The phrase "use equipments" is grammatically incorrect in standard English. The word "equipment" is an uncountable noun, which means it does not have a plural form. Therefore, the correct usage is "use equipment," regardless of whether you are referring to one item or multiple items.

Understanding Uncountable Nouns

Uncountable nouns, also known as mass nouns, refer to things that cannot be counted as individual units. These nouns typically represent substances, concepts, or collections of items that are considered as a whole. Examples include "water," "information," "furniture," and "equipment."

Because uncountable nouns do not have a plural form, they are always used with singular verbs and do not take the indefinite article "a" or "an." For example:

• Correct: The equipment is in the storage room.
• Incorrect: The equipments are in the storage room.

Common Mistakes with "Equipment"

One of the most common mistakes is adding an "s" to "equipment" to make it plural. This error likely stems from the fact that many nouns in English do have plural forms, and it can be tempting to apply the same rule to all nouns. However, "equipment" is an exception to this rule.

Another mistake is using "equipments" with a plural verb, as in "The equipments are ready." This is incorrect because "equipment" is singular and should be paired with a singular verb: "The equipment is ready."

How to Refer to Multiple Pieces of Equipment

If you need to refer to multiple items of equipment, you can use phrases like "pieces of equipment" or "items of equipment." For example:

• Correct: We need to purchase several pieces of equipment for the new lab.
• Incorrect: We need to purchase several equipments for the new lab.

Alternatively, you can specify the types of equipment if you want to be more precise:

• Correct: The lab requires microscopes, centrifuges, and other essential equipment.
• Incorrect: The lab requires microscopes, centrifuges, and other essential equipments.

Contextual Examples

1. Incorrect Usage:

   • "The company has invested in new equipments to improve productivity."
   • "All the equipments in the gym are state-of-the-art."

2. Correct Usage:

   • "The company has invested in new equipment to improve productivity."
   • "All the equipment in the gym is state-of-the-art."

Why "Equipment" is Uncountable

The reason "equipment" is uncountable lies in its meaning. It refers to the collective tools, machinery, or other items needed for a particular purpose. Since it represents a collection or a category rather than individual items, it is treated as a singular, uncountable noun.

Comparing with Countable Nouns

To better understand, let's compare "equipment" with a countable noun, such as "tool."

• Countable Noun (Tool):

  • Singular: "I need a tool to fix this."
  • Plural: "I need several tools to fix this."

• Uncountable Noun (Equipment):

  • Singular: "I need equipment to fix this."
  • Plural: Not applicable; instead, use "pieces of equipment" or specify types.

Practical Tips for Using "Equipment" Correctly

1. Always use "equipment" in the singular form.

   • Correct: "The equipment is essential for the project."
   • Incorrect: "The equipments are essential for the project."

2. Use "pieces of equipment" or "items of equipment" when referring to multiple items.

   • Correct: "We have ten pieces of equipment in the warehouse."
   • Incorrect: "We have ten equipments in the warehouse."

3. Pair "equipment" with singular verbs.

   • Correct: "The equipment requires regular maintenance."
   • Incorrect: "The equipment require regular maintenance."

4. Avoid using "a" or "an" before "equipment."

   • Correct: "We need equipment for the task."
   • Incorrect: "We need an equipment for the task."

Exceptions and Special Cases

While "equipment" is generally uncountable, there are some contexts where it might be used differently, though these are rare and often considered non-standard.

1. In Some Dialects or Informal Speech:

   • In certain dialects or informal contexts, you might hear "equipments" used, but this is not considered correct in standard English.

2. In Technical or Specific Contexts:

   • In highly specialized fields, there might be jargon or terminology that uses "equipments," but this is not common and should be avoided in general usage.

Conclusion

In summary, the correct usage is "use equipment," not "use equipments." "Equipment" is an uncountable noun and does not have a plural form. When referring to multiple items, use phrases like "pieces of equipment" or specify the types of equipment. By understanding and applying these rules, you can ensure that your writing and speech are grammatically accurate and clear.

Final Examples

1. Incorrect:

   • "The factory has installed new equipments to increase efficiency."

2. Correct:

   • "The factory has installed new equipment to increase efficiency."

3. Incorrect:

   • "All the equipments in the workshop are brand new."

4. Correct:

   • "All the equipment in the workshop is brand new."

5. Incorrect:

   • "We need to order more equipments for the construction site."

6. Correct:

   • "We need to order more equipment for the construction site."

By adhering to these guidelines, you can avoid common mistakes and use the word "equipment" correctly in your writing and conversations.