Meaning & use
mechanical issues
Last updated
Meaning
nounplural
problems with the parts of a machine or vehicle that move or work together.
Grammar: Always plural in this phrase; use a singular form for one problem: a mechanical issue.
Patterns
- have mechanical issues
- mechanical issues with something
The flight was delayed because of mechanical issues with the engine.
Our car has had a few mechanical issues since the winter.
The factory stopped production after mechanical issues on the main line.
Common combinations
- mechanical issues with a car
- He took the car to the garage because of mechanical issues with the brakes.
- experience mechanical issues
- The airline experienced mechanical issues on two of its planes.
- a mechanical issue
- There was a mechanical issue with the elevator this morning.
- due to mechanical issues
- The train was cancelled due to mechanical issues.
Synonyms and how they differ
- technical problems
- Broader; can include software or electrical faults, not just moving parts.
- breakdown
- A sudden failure that stops a machine completely; 'mechanical issues' can be smaller or repeated.
Word family
- mechanical adjective
- Relating to machines or their moving parts.
- mechanic noun
- A person who repairs machines, especially engines.
- mechanically adverb
- In a way that relates to machines or their working parts.
Commonly confused: mechanical issues or technical issues?
mechanical issues vs technical issues
Often used for computer or system problems; 'mechanical issues' suggests physical parts of a machine.
Practice
The bus was late because of ___ with the doors.
Choose one answer.
The plural 'mechanical issues' fits after 'because of' and agrees with the plural idea of several problems. 'Mechanical issue' is singular and would need 'a' or 'an'. 'Mechanic issues' is not a standard phrase.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “mechanical issues”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.