internal

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Located or happening on the inside of something, such as the body or an object.

   Grammar: Almost always sits before a noun: internal organs, internal bleeding.

   Patterns

   • internal organs
   • internal structure

   The doctor checked for internal bleeding after the accident.

   The scan showed the internal structure of the machine.

   Our heating system has an internal fan.

2. 2adjectivebefore a noun

   Belonging to or coming from inside a group, company or country rather than outside it.

   Grammar: Common with words such as affairs, memo, investigation and politics.

   Patterns

   • internal affairs
   • an internal memo

   The firm launched an internal investigation after the data leak.

   An internal memo told staff about the new schedule.

   The country's internal politics were unstable.

3. 3adjectivebefore a noun

   Felt or happening in the mind and not shown outwardly.

   Grammar: Used about private thoughts or struggles.

   Patterns

   • internal conflict
   • an internal struggle

   She fought an internal battle before deciding to quit.

   He felt an internal pressure to succeed.

   The film explores the hero's internal conflict.

Common combinations

internal organs

The heart and liver are internal organs.

internal affairs

The government says foreign powers must not interfere in its internal affairs.

internal memo

An internal memo was leaked to the press.

internal investigation

The hospital ordered an internal investigation.

internal conflict

His internal conflict kept him awake.

Synonyms and how they differ

inner

Inner often stresses the part closest to the center or a personal feeling, while internal is more general and technical.

inside

Inside is a simple everyday word, whereas internal sounds more official.

domestic

Domestic is about a country's own affairs as opposed to foreign ones, whereas internal can refer to any organization.

interior

Interior mostly describes the inside part of a building or region, and is less common for abstract uses.

Opposites

Word family

internally adverb

on the inside

internalize verb

to absorb a belief into your own thinking

internals noun

the inside parts of something

interior noun

the inside of a place

Commonly confused: internal or internal?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “internal”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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