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A1 noun #11 most common 12 min read

computers

Top 11

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips computers in 30 Seconds

Explanation computers in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'computers' is one of the first technology words you will learn. It refers to the machines we use to go on the internet, play games, and do schoolwork. You should know that 'computers' is the plural form, meaning more than one. You can use it in simple sentences like 'I like computers' or 'The computers are in the classroom.' At this stage, you don't need to know how they work inside, just that they are important tools for modern life. You might talk about having a computer at home or using computers at school. It is a 'countable' noun, so you can say 'one computer' or 'two computers.' Remember to use 'are' with 'computers' because it is plural. For example, 'The computers are fast.' This word helps you talk about your hobbies and your daily routine. You might say, 'I use computers every day.' It is a very common and useful word for beginners to know.

At the A2 level, you can begin to describe 'computers' in more detail. You might use adjectives like 'new,' 'old,' 'fast,' or 'slow.' You can also talk about the different things you do with computers, such as 'sending emails,' 'watching videos,' or 'searching for information.' You should understand that there are different types of computers, like laptops and desktops. You can use 'computers' in sentences with prepositions, such as 'I am working on the computers' or 'There are many computers in the library.' You are also learning to use 'computers' in the past tense, like 'We used the computers yesterday.' At this level, you can also start to use the word in questions: 'Do you have many computers at your office?' or 'How often do you use computers?' Understanding the plural 's' and the basic sentence structures involving technology is the main goal here. You are building the foundation to talk about your digital life and the tools you use for work and study.

At the B1 level, you can discuss the role of 'computers' in society and their impact on your life. You can express opinions about whether computers are good or bad for children, or how they have changed the way we communicate. You should be able to use 'computers' in more complex sentence structures, including relative clauses: 'The computers that we bought last year are already outdated.' You can also use the word in the context of work and professional skills, such as 'I have experience using various types of computers and software.' You might discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using computers for certain tasks. At this stage, you should also be familiar with common collocations like 'computer skills,' 'computer networks,' and 'computer programming.' You can describe problems with computers, such as 'crashing,' 'freezing,' or 'having a virus.' Your vocabulary is expanding to include the technical side of using these machines in a functional, everyday way.

At the B2 level, you can engage in more technical or abstract discussions about 'computers.' You might talk about 'computer architecture,' 'computational power,' or the 'integration of computers in the workplace.' You can use the word to discuss trends in technology, such as the move toward 'cloud computing' or the development of 'quantum computers.' You should be able to understand and use 'computers' in formal reports or essays, discussing topics like 'the environmental impact of manufacturing computers' or 'the digital divide between those who have access to computers and those who do not.' You can use more sophisticated synonyms and related terms like 'hardware,' 'peripherals,' and 'interfaces.' You are also able to understand idiomatic expressions related to technology and use them appropriately. At this level, your use of the word is precise, and you can handle complex grammatical structures involving the word, such as passive voice: 'Computers are being used more and more in the medical field to diagnose diseases.'

At the C1 level, you can use the word 'computers' within highly specialized and academic contexts. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'computers' and artificial intelligence, or the socio-economic effects of 'ubiquitous computers.' You are capable of understanding nuanced texts about the history of 'computers' and their evolution from simple calculators to complex neural networks. You can use the word in professional debates about 'computer security,' 'data privacy,' and 'algorithmic bias.' Your vocabulary includes very specific types of computers, such as 'supercomputers,' 'embedded computers,' and 'distributed computing systems.' You can speak fluently about the 'limitations of current computers' compared to biological brains. You can also use the word in complex metaphorical ways. At this level, you are not just talking about the machines themselves, but the entire field of 'computing' and its deep impact on human civilization, ethics, and the future of our species.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of the word 'computers' and its myriad associations. You can discuss 'computers' with the precision of a specialist, whether in the field of computer science, sociology, or economics. You can analyze the 'paradigm shifts' caused by the advent of 'computers' and the subsequent 'digital transformation' of global industries. You can use the word in highly sophisticated rhetorical structures, exploring themes like 'the symbiosis between humans and computers' or 'the existential risks posed by autonomous computers.' You are familiar with the most obscure technical terms and historical references related to 'computers.' You can effortlessly switch between technical jargon and layperson's terms depending on your audience. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but deeply conceptual, allowing you to critique the role of 'computers' in shaping modern thought, culture, and the very fabric of reality. You can write and speak about 'computers' with total fluency, accuracy, and a high degree of stylistic flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

computers in 30 Seconds

Electronic devices for data processing and storage.
Available in various forms like laptops and desktops.
Essential tools for modern communication and work.
Operate using hardware and software instructions.

The word computers refers to programmable electronic devices designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speeds, and display the results of these operations. In the modern era, computers are no longer just the beige boxes sitting on desks; they have evolved into a ubiquitous presence in almost every facet of human existence. From the smartphone in your pocket to the complex systems managing global financial markets, computers are the engines of the information age. Historically, the term 'computer' actually referred to a person—typically a woman—whose job was to perform tedious mathematical calculations by hand. However, following the technological breakthroughs of the mid-20th century, the term transitioned to describe the machines that took over these tasks with far greater speed and accuracy.

Hardware Architecture: Computers are generally categorized by their physical form and processing power, including personal computers (PCs), laptops, servers, and mainframes. Each consists of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory (RAM), and storage devices.

The office was filled with the hum of dozens of computers working in unison to render the complex 3D animation.

People use this word in various contexts, ranging from casual conversations about personal technology to highly technical discussions in computer science. When we talk about 'computers' in a general sense, we are often referring to the collective ecosystem of hardware and software that allows us to browse the internet, write documents, and play games. The versatility of computers lies in their programmability; unlike a toaster which only toasts bread, a computer can be a calculator one moment and a flight simulator the next, depending on the software it executes.

Software Ecosystem: Without software, computers are merely expensive collections of metal and plastic. Operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux provide the interface through which users interact with the hardware.

Modern computers are millions of times faster than the machines used to send astronauts to the moon in 1969.

In a professional setting, computers are the primary tools for productivity. They facilitate communication through email and video conferencing, manage vast databases of information, and automate repetitive tasks that would take humans years to complete. The impact of computers on society is profound, leading to the 'Digital Revolution.' This shift has changed how we learn, work, and socialize. However, the reliance on computers also brings challenges, such as cybersecurity risks, digital privacy concerns, and the environmental impact of electronic waste. Understanding computers is no longer a niche skill but a fundamental requirement for participating in modern life.

Networking and Connectivity: Computers are rarely isolated today; they are connected via the internet, forming a global network that allows for the instantaneous exchange of data across continents.

Quantum computers represent the next frontier in technology, promising to solve problems that are currently impossible for classical machines.

Many schools are now providing computers to every student to bridge the digital divide.

The history of computers is a fascinating journey from mechanical gears to silicon chips.

Using the word computers correctly requires an understanding of its role as a plural count noun. It typically follows standard English pluralization rules. You can use it as the subject of a sentence, the object of a verb, or after a preposition. For example, in the sentence 'Computers have changed the world,' the word acts as the subject performing the action of changing. Because it is plural, it must be paired with plural verb forms, such as 'are,' 'have,' or 'do.' Incorrectly using a singular verb like 'Computers has changed' is a common grammatical error for English learners.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Always ensure that the verb matches the plural nature of the word. Example: 'These computers run very quietly,' not 'These computers runs very quietly.'

We need to upgrade all the computers in the laboratory before the new semester begins.

The word is often modified by adjectives to provide more specific information. You might hear about 'desktop computers,' 'portable computers,' 'high-performance computers,' or 'outdated computers.' These modifiers help distinguish between different types of technology. Furthermore, 'computers' is frequently used in compound structures, such as 'computer science,' 'computer programming,' or 'computer networks.' In these cases, the singular 'computer' is usually used as an attributive noun, but the plural 'computers' remains the standard for referring to the devices themselves.

Adjective Placement: Adjectives should precede the noun. Example: 'The powerful computers processed the data in seconds.'

Do you think computers will ever be able to feel human emotions?

In more formal or academic writing, 'computers' might be replaced by more specific terminology like 'computational systems' or 'electronic processing units,' but 'computers' remains the most versatile and widely understood term. It can also be used in the possessive form: 'the computers' screens' (referring to the screens of multiple computers). Note the placement of the apostrophe after the 's' for the plural possessive. Mastery of these variations allows for precise and clear communication in both written and spoken English.

Prepositional Phrases: Commonly used with 'on' or 'with'. Example: 'I spend eight hours a day working on computers.'

The technician is responsible for maintaining all the computers across the three branch offices.

Learning how to build computers can be a very rewarding hobby for tech enthusiasts.

Most modern computers no longer include a disc drive for CDs or DVDs.

You will encounter the word computers in almost every environment imaginable. In the workplace, it is a constant topic of conversation, whether it is discussing IT support, software updates, or the procurement of new hardware. Employees might complain that 'the computers are slow today' or discuss the need for 'more powerful computers' to handle data-heavy tasks. In educational settings, from primary schools to universities, computers are central to the curriculum. Students are taught how to use computers for research, writing, and specialized technical skills. Professors might lecture on the 'history of computers' or the 'ethics of computers in society.'

In the News: News headlines frequently feature the word when discussing technological breakthroughs, cyberattacks, or the impact of automation on the job market. Example: 'New Generation of Computers to Revolutionize Medicine.'

The tech giant announced a new line of computers designed specifically for artificial intelligence development.

In retail environments, such as electronics stores, the word is used to categorize products. You will see signs for 'Computers and Tablets' or hear sales associates asking, 'Are you looking for gaming computers or something for basic office work?' Even in the home, the word is common. Parents might set rules about 'how much time the kids spend on their computers,' or family members might discuss 'sharing the computers' in the house. The word has also permeated popular culture, appearing in countless movies, books, and songs, often as a symbol of the future, a tool for hackers, or even a source of existential threat in science fiction.

Social Media and Blogs: Tech influencers and bloggers frequently use the word when reviewing the latest gadgets or providing tutorials on how to optimize computer performance.

During the pandemic, the demand for home computers skyrocketed as people shifted to remote work.

Furthermore, the word is essential in the field of science and engineering. Researchers use 'supercomputers' to model climate change, simulate nuclear reactions, and map the human genome. In these high-level contexts, 'computers' refers to massive arrays of processors working in parallel. Whether it is a casual mention of 'fixing the computers' or a profound discussion on 'the future of computers,' the word is an indispensable part of the 21st-century vocabulary, reflecting our deep integration with technology.

In Advertising: Companies use the word to sell everything from anti-virus software to ergonomic furniture. Example: 'Protect your computers with our state-of-the-art security suite.'

The documentary explores how computers have evolved from room-sized machines to devices that fit on a chip.

He spent his weekends at the library, using the public computers to apply for jobs.

Many people are worried that computers and robots will eventually replace human workers in many industries.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word computers involves number agreement. Because 'computers' is the plural form of 'computer,' it must always be used with plural verbs and pronouns. For instance, saying 'The computers is broken' is incorrect; the correct form is 'The computers are broken.' Similarly, when referring back to them, use 'they' or 'them' rather than 'it.' Another common error is confusing the plural noun 'computers' with the possessive singular 'computer's' or the possessive plural 'computers'.' Remember that the apostrophe indicates ownership, not plurality.

Plural vs. Possessive: Mistake: 'I have two computer's.' Correct: 'I have two computers.' Mistake: 'The computers screen is bright.' Correct: 'The computer's screen is bright' (one) or 'The computers' screens are bright' (many).

Correct: These computers require a password to log in. Incorrect: This computers require a password.

Another mistake is the over-generalization of the word. While a smartphone is technically a computer, in everyday English, people rarely refer to their phones as 'computers.' If you tell someone, 'I left my computers at home,' they will likely think you left multiple laptops or desktops, not your phone and tablet. Being specific is key to natural-sounding English. Additionally, some learners use 'computers' when they should use 'computing' or 'computation.' For example, 'Computers power is increasing' should be 'Computing power is increasing.' Here, 'computing' acts as a gerund or an adjective describing the type of power.

Countable vs. Uncountable: 'Computer' is a countable noun. You cannot say 'I have much computers'; you must say 'I have many computers' or 'a lot of computers.'

Correct: I use computers for work. Incorrect: I use a computers for work.

Finally, spelling can sometimes be an issue, particularly the 'u' and 'e' placement. It is 'computer,' not 'computar' or 'computre.' In the plural form, simply add an 's.' Some learners also struggle with the pronunciation of the plural 's,' which should sound like a soft /z/ sound (/kəmˈpjuːtərz/) rather than a sharp /s/. Paying attention to these small details will significantly improve your fluency and accuracy when discussing technology in English.

Spelling and Pronunciation: Ensure the 's' is clearly audible but voiced as a /z/. Practice saying 'one computer, two computers' to hear the difference.

The technician fixed the computers that were crashing. (Note the plural agreement with 'were').

We bought several new computers for the design team. (Use 'several' or 'many' with plural nouns).

The computers in the library are available for public use. (Specific group requires 'the').

While computers is the most common term, several alternatives can be used depending on the context and the level of formality required. Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the right word for the right situation. For instance, 'PCs' (Personal Computers) is a very common abbreviation used specifically for desktop or laptop computers intended for individual use, often running Windows. 'Laptops' refers specifically to portable computers, while 'desktops' refers to those designed to stay in one place. In more technical or corporate environments, you might hear the term 'workstations,' which implies high-performance computers used for professional tasks like engineering or video editing.

PCs vs. Computers: 'Computers' is the broad category. 'PCs' usually refers to IBM-compatible personal computers, often excluding Macs, though this distinction is fading.

The lab is equipped with high-end workstations for the engineering students.

Another set of alternatives relates to the size and function of the device. 'Mainframes' are large, powerful computers used by organizations for bulk data processing. 'Servers' are computers designed to provide data or services to other computers over a network. In the context of mobile technology, 'tablets' and 'smartphones' are types of computers, but they are almost always referred to by their specific names. Using the word 'devices' is a common way to group all these different types of technology together without being overly specific. For example, 'Please turn off all electronic devices' covers computers, phones, and tablets.

Servers vs. Desktops: Desktops are for user interaction; servers are for background tasks and data management. Both are types of computers.

We need to migrate our data to more secure servers to prevent data breaches.

In academic or highly formal writing, you might see terms like 'computational devices' or 'information processing systems.' These terms are precise but can sound overly stiff in casual conversation. On the slang side, people might refer to their computers as 'rigs' (especially gaming computers) or 'boxes.' Understanding these synonyms allows you to vary your vocabulary and match the register of your audience. Whether you are talking about 'laptops' in a coffee shop or 'supercomputers' in a research facility, knowing the specific term enhances your communication skills.

Comparison Table

Laptops: Portable, all-in-one.
Desktops: Stationary, powerful, modular.
Supercomputers: Extremely fast, used for complex science.
Embedded Systems: Computers inside other things (like cars).

He spent thousands of dollars building a custom gaming rig with the latest graphics card.

The university's supercomputers are used to simulate weather patterns.

All the terminals in the library are connected to a central server.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The first electronic computers were the size of entire rooms and used vacuum tubes that frequently burned out.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kəmˈpjuː.təz/

US /kəmˈpjuː.t̬ɚz/

The stress is on the second syllable: com-PU-ters.

Rhymes With

commuters recruiters shooters scooters tutors neuters polluters routers

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' as a sharp /s/ instead of a voiced /z/.
Stressing the first syllable (COM-puters) instead of the second.
Omitting the 'y' sound before the 'u' (saying 'com-poo-ters').
Mispronouncing the 'er' as a strong 'air' sound.
Failing to flap the 't' in American English.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

Spelling is generally easy, but plural agreement is important.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation of the 'u' and the final 'z' sound takes practice.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound, easily understood in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

machine work play school new

Learn Next

software hardware internet keyboard screen

Advanced

algorithm processor database encryption artificial intelligence

Grammar to Know

Plural Noun Agreement

Computers ARE (not IS) useful.

Countable Nouns

MANY computers (not MUCH computers).

Definite Article for Specific Groups

THE computers in this room are new.

Zero Article for Generalizations

Computers (in general) are everywhere.

Possessive Plural

The computers' (plural) power cords.

Examples by Level

I have two computers at home.

J'ai deux ordinateurs à la maison.

Plural noun 'computers' with the number 'two'.

The computers are very fast.

Les ordinateurs sont très rapides.

Use 'are' with plural 'computers'.

We use computers at school.

Nous utilisons des ordinateurs à l'école.

General use of plural noun without an article.

Do you like computers?

Aimes-tu les ordinateurs ?

Question form with 'do' and plural noun.

My computers are old.

Mes ordinateurs sont vieux.

Possessive adjective 'my' with plural noun.

There are many computers here.

Il y a beaucoup d'ordinateurs ici.

'There are' used with plural 'computers'.

She plays games on computers.

Elle joue à des jeux sur des ordinateurs.

Preposition 'on' used with technology.

Computers are expensive.

Les ordinateurs sont chers.

General statement about a category.

I bought two new computers yesterday.

J'ai acheté deux nouveaux ordinateurs hier.

Past tense 'bought' with plural noun.

These computers are better than the old ones.

Ces ordinateurs sont meilleurs que les anciens.

Comparative structure 'better than'.

He knows how to fix computers.

Il sait comment réparer les ordinateurs.

Infinitive 'to fix' with plural object.

The computers in the library are free to use.

Les ordinateurs de la bibliothèque sont gratuits.

Specific group with 'the' and prepositional phrase.

Most computers have a keyboard and a mouse.

La plupart des ordinateurs ont un clavier et une souris.

'Most' used with plural noun.

Can you turn off the computers before you leave?

Peux-tu éteindre les ordinateurs avant de partir ?

Modal verb 'can' in a request.

Computers help us do our work faster.

Les ordinateurs nous aident à faire notre travail plus vite.

Subject-verb agreement (plural).

I spend too much time on computers.

Je passe trop de temps sur les ordinateurs.

'Too much time' with prepositional phrase.

Computers have become essential in modern offices.

Les ordinateurs sont devenus essentiels dans les bureaux modernes.

Present perfect 'have become'.

If we didn't have computers, life would be very different.

Si nous n'avions pas d'ordinateurs, la vie serait très différente.

Second conditional 'if... would'.

The computers were updated with the latest security software.

Les ordinateurs ont été mis à jour avec le dernier logiciel de sécurité.

Passive voice 'were updated'.

Learning how computers work is a valuable skill.

Apprendre comment les ordinateurs fonctionnent est une compétence précieuse.

Gerund 'learning' as subject.

Many people are addicted to their computers and smartphones.

Beaucoup de gens sont accros à leurs ordinateurs et smartphones.

Adjective 'addicted to' with plural nouns.

The company donated twenty computers to the local school.

L'entreprise a fait don de vingt ordinateurs à l'école locale.

Specific number with plural noun.

Computers can sometimes be difficult to repair.

Les ordinateurs peuvent parfois être difficiles à réparer.

Modal 'can' expressing possibility.

We need to protect our computers from viruses.

Nous devons protéger nos ordinateurs contre les virus.

Verb 'protect' with preposition 'from'.

The efficiency of computers has increased dramatically over the last decade.

L'efficacité des ordinateurs a augmenté de façon spectaculaire au cours de la dernière décennie.

Noun phrase 'The efficiency of computers' as subject.

Computers are increasingly being used to automate repetitive tasks.

Les ordinateurs sont de plus en plus utilisés pour automatiser les tâches répétitives.

Present continuous passive with adverb 'increasingly'.

Despite their benefits, computers also pose significant security risks.

Malgré leurs avantages, les ordinateurs posent également des risques de sécurité importants.

Concession 'Despite' with plural possessive 'their'.

The development of quantum computers could change everything.

Le développement des ordinateurs quantiques pourrait tout changer.

Compound noun 'quantum computers'.

Most modern computers are capable of handling complex graphics.

La plupart des ordinateurs modernes sont capables de gérer des graphiques complexes.

Adjective 'capable of' with gerund 'handling'.

Computers allow researchers to analyze vast amounts of data quickly.

Les ordinateurs permettent aux chercheurs d'analyser rapidement de vastes quantités de données.

Verb 'allow' + object + infinitive.

The way we interact with computers is constantly evolving.

La façon dont nous interagissons avec les ordinateurs évolue constamment.

Relative clause 'the way we interact with...'.

Ethical concerns regarding computers and AI are growing.

Les préoccupations éthiques concernant les ordinateurs et l'IA grandissent.

Participle 'regarding' used as a preposition.

The ubiquity of computers has fundamentally altered human social structures.

L'ubiquité des ordinateurs a fondamentalement modifié les structures sociales humaines.

Advanced vocabulary 'ubiquity' and 'fundamentally altered'.

Supercomputers are employed to simulate complex climate patterns.

Des superordinateurs sont employés pour simuler des modèles climatiques complexes.

Specific term 'supercomputers' in passive voice.

The integration of computers into daily life is now almost total.

L'intégration des ordinateurs dans la vie quotidienne est désormais presque totale.

Abstract noun 'integration' as subject.

We must address the environmental impact of disposing of old computers.

Nous devons aborder l'impact environnemental de l'élimination des vieux ordinateurs.

Phrasal verb 'disposing of'.

Computers, while powerful, lack the intuitive reasoning of the human mind.

Les ordinateurs, bien que puissants, manquent du raisonnement intuitif de l'esprit humain.

Concessive clause 'while powerful' inserted in the subject.

The history of computers is a testament to human ingenuity.

L'histoire des ordinateurs est un témoignage de l'ingéniosité humaine.

Metaphorical use of 'testament to'.

Advancements in computers have paved the way for the genomic revolution.

Les progrès des ordinateurs ont ouvert la voie à la révolution génomique.

Idiomatic expression 'paved the way for'.

The debate over whether computers can truly 'think' remains unresolved.

Le débat sur la question de savoir si les ordinateurs peuvent vraiment « penser » reste non résolu.

Noun clause 'whether computers can truly think'.

The proliferation of high-performance computers has democratized data analysis.

La prolifération des ordinateurs de haute performance a démocratisé l'analyse des données.

High-level vocabulary 'proliferation' and 'democratized'.

One might argue that computers have become an extension of our biological selves.

On pourrait soutenir que les ordinateurs sont devenus une extension de notre être biologique.

Subjunctive/Conditional 'One might argue'.

The computational limits of classical computers are being pushed to their absolute brink.

Les limites de calcul des ordinateurs classiques sont poussées à leur paroxysme.

Complex passive structure 'are being pushed to'.

We are witnessing a paradigm shift in how computers process information.

Nous assistons à un changement de paradigme dans la manière dont les ordinateurs traitent l'information.

Idiomatic 'paradigm shift'.

The ethical ramifications of autonomous computers making life-and-death decisions are profound.

Les ramifications éthiques des ordinateurs autonomes prenant des décisions de vie ou de mort sont profondes.

Complex subject with present participle phrase 'making life-and-death decisions'.

Computers have rendered many traditional professions obsolete in a matter of decades.

Les ordinateurs ont rendu de nombreuses professions traditionnelles obsolètes en quelques décennies.

Verb 'render' + object + adjective.

The sheer scale of the networks connecting these computers is staggering.

L'ampleur même des réseaux reliant ces ordinateurs est stupéfiante.

Emphatic 'sheer scale' and 'staggering'.

To understand the future, one must understand the trajectory of computers.

Pour comprendre l'avenir, il faut comprendre la trajectoire des ordinateurs.

Formal 'one must' and 'trajectory'.

Common Collocations

personal computers

desktop computers

laptop computers

computer science

computer programming

computer network

use computers

fix computers

modern computers

powerful computers

Common Phrases

on the computer

— Using a computer.

He is always on the computer.

computer-literate

— Able to use computers well.

Most young people are computer-literate.

computer crash

— When a computer stops working suddenly.

I lost my work because of a computer crash.

computer virus

— Harmful software that damages computers.

My computer has a virus.

computer lab

— A room with many computers for people to use.

Meet me in the computer lab.

computer game

— A game played on a computer.

He loves playing computer games.

computer screen

— The part of the computer that shows images.

Don't stare at the computer screen for too long.

computer skills

— The ability to use computers.

She has excellent computer skills.

computer-aided

— Done with the help of a computer.

This is a computer-aided design.

computer geek

— Someone who is very interested in computers (informal).

He's a total computer geek.

Often Confused With

computers vs calculators

Calculators only do math; computers are programmable for many tasks.

computers vs the internet

Computers are the tools; the internet is the network they connect to.

computers vs computing

Computing is the activity; computers are the physical machines.

Idioms & Expressions

"Garbage in, garbage out"

— If you put bad data into a computer, you will get bad results.

The report is wrong because the data was bad—garbage in, garbage out.

Informal/Technical

"To crash and burn"

— To fail spectacularly (often used for computers but also people).

The new software really crashed and burned during the demo.

Informal

"Does not compute"

— Something that makes no sense or is illogical.

A: 'I'm going to quit my job to become a professional sleeper.' B: 'That does not compute.'

Informal/Humorous

"To be on the same wavelength"

— To think in a similar way (metaphor from electronics).

I'm glad we're on the same wavelength about the project.

Neutral

"To push someone's buttons"

— To do something that you know will annoy someone.

He really knows how to push my buttons.

Informal

"To blow a fuse"

— To become very angry suddenly.

My boss blew a fuse when he saw the error.

Informal

"To get your wires crossed"

— To have a misunderstanding.

We must have gotten our wires crossed about the meeting time.

Informal

"A cog in the machine"

— A person who is a small part of a large organization.

I feel like just another cog in the machine at this big company.

Neutral

"To reboot"

— To start something again from the beginning.

The movie franchise needs a total reboot.

Informal

"Technophobe"

— Someone who is afraid of or dislikes technology.

My grandfather is a bit of a technophobe.

Neutral

Easily Confused

computers vs computer's

Sounds the same as computers.

It shows ownership by one computer.

The computer's screen is dirty.

computers vs computers'

Sounds the same as computers.

It shows ownership by many computers.

The computers' cables are messy.

computers vs commuters

Similar spelling and sound.

Commuters are people who travel to work.

The train was full of commuters.

computers vs compute

Root word.

Compute is the verb (to calculate).

The machine needs to compute the total.

computers vs computational

Related adjective.

Refers to the process of computing.

This is a computational problem.

Sentence Patterns

I have [number] computers.

I have two computers.

The computers are [adjective].

The computers are fast.

I use computers to [verb].

I use computers to study.

There are computers in [place].

There are computers in the lab.

Computers have [past participle] the way we [verb].

Computers have changed the way we work.

The [noun] of computers is [adjective].

The speed of computers is incredible.

Despite the [noun] of computers, [clause].

Despite the power of computers, they cannot feel.

The [abstract noun] of computers [verb] [object].

The ubiquity of computers redefined social norms.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in all domains of modern life.

Common Mistakes

The computers is slow. → The computers are slow.
Computers is plural, so it needs the plural verb 'are'.
I have much computers. → I have many computers.
Computer is a countable noun; use 'many' or 'a lot of'.
I left my computers at home (meaning one phone). → I left my phone at home.
While phones are computers, we don't call them that in casual speech.
The computer's are broken. → The computers are broken.
Don't use an apostrophe just to make a word plural.
He is good at computers. → He is good with computers.
The preposition 'with' is more common when describing skill with tools.

Tips

Plural Agreement

Always use 'are' or 'were' with computers. 'The computers are new' is correct.

Be Specific

If you mean a portable one, say 'laptop.' If you mean a stationary one, say 'desktop.'

The 'Y' Sound

Remember the hidden 'y' sound: it's not 'coo,' it's 'kyoo.'

Avoid Repetition

Use 'machines' or 'devices' to make your writing more interesting.

General vs Specific

Say 'Computers are fast' (general) but 'The computers in my office are fast' (specific).

Check the 'U'

It's c-o-m-p-u-t-e-r-s. Don't forget the 'u' after the 'p'.

Context Matters

In tech circles, 'computers' might sound a bit vague; use 'hardware' or 'systems' instead.

Garbage In

Use 'Garbage in, garbage out' to explain why a computer gave a wrong answer due to bad data.

Voiced 'S'

Listen for the /z/ sound at the end to distinguish it from 'computer' in fast speech.

Word Family

Learn 'compute' (verb) and 'computational' (adj) alongside 'computers' to boost your level.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'COM' (Common) 'PUT' (Put together) 'ERS' (Performers). Computers are common things that put data together to perform tasks.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant brain made of glowing wires and silicon chips sitting on a desk.

Word Web

Internet Software Hardware Data Screen Keyboard Processing Silicon

Challenge

Try to list five things in your house that have computers inside them (hint: check the kitchen!).

Word Origin

The word comes from the Latin 'computare,' meaning 'to count, sum up, or reckon together.' It entered English via the French 'computer.'

Original meaning: Originally, a 'computer' was a person who performed mathematical calculations.

Indo-European (Latin branch).

Cultural Context

Be aware of the 'digital divide'; not everyone has equal access to computers.

In the US and UK, 'PC' is often used to mean a Windows computer, specifically in contrast to a Mac.

The movie '2001: A Space Odyssey' (HAL 9000) Steve Jobs and the Apple computer Alan Turing, the father of modern computers

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

In the Office

The computers are down.
We need new computers.
Update the computers.
Log into the computers.

At School

Go to the computer lab.
Use the computers for research.
Turn off the computers.
The computers are for students.

At Home

Get off the computers.
We have two computers.
My computers are slow.
Sharing the computers.

In a Shop

Where are the computers?
How much are these computers?
Do you sell gaming computers?
Repairing computers.

In Science

Supercomputers are fast.
Modeling on computers.
Quantum computers are the future.
Data on computers.

Conversation Starters

"How many computers do you have in your house?"

"Do you think computers make our lives easier or harder?"

"What was the first thing you ever did on a computer?"

"Do you prefer using laptops or desktop computers?"

"Will computers ever be smarter than humans?"

Journal Prompts

Describe how your life would change if all the computers in the world stopped working for one week.

Write about your first memory of using a computer. What did it look like?

Do you think schools should give computers to every student? Why or why not?

Imagine a future where computers can talk and feel. How would you treat them?

What are the three most important things you use computers for every day?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Computers is a general term for all such machines. PCs (Personal Computers) usually refers to desktops or laptops for individual use, often specifically those running Windows.

Technically, yes. A smartphone is a small, powerful computer. However, in everyday conversation, people usually say 'phones' and 'computers' as separate things.

It is the plural form of 'computer.' We use it when talking about more than one machine or the technology in general.

It is pronounced kəmˈpjuːtərz. The stress is on the second syllable, and the 's' sounds like a 'z'.

No. Computer is a countable noun, so you must say 'many computers' or 'a lot of computers.'

Supercomputers are the fastest and most powerful computers in the world, used for complex scientific work like weather forecasting.

It means the computers are not working or the network they are connected to is broken.

Yes, it is one of the most common words in modern English due to the importance of technology.

A computer lab is a room, usually in a school or library, that has many computers for people to use.

It used to mean people who did math. Now it means electronic machines that do math and much more.