What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hardware
Example
I need to upgrade my computer hardware to run the latest software. [hardware: noun]
Example
The hardware store sells a variety of power tools and building materials. [hardware: noun]
machinery
Example
The factory uses advanced machinery to produce high-quality products. [machinery: noun]
Example
The agricultural machinery made the planting process much easier. [machinery: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hardware is more commonly used than machinery in everyday language, as it is a term that is familiar to most people who use computers or engage in home improvement projects. Machinery is more specialized and is typically used in a business or industrial context.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hardware and machinery?
Both hardware and machinery can be used in formal and informal contexts, but machinery may be considered more formal due to its association with manufacturing and industrial processes.
