How to Communicate Technical Terms in English for Engineers

In the engineering world, precision in communication is as crucial as any technical design or calculation. For non-native English-speaking engineers, navigating the subtle differences in technical language can be a significant challenge. This guide is designed to help bridge the gap between technical terms in different languages and English. By addressing common errors and providing clearer and more precise alternatives, this lesson aims to improve understanding and prevent misunderstandings in professional environments. Whether you’re a student, a professional updating your language skills, or an instructor looking for resources, this guide serves as a valuable tool for mastering the complexities of technical vocabulary in English within engineering contexts.

1. Current
   • Common Mistake: “The current is strong.”
   • Correction: “The electrical current is high.”
   • Explanation: “Strong” is more commonly associated with physical strength in English. For talking about electrical intensity, use “high.”
2. Charge
   • Common Mistake: “The battery has a lot of charge.”
   • Correction: “The battery is fully charged.”
   • Explanation: The amount of charge in a battery is best described as “fully charged,” not “has a lot of charge.”
3. Conductor
   • Common Mistake: “Gold is a conductor.”
   • Correction: “Gold is a good conductor of electricity.”
   • Explanation: Specifying the type of conduction helps avoid confusion, especially where it could be interpreted as a vehicle conductor.
4. Resistance
   • Common Mistake: “This wire has much resistance.”
   • Correction: “This wire has high electrical resistance.”
   • Explanation: Using “high” is more precise for describing elevated levels of electrical resistance, whereas “much” is more ambiguous and less technical.
5. Capacitor
   • Common Mistake: “We need a bigger capacitor for storage.”
   • Correction: “We need a capacitor with a higher capacity.”
   • Explanation: “Bigger” implies physical size, while “higher capacity” correctly refers to electrical storage capacity.
6. Efficiency
   • Common Mistake: “The machine’s efficiency is good.”
   • Correction: “The machine operates at high efficiency.”
   • Explanation: In English, it is more technical to describe operational efficiency in terms of “high” or “low” rather than “good” or “bad.”
7. Strain
   • Common Mistake: “The metal is under strain.”
   • Correction: “The metal is experiencing strain.”
   • Explanation: Using “experiencing strain” clarifies that it refers to a temporary state under specific conditions, more technical and precise.
8. Stress
   • Common Mistake: “There is stress in the material.”
   • Correction: “The material is under stress.”
   • Explanation: The phrase “under stress” is the standard and technical way to indicate that the material is being subjected to effort.
9. Draft
   • Common Mistake: “Review the draft of the machine.”
   • Correction: “Review the draft design of the machine.”
   • Explanation: Clarifying that it is the “design” eliminates ambiguity, as “draft” can also mean an air current.
10. Scale
    • Common Mistake: “The scale of this map is big.”
    • Correction: “This map is drawn to a large scale.”
    • Explanation: “Drawn to a large scale” specifies that the map has a large scale in terms of detail and proportion, not physical size.
11. Beam
    • Common Mistake: “Install the beam of light.”
    • Correction: “Install the support beam.”
    • Explanation: In English, “beam” without qualification can refer to a light beam. It is important to specify “support beam” when referring to a structural beam.
12. Seal
    • Common Mistake: “Check the seal of the door.”
    • Correction: “Check the door seal.”
    • Explanation: Placing “seal” after the object helps specify that it is a physical component, avoiding confusion with other meanings of “seal” such as a stamp or to close tightly.
13. Bolt
    • Common Mistake: “Tighten the bolt with strength.”
    • Correction: “Tighten the bolt securely.”
    • Explanation: “Securely” is more specific and technical in this context, implying firmness and proper installation without referring to general strength.
14. Nut
    • Common Mistake: “Put the nut in the bolt.”
    • Correction: “Thread the nut onto the bolt.”
    • Explanation: “Thread” correctly implies the action of screwing the nut on, which is more precise than simply putting it.
15. Flange
    • Common Mistake: “The pipe needs a new flange.”
    • Correction: “The pipe needs a new flange installed.”
    • Explanation: Adding “installed” clarifies that the required action is the installation of the flange, not just its possession.
16. Gasket
    • Common Mistake: “Replace the machine’s gasket.”
    • Correction: “Replace the worn gasket in the machine.”
    • Explanation: Specifying that the gasket is “worn” clarifies the reason for its replacement.
17. Leverage
    • Common Mistake: “Use leverage to make it easy.”
    • Correction: “Use mechanical leverage to simplify the task.”
    • Explanation: “Mechanical leverage” specifies the use of physical principles to facilitate a task, distinguishing it from the financial or abstract sense of “leverage.”
18. Yield
    • Common Mistake: “The material yields under pressure.”
    • Correction: “The material yields to the applied pressure.”
    • Explanation: “Yields to the applied pressure” is a more natural and precise way to describe the material’s reaction to force.
19. Fuse
    • Common Mistake: “The fuse is blown up.”
    • Correction: “The fuse has blown.”
    • Explanation: “Blown up” implies a large explosion, which is exaggerated for a fuse. “Blown” is the correct technical term.
20. Pitch
    • Common Mistake: “The screw has a large pitch.”
    • Correction: “The screw has a wide pitch.”
    • Explanation: “Wide pitch” is the technical term to describe the distance between the threads of a screw and is more specific than “large,” which could refer to the overall size of the screw.

I hope discussing these engineering terms and expressions helps you avoid major mistakes.

Mr. Byler