Equipment means the tools or items needed for a particular activity.

The idea

Equipment is uncountable and takes a singular verb: the equipment is ready. Count individual items with a piece of equipment or two pieces of equipment.

Examples

  • The team needs new equipment for the workshop.
  • This equipment is too heavy to carry alone.
  • Mina checked the safety equipment before the trip.
  • The school bought two pieces of laboratory equipment.
  • Where do you store the camping equipment?
  • Our photographer rented some equipment for the event.

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Watch out

Do not add a plural ending or say an equipment; use some equipment or a piece of equipment.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct form. The clinic needs new ___. (equipment / equipments)

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    equipment

    Equipment fits because the clinic needs a quantity of items, not a plural noun.

  2. Choose the correct form. A camera is one ___ of equipment. (piece / pieces)

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    piece

    Piece names one individual item: the camera.

  3. Choose the correct form. The climbing equipment ___ in the cupboard. (is / are)

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    is

    Is agrees with the uncountable subject, even when it refers to several items.

Use it today

Describe equipment needed for an activity and name one piece.