B2 noun Neutral

computing

/kəmˈpjuːtɪŋ/

The study or use of computers and electronic systems for processing, storing, and communicating information. It encompasses both the hardware components and the software applications used to manage data efficiently.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Most people use cloud computing to store their personal photos and documents online.

Most people use cloud computing to store their personal photos and documents online.

2

The curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of modern computing.

The curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of modern computing.

3

I've never been very good at computing; I usually have to ask my brother for help.

I've never been very good at computing; I usually have to ask my brother for help.

Word Family

Noun
computing
Verb
compute
Adverb
computationally
Adjective
computational
Related
computer
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Memory Tip

Think of 'computing' as the 'commuting' of digital information—data traveling through circuits to reach a destination or result.

Quick Quiz

The rise of ______ power has allowed scientists to model climate change with much greater accuracy.

Correct!

The correct answer is: computing

Examples

1

Most people use cloud computing to store their personal photos and documents online.

everyday

Most people use cloud computing to store their personal photos and documents online.

2

The curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of modern computing.

formal

The curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of modern computing.

3

I've never been very good at computing; I usually have to ask my brother for help.

informal

I've never been very good at computing; I usually have to ask my brother for help.

4

Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift in our ability to solve complex mathematical problems.

academic

Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift in our ability to solve complex mathematical problems.

5

We need to upgrade our computing infrastructure to handle the increase in website traffic.

business

We need to upgrade our computing infrastructure to handle the increase in website traffic.

Word Family

Noun
computing
Verb
compute
Adverb
computationally
Adjective
computational
Related
computer

Common Collocations

cloud computing storing and accessing data over the internet instead of a local hard drive
computing power the speed and capacity of a computer to process data
mobile computing the use of portable computing devices like smartphones and tablets
personal computing the use of computers by individuals for private tasks
high-performance computing the use of supercomputers to solve advanced problems

Common Phrases

ubiquitous computing

the concept of computing being available everywhere and anywhere

edge computing

processing data near the source of data generation

grid computing

the use of widely distributed computer resources to reach a common goal

Often Confused With

computing vs computation

Computation refers to the specific act of mathematical calculation, whereas computing refers to the general field or use of computers.

computing vs computerize

Computerize is a verb meaning to convert a system to be controlled by computers, while computing is the noun for the activity itself.

📝

Usage Notes

The word is almost always used as an uncountable noun when referring to the field or the activity. It can also function as a gerund of the verb 'compute'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes try to use 'computing' as a countable noun (e.g., 'a computing'), but it should be used without an article or in the plural in most general contexts.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'computing' as the 'commuting' of digital information—data traveling through circuits to reach a destination or result.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'computare', which means 'to calculate' or 'to sum up'.

Grammar Patterns

Uncountable noun Often used as a modifier (e.g., computing skills, computing power)
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Cultural Context

In modern society, computing has shifted from a specialized technical skill to a basic form of literacy required for almost all professional roles.

Quick Quiz

The rise of ______ power has allowed scientists to model climate change with much greater accuracy.

Correct!

The correct answer is: computing

Related Words

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

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