legal, and metaphorical—with the precision of a native speaker. You might write or speak about the 'battery' of challenges facing a new government or the 'battery' of sensors on a sophisticated piece of medical equipment. You can analyze the socio-economic implications of the 'battery revolution' and its impact on global supply chains. You understand the most obscure uses of the word, such as in 'battery farming' (a method of intensive animal farming). Your command of the language allows you to use the word in puns, high-level academic discourse, or complex legal arguments. You can discuss the electrochemical principles of various battery chemistries in detail and critique the latest scientific papers on the subject. The word 'batteries' is just one small part of your vast and flexible vocabulary, used with perfect accuracy and stylistic flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

batteries in 30 Seconds

Batteries are portable energy sources used in electronics.
They come in various sizes like AA, AAA, and 9V.
Common verbs include charge, replace, and drain.
The word can also mean a series of tests or a military unit.

The term batteries refers to portable containers that store chemical energy and convert it into electrical energy. In our modern, hyper-connected world, batteries are the invisible heartbeat of almost every piece of technology we carry. From the minute cells powering a wristwatch to the massive lithium-ion arrays driving electric vehicles across continents, batteries provide the mobility that defines twenty-first-century life. Historically, the concept of the battery dates back to the late 18th century with Alessandro Volta's 'voltaic pile,' which was the first device to provide a steady flow of electricity. Since then, the technology has evolved from bulky, leaking jars of acid to sleek, high-capacity units that can be recharged thousands of times. People use this word daily when discussing their smartphones, laptops, remote controls, and even their own physical or mental energy levels. When someone says they need to 'recharge their batteries,' they are using a metaphor derived from this technology to describe the need for rest and recuperation after a long period of work or stress.

Technical Classification: Batteries are categorized as primary (disposable) or secondary (rechargeable). Primary batteries, like alkaline AA cells, are used once and then discarded. Secondary batteries, like those in your phone, use reversible chemical reactions.

The flashlight died because the batteries were completely drained after the long camping trip.

In a broader context, the word 'battery' can also refer to a series of similar things grouped together. For example, a 'battery of tests' involves a sequence of different examinations given to a student or patient. In a military context, a 'battery' refers to a unit of artillery or a group of guns. However, in everyday conversation, the electrical meaning is by far the most common. When you go to a store and ask for batteries, the clerk will immediately direct you to the electronics aisle, not the military surplus section. The ubiquity of batteries has led to significant environmental discussions, as the heavy metals and chemicals inside them, such as lithium, cobalt, and lead, require specialized recycling processes to prevent soil and water contamination. Thus, the word is often heard in the context of sustainability and 'green' energy initiatives.

Chemical Composition: Common types include Alkaline, Lithium-ion (Li-ion), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Lead-acid. Each has specific voltage and capacity characteristics suited for different applications.

Electric cars require massive batteries to store enough energy for long-distance travel.

The evolution of battery technology is currently a major focus of scientific research. Scientists are looking for ways to make batteries charge faster, last longer, and use more sustainable materials. The term 'solid-state batteries' is frequently appearing in tech news, referring to a new generation of power storage that is safer and more efficient than current liquid-electrolyte versions. As we move away from fossil fuels, batteries are becoming the cornerstone of the renewable energy revolution, storing power from solar panels and wind turbines for use when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing. This makes 'batteries' a key vocabulary word for anyone interested in technology, the environment, or the future of transport.

Metaphorical Use: 'To recharge one's batteries' means to take a break to regain energy. 'A battery of questions' means a long series of questions asked in quick succession.

After the exam, the students felt like their internal batteries were completely empty.

The smoke detector started beeping to signal that the batteries needed to be replaced.

Modern smartphones use lithium-ion batteries because they are lightweight and hold a lot of power.

Using the word batteries correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a plural countable noun and its common collocations. In most everyday contexts, you will use it to refer to the power sources for electronic devices. The most frequent verbs associated with batteries are 'charge,' 'recharge,' 'replace,' 'change,' 'drain,' and 'run out.' For instance, you might say, 'I need to charge my phone's battery' (singular) or 'The remote needs new batteries' (plural). It is important to note that when a device uses more than one cell, we almost always use the plural form. Most household remotes, for example, require two AA batteries. If you are talking about the state of the battery, you can use adjectives like 'dead,' 'flat' (common in British English), 'low,' or 'full.' A 'dead battery' is one that has no power left, while a 'low battery' is one that is about to run out.

Common Verb Pairings: 'Insert batteries,' 'Remove batteries,' 'Recycle batteries,' 'Test batteries.' Example: 'Please insert the batteries with the positive end facing up.'

Don't forget to pack extra batteries for the digital camera before we head into the mountains.

In technical or academic writing, the word 'batteries' might be used to describe energy storage systems on a larger scale. You might read about 'grid-scale batteries' or 'battery storage capacity.' In these cases, the word is often part of a compound noun. When discussing electric vehicles, the 'battery pack' is the entire assembly of individual battery cells. It is also useful to know the names of different battery sizes when using the word in a shopping context. You don't just ask for 'batteries'; you ask for 'double-A batteries' (AA) or 'triple-A batteries' (AAA). Using the specific size makes your communication much clearer. Furthermore, when using the word metaphorically, it is almost always plural. You 'recharge your batteries' (plural), never your 'battery' (singular), when referring to your personal energy levels.

Descriptive Adjectives: 'Rechargeable,' 'Disposable,' 'Alkaline,' 'Lithium,' 'Long-lasting,' 'External.' Example: 'I prefer rechargeable batteries because they are better for the environment.'

The technician suggested that the car's batteries were failing due to the extreme cold weather.

When writing about batteries, pay attention to the prepositions. We say 'powered by batteries' or 'runs on batteries.' For example, 'This toy runs on four AA batteries.' We also talk about the 'life' of a battery: 'The battery life on this laptop is about eight hours.' In more formal settings, you might use the term 'accumulator' (especially in British English or technical contexts) to refer to a rechargeable battery, though 'rechargeable battery' is much more common. In the legal or military sense mentioned earlier, the usage is quite different. 'He was charged with assault and battery' uses the word as an uncountable noun referring to the physical act of hitting someone. However, for most learners, the focus should remain on the electrical and metaphorical uses, as these are the ones encountered in 99% of daily interactions.

Prepositional Phrases: 'A pack of batteries,' 'The life of the batteries,' 'A device with built-in batteries,' 'Connected to the batteries.'

The instructions state that you should not mix old and new batteries in the same device.

Many people carry portable power banks, which are essentially large external batteries.

The solar array stores excess energy in a bank of deep-cycle batteries for use at night.

The word batteries is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in a wide variety of settings. One of the most common places you will hear it is in a retail environment. Whether you are at a supermarket, a convenience store, or an electronics shop, you will often hear customers asking, 'Where can I find the batteries?' or 'Do you have any AAA batteries in stock?' Cashiers might also ask, 'Would you like to buy some batteries for that?' when you purchase a toy or a gadget that doesn't include them. In the workplace, especially in offices, you might hear colleagues complaining about their wireless mouse or keyboard: 'I think the batteries in my mouse are dead; it's not responding.' This is a very common modern frustration that leads to a search for the office supply cabinet.

Retail Contexts: Supermarkets often have a 'battery center' near the checkout. You will hear terms like 'bulk pack,' 'multi-pack,' and 'brand name' (like Duracell or Energizer).

'Excuse me, do these batteries come with a warranty, or are they just standard disposables?'

Another major area where the word is frequently used is in the automotive industry. If your car won't start on a cold morning, the first thing a mechanic or a helpful neighbor will say is, 'It's probably the battery.' You might hear about 'jumping a battery' using 'jumper cables' from another car. In the context of the growing electric vehicle (EV) market, 'batteries' are the primary topic of conversation. News reports and car reviews often focus on 'battery range' (how far the car can go on a single charge) and 'battery degradation' (how the battery loses capacity over time). You might hear an EV owner say, 'I need to find a fast charger because my batteries are at ten percent.' This shift in the automotive world has made 'batteries' a central term in discussions about the future of transportation and climate change.

Automotive & Tech News: Frequent phrases include 'lithium-ion technology,' 'solid-state breakthrough,' 'charging infrastructure,' and 'energy density.'

'The new electric truck has a massive array of batteries that allow it to tow heavy loads for hundreds of miles.'

In a domestic setting, parents often deal with 'batteries' in the context of children's toys. A common holiday experience is realizing that a gift requires 'batteries not included,' leading to a frantic search or a trip to a 24-hour store. You'll hear parents saying, 'Check the batteries in the remote' or 'The smoke alarm is chirping; we need to change the 9-volt battery.' In more specialized hobbies, such as drone flying or RC (remote-controlled) car racing, 'batteries' are a major technical focus. Enthusiasts talk about 'LiPo batteries' (Lithium Polymer), 'cell counts,' and 'discharge rates.' Finally, in health and wellness contexts, the metaphorical use is very common. A therapist or a friend might say, 'You've been working too hard; you need a vacation to recharge your batteries.' This usage is so common that it has become a standard idiom in English-speaking cultures.

Home Maintenance: Commonly heard: 'Change the smoke detector batteries twice a year,' 'Store batteries in a cool, dry place.'

'I always keep a drawer full of spare batteries just in case the power goes out during a storm.'

'The hearing aid uses tiny zinc-air batteries that need to be replaced every few days.'

'After a week at the beach, I feel like my batteries are finally recharged and I'm ready for work.'

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word batteries is confusing its different meanings, particularly the legal and military ones. While 'battery' can mean a physical assault, it is almost always used in the phrase 'assault and battery' in a legal context. Learners should avoid using 'battery' to mean 'hitting' in casual conversation. Another common error is grammatical: forgetting that 'batteries' is a countable noun. You cannot say 'I need some battery' if you mean you need several cells for a remote; you must say 'I need some batteries.' Conversely, if you are talking about the power level of a single device like a phone, you should use the singular: 'My battery is low,' not 'My batteries are low' (unless your phone literally has multiple batteries, which is rare).

Singular vs. Plural: Mistake: 'The remote needs a new battery' (when it actually needs two). Correct: 'The remote needs new batteries.' Mistake: 'My phone batteries are dead.' Correct: 'My phone battery is dead.'

Incorrect: 'I need to buy a batteries for my clock.' (Never use 'a' with the plural form).

Pronunciation can also be a stumbling block. Some learners might over-emphasize the 'e' in the middle, making it sound like 'bat-ter-ies' with three distinct, equal syllables. In natural speech, the middle 'e' is often reduced or almost disappears, sounding more like 'bat-trees' or 'bat-ter-eez' with a very short middle sound. Another mistake involves the use of the word 'charge.' Learners sometimes say 'I need to fill my battery,' which is technically incorrect in English. The correct verb is 'charge' or 'recharge.' Similarly, when a battery is empty, we don't usually say it is 'finished'; we say it is 'dead,' 'flat,' or 'empty.' In the context of rechargeable batteries, don't confuse 'charger' (the device) with 'charge' (the energy). You use a charger to give your battery a charge.

Verb Confusion: Mistake: 'I am filling my batteries.' Correct: 'I am charging my batteries.' Mistake: 'My battery is finished.' Correct: 'My battery is dead.'

Incorrect: 'The batteries of the car is old.' (Subject-verb agreement: 'batteries' is plural, so use 'are').

Finally, there is a common confusion between 'rechargeable' and 'disposable' batteries. Using the wrong term can lead to dangerous situations. For example, trying to 'recharge' a disposable alkaline battery can cause it to leak or explode. Learners should be careful to use these adjectives correctly when describing the type of batteries they have. Additionally, the phrase 'battery of tests' is often misunderstood. It doesn't mean the tests are powered by electricity; it means there is a large group or series of them. If a doctor says they need to run a 'battery of tests,' they are not talking about your electronic devices! Understanding these nuances will help you use the word more naturally and avoid embarrassing or confusing mistakes in both spoken and written English.

Common Collocation Errors: Mistake: 'A pack of battery.' Correct: 'A pack of batteries.' Mistake: 'Battery change.' Correct: 'Changing the batteries' or 'Battery replacement.'

Incorrect: 'He was arrested for batteries.' (In the legal sense, 'battery' is usually singular and uncountable).

Incorrect: 'I need to put batteries inside of the remote.' (While 'inside of' is used, 'in' is more natural: 'put batteries in the remote').

Incorrect: 'The batteries are finished.' (Use 'dead' or 'run out' instead of 'finished').

While batteries is the most common term for portable power sources, there are several alternatives and related words that are used in specific contexts. One such word is 'cell.' In technical terms, a single unit is a 'cell,' and a 'battery' is a collection of two or more cells. However, in everyday English, we use 'battery' for both. For example, a single AA 'battery' is technically a 'cell,' but almost no one calls it that except for engineers. Another term is 'accumulator,' which specifically refers to a rechargeable battery. This term is more common in British English and technical manuals than in American English. You might also hear 'power pack' or 'battery pack,' which usually refers to a larger assembly of batteries used for heavy-duty tasks or as an external backup for mobile devices.

Technical Synonyms: 'Cell' (individual unit), 'Accumulator' (rechargeable), 'Galvanic cell' (scientific term), 'Storage battery' (industrial).

The engineer explained that the device requires a high-capacity lithium cell to function properly.

In the context of energy storage, you might encounter terms like 'energy storage system' (ESS) or 'grid storage.' These refer to massive arrays of batteries used by utility companies to store electricity for the power grid. When talking about the metaphorical sense of 'batteries' (personal energy), alternatives include 'stamina,' 'energy,' 'vitality,' or 'spirit.' Instead of saying 'I need to recharge my batteries,' you could say 'I need to regain my energy' or 'I need to boost my stamina.' However, the battery metaphor is so deeply embedded in English that it is often the most expressive choice. In a military context, 'artillery unit' or 'cannon array' could be alternatives to 'battery,' though 'battery' remains the official military term for a group of guns or the personnel who operate them.

Metaphorical Alternatives: 'Energy levels,' 'Vigor,' 'Drive,' 'Juice' (slang). Example: 'I'm running out of juice' means 'I'm getting tired.'

The portable power pack allowed the hikers to keep their GPS devices running for the entire week.

Another interesting comparison is with 'capacitors.' While both store electrical energy, they do so in different ways. Batteries store energy chemically and release it slowly over a long period. Capacitors store energy in an electric field and release it very quickly. You wouldn't use 'batteries' and 'capacitors' interchangeably in a technical discussion, but in casual conversation, most people only ever talk about batteries. Understanding these distinctions is helpful for those in STEM fields. Finally, in the legal sense, 'assault' is often used alongside 'battery.' While 'assault' is the threat of violence, 'battery' is the actual physical contact. In many modern legal systems, these are combined into a single charge, but the distinction remains important in law. For the average learner, focusing on the difference between 'disposable' and 'rechargeable' is the most practical use of synonyms and alternatives.

Legal vs. Electrical: Electrical: 'The batteries are dead.' Legal: 'He was charged with battery.' Note that the legal version is usually singular.

The laptop's accumulator was damaged by the heat and could no longer hold a charge.

The backup energy storage system kicked in immediately when the main power grid failed.

After the long hike, my stamina was gone, and I felt like I needed a long sleep to recover.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Benjamin Franklin chose the word 'battery' because the electrical shocks from his jars felt like being hit by a 'battery' of weapons.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈbæt.ər.iz/

US /ˈbæt̬.ɚ.iz/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: BAT-ter-ies.

Rhymes With

strategies tragedies faculties cavities galleries salaries calories batteries (itself)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'bat-trees' (skipping the middle syllable entirely).
Over-emphasizing the 'er' so it sounds like 'bat-TER-ies'.
Confusing the plural 'ies' with a singular 'y' sound.
In US English, failing to flap the 't' so it sounds too formal.
Pronouncing the 'a' like 'ah' instead of the short 'a' in 'cat'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is common and easy to recognize in most texts.

Writing 3/5

Spelling the plural form correctly (changing y to i) can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is generally straightforward, though the middle syllable is often reduced.

Listening 2/5

Easily understood in context, though 'battery' vs 'batteries' can sound similar in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

electricity power toy phone remote

Learn Next

rechargeable disposable alkaline lithium circuit

Advanced

electrochemical anode cathode electrolyte voltage

Grammar to Know

Pluralization of words ending in 'y'

battery -> batteries

Countable vs Uncountable nouns

I have three batteries (countable).

Compound adjectives with hyphens

A battery-powered car.

Possessive nouns with apostrophes

The battery's life.

Subject-verb agreement with plural nouns

The batteries are dead.

Examples by Level

I need new batteries for the TV remote.

J'ai besoin de nouvelles piles pour la télécommande.

Plural noun 'batteries' used with 'new'.

The toy needs two AA batteries.

Le jouet a besoin de deux piles AA.

Specific size 'AA' used as an adjective.

Where are the batteries?

Où sont les piles ?

Simple question with 'where'.

These batteries are dead.

Ces piles sont mortes.

Adjective 'dead' describing the state of the batteries.

Put the batteries in the flashlight.

Mets les piles dans la lampe de poche.

Imperative sentence with 'put'.

The clock uses one battery.

L'horloge utilise une pile.

Singular form 'battery'.

Do you have any batteries?

As-tu des piles ?

Use of 'any' in a question.

I am buying batteries at the store.

J'achète des piles au magasin.

Present continuous tense.

My phone's battery is very low.

La batterie de mon téléphone est très faible.

Possessive 'phone's' with singular 'battery'.

I need to charge my batteries.

Je dois charger mes batteries.

Infinitive 'to charge'.

Are these batteries rechargeable?

Ces piles sont-elles rechargeables ?

Adjective 'rechargeable' modifying 'batteries'.

The batteries ran out during the game.

Les piles se sont épuisées pendant le match.

Phrasal verb 'run out' in past tense.

Don't throw old batteries in the trash.

Ne jetez pas les vieilles piles à la poubelle.

Negative imperative.

The camera needs four batteries to work.

L'appareil photo a besoin de quatre piles pour fonctionner.

Number 'four' with plural 'batteries'.

I always carry spare batteries in my bag.

Je porte toujours des piles de rechange dans mon sac.

Adjective 'spare' meaning extra.

The remote control stopped working because of the batteries.

La télécommande a cessé de fonctionner à cause des piles.

Prepositional phrase 'because of'.

I'm going on vacation to recharge my batteries.

Je pars en vacances pour recharger mes batteries.

Idiomatic use of 'recharge my batteries'.

The laptop has a very long battery life.

L'ordinateur portable a une très longue autonomie.

Compound noun 'battery life'.

You should recycle those batteries at the local center.

Tu devrais recycler ces piles au centre local.

Modal verb 'should' for advice.

Most modern cars use lead-acid batteries for starting.

La plupart des voitures modernes utilisent des batteries au plomb pour démarrer.

Technical adjective 'lead-acid'.

The smoke detector beeps when the batteries are low.

Le détecteur de fumée bipe quand les piles sont faibles.

Zero conditional structure.

I prefer lithium batteries because they last longer.

Je préfère les piles au lithium car elles durent plus longtemps.

Comparative 'longer'.

The technician replaced the batteries in the backup system.

Le technicien a remplacé les batteries du système de secours.

Past simple tense.

How many batteries does this flashlight require?

Combien de piles cette lampe de poche nécessite-t-elle ?

Question with 'how many' and 'does'.

The efficiency of these batteries has improved significantly.

L'efficacité de ces batteries s'est considérablement améliorée.

Noun 'efficiency' with 'of these batteries'.

Electric vehicles rely on high-capacity battery packs.

Les véhicules électriques dépendent de blocs-batteries de grande capacité.

Verb 'rely on'.

The doctor ordered a battery of tests to find the cause.

Le médecin a ordonné une batterie de tests pour en trouver la cause.

Collective noun 'a battery of'.

Solar panels store excess energy in large batteries.

Les panneaux solaires stockent l'énergie excédentaire dans de grandes batteries.

Present simple for general facts.

The battery's performance degrades over hundreds of charge cycles.

Les performances de la batterie se dégradent au fil de centaines de cycles de charge.

Possessive 'battery's' and 'charge cycles'.

We need to address the environmental impact of discarded batteries.

Nous devons nous attaquer à l'impact environnemental des piles jetées.

Complex noun phrase 'environmental impact of...'.

The device features a built-in battery that cannot be removed.

L'appareil dispose d'une batterie intégrée qui ne peut pas être retirée.

Relative clause 'that cannot be removed'.

Lithium-ion batteries are prone to overheating if damaged.

Les batteries lithium-ion sont susceptibles de surchauffer si elles sont endommagées.

Adjective phrase 'prone to'.

The breakthrough in solid-state batteries could revolutionize the industry.

La percée dans les batteries à l'état solide pourrait révolutionner l'industrie.

Conditional 'could' for possibility.

He faced a battery of questions from the skeptical journalists.

Il a fait face à une batterie de questions de la part de journalistes sceptiques.

Metaphorical use of 'battery' for questions.

The legal definition of battery involves unlawful physical contact.

La définition juridique de 'battery' implique un contact physique illégal.

Legal terminology.

The artillery battery was positioned strategically on the hill.

La batterie d'artillerie était positionnée stratégiquement sur la colline.

Military use of 'battery'.

The intermittent nature of wind power necessitates robust battery storage.

La nature intermittente de l'énergie éolienne nécessite un stockage par batterie robuste.

Formal vocabulary like 'intermittent' and 'necessitates'.

Battery technology is a critical component of the global energy transition.

La technologie des batteries est un élément critique de la transition énergétique mondiale.

Complex subject 'Battery technology'.

The suspect was charged with assault and battery after the altercation.

Le suspect a été inculpé de voies de fait après l'altercation.

Fixed legal phrase 'assault and battery'.

The researcher analyzed the electrochemical properties of the new batteries.

Le chercheur a analysé les propriétés électrochimiques des nouvelles batteries.

Academic register.

The geopolitical struggle for lithium highlights the strategic importance of batteries.

La lutte géopolitique pour le lithium souligne l'importance stratégique des batteries.

Advanced abstract nouns.

A battery of sensors monitors the structural integrity of the bridge.

Une batterie de capteurs surveille l'intégrité structurelle du pont.

Collective noun 'battery' for technical equipment.

The company's success is underpinned by a battery of innovative patents.

Le succès de l'entreprise est soutenu par une batterie de brevets innovants.

Metaphorical use in a business context.

Thermal runaway in lithium batteries remains a significant safety concern.

L'emballement thermique dans les batteries au lithium reste une préoccupation de sécurité majeure.

Highly technical term 'thermal runaway'.

The poet described the storm as a battery of thunderous blows against the shore.

Le poète a décrit la tempête comme une batterie de coups tonitruants contre le rivage.

Literary/poetic use.

The transition to a circular economy requires comprehensive battery recycling programs.

La transition vers une économie circulaire nécessite des programmes complets de recyclage des batteries.

Formal policy language.

The defendant's counsel argued that the charge of battery was unsubstantiated.

L'avocat du défendeur a soutenu que l'accusation de 'battery' n'était pas étayée.

Legal register with 'counsel' and 'unsubstantiated'.

Graphene's potential to enhance battery conductivity is a subject of intense scrutiny.

Le potentiel du graphène pour améliorer la conductivité des batteries est un sujet d'examen intense.

Advanced scientific discourse.

Common Collocations

rechargeable batteries

dead batteries

battery life

AA batteries

replace the batteries

charge the batteries

battery pack

low battery

battery charger

lithium-ion batteries

Common Phrases

batteries not included

— A warning on packaging that you must buy batteries separately.

The toy was great, but unfortunately, batteries were not included.

recharge your batteries

— To take a break and recover your energy.

I need a weekend in the mountains to recharge my batteries.

a battery of tests

— A large number of tests given at the same time.

The athlete underwent a battery of tests before the competition.

flat batteries

— Batteries that have no power left (mainly British English).

The car won't start because of flat batteries.

battery backup

— A system that provides power if the main electricity fails.

The hospital has a battery backup for critical equipment.

drain the batteries

— To use up all the power in the batteries.

Playing high-end games will quickly drain the batteries.

external batteries

— Portable power sources you plug into a device.

I always carry external batteries when I travel.

battery compartment

— The place in a device where the batteries are inserted.

Open the battery compartment with a small screwdriver.

battery operated

— A device that works using batteries.

This is a battery operated fan for camping.

run on batteries

— To use batteries as the primary power source.

Does this radio run on batteries or electricity?

Often Confused With

batteries vs drums

In French, 'batterie' means drums. In English, they are completely different.

batteries vs assault

Often used together, but assault is the threat, battery is the hit.

batteries vs charger

The charger is the cable/plug; the battery is the part that holds the power.

Idioms & Expressions

"recharge one's batteries"

— To rest and regain one's energy or strength.

A short nap helped me recharge my batteries.

informal

"a battery of questions"

— A long and tiring series of questions.

The witness faced a battery of questions from the lawyer.

neutral

"assault and battery"

— A legal term for threatening and then physically hitting someone.

He was arrested and charged with assault and battery.

formal/legal

"battery farming"

— Intensive farming where animals are kept in very small cages.

Many people oppose battery farming for ethical reasons.

neutral

"like an Energizer bunny"

— Someone who has a lot of energy and never seems to stop (referencing a battery brand).

She's like an Energizer bunny; she never gets tired.

informal

"full of juice"

— Having a lot of energy or power.

After breakfast, I'm full of juice and ready to work.

slang

"run out of steam"

— To lose energy (similar to a battery dying).

The project started well but ran out of steam after a month.

informal

"power through"

— To continue working despite being tired.

I need to power through this report before I can sleep.

neutral

"on standby"

— Ready to be used but not currently active (like a battery system).

The backup batteries are on standby in case of a blackout.

neutral

"flat out"

— At maximum speed or effort (can relate to using all energy).

We've been working flat out to finish the project.

informal

Easily Confused

batteries vs battery

Singular vs Plural

Use 'battery' for one, 'batteries' for two or more.

One battery, two batteries.

batteries vs cell

Technical synonym

A cell is a single unit; a battery is technically a group of cells, but used interchangeably in casual English.

A 1.5V cell is often called a battery.

batteries vs accumulator

Regional/Technical

Accumulator is specifically rechargeable; battery can be either.

The car uses a lead-acid accumulator.

batteries vs capacitor

Electrical storage

Batteries store energy chemically; capacitors store it in an electric field.

The flash uses a capacitor to release energy quickly.

batteries vs power bank

External device

A power bank contains batteries but is the whole device used for charging.

I plugged my phone into the power bank.

Sentence Patterns

I need [number] [size] batteries.

I need two AA batteries.

The [device] needs new batteries.

The remote needs new batteries.

My [device]'s battery is [adjective].

My phone's battery is low.

I use [type] batteries because [reason].

I use rechargeable batteries because they are cheaper.

The [device] is powered by [type] batteries.

The car is powered by lithium batteries.

A battery of [noun] was [verb].

A battery of tests was conducted.

The [abstract noun] is a battery of [noun].

The new law is a battery of regulations.

The [process] relies on [type] battery storage.

The grid relies on industrial battery storage.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and technology news.

Common Mistakes

I need to buy a batteries. → I need to buy some batteries.
You cannot use 'a' with a plural noun.
My phone's batteries are low. → My phone's battery is low.
A phone usually has only one battery, so use the singular.
I am charging my batteries (meaning resting). → I am recharging my batteries.
The idiom almost always uses 'recharging'.
The batteries is dead. → The batteries are dead.
Plural subjects need plural verbs.
He was charged with batteries. → He was charged with battery.
In the legal sense, the noun is usually uncountable/singular.

Tips

Keep them cool

Store batteries in a cool, dry place to help them last longer. Avoid extreme heat.

Check for leaks

If you see white powder on a battery, it is leaking. Do not touch it with bare hands.

Recycle always

Look for battery recycling bins at your local supermarket or electronics store.

Remove when not in use

If you won't use a device for a long time, take the batteries out to prevent damage.

Buy in bulk

Batteries are often much cheaper if you buy a large pack instead of just two.

Avoid 0%

For phone batteries, try not to let them go to 0% often; it's better to charge them at 20%.

Carry-on only

Most airlines require lithium batteries to be in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage.

Use Rechargeables

For high-use items like game controllers, rechargeable batteries save a lot of money.

Label them

Use a small piece of tape to label which batteries are charged and which are old.

Check regularly

Check the batteries in your emergency flashlights every six months.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'BAT' hitting a ball with 'ENERGY'. BAT-teries give your toys the ENERGY to play.

Visual Association

Imagine a row of cannons (a military battery) shooting sparks of electricity into a phone.

Word Web

AA AAA Lithium Charge Dead Remote Phone Car

Challenge

Look around your room and count how many devices use batteries. Say the name of each device and the type of batteries it needs.

Word Origin

The word comes from the Middle French 'batterie,' which originally meant the action of beating or a set of cannons. In the 18th century, Benjamin Franklin used the term to describe a set of glass jars used to store electricity, comparing them to a 'battery' of cannons firing together.

Original meaning: A group of things working together, specifically artillery guns.

Indo-European (via Latin 'battuere' - to beat).

Cultural Context

Be aware of the environmental sensitivity regarding battery disposal; never suggest throwing them in regular trash.

The 'Energizer Bunny' is a famous cultural icon in the US representing long-lasting batteries.

The Matrix (humans as batteries) Duracell Bunny Tesla Gigafactory

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

Where are the batteries?
Do you have AA batteries?
How much is a pack of batteries?
Are these rechargeable?

Tech Support

Is the battery charged?
Check the battery connection.
The battery is failing.
Replace the battery pack.

Travel

Can I take batteries on the plane?
I need a portable battery.
Where is the charging station?
My battery is low.

Home Safety

Change the smoke alarm batteries.
The battery is leaking.
Store them in a cool place.
Don't mix old and new batteries.

Environment

Where can I recycle batteries?
Battery disposal bin.
Hazardous waste.
Eco-friendly batteries.

Conversation Starters

"Does your phone have a good battery life?"

"Do you prefer rechargeable or disposable batteries?"

"Have you ever had your car battery die at a bad time?"

"What do you do to 'recharge your batteries' after a long week?"

"Do you think electric car batteries are the future of transport?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when a device ran out of batteries when you needed it most.

How would your life change if batteries didn't exist for a week?

Write about your favorite way to recharge your personal batteries.

Do you think we should do more to recycle old batteries in our community?

Imagine a new type of battery that lasts forever. How would it change the world?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you should not throw batteries in the regular trash because they contain hazardous chemicals. Most cities have special recycling centers or bins in stores for old batteries.

These are standard sizes for batteries. AA is larger and used in things like wall clocks, while AAA is smaller and used in thin remotes.

You can use a battery tester, or if the device (like a flashlight) doesn't turn on or is very weak, the batteries are likely dead.

Lithium batteries are a type of high-energy battery used in phones and laptops. They are usually rechargeable and last a long time.

Old or cheap alkaline batteries can leak a corrosive acid if left in a device for too long after they are dead.

It is not recommended to mix brands or old and new batteries, as it can reduce performance or cause leaking.

Battery life is the amount of time a device can run before the battery needs to be recharged or replaced.

It is an idiom that means to rest and get your energy back after working hard.

Yes, car batteries are much larger, use lead-acid chemistry, and provide a lot of power to start the engine.

It means a series or group of many different tests performed one after another.