It is useful to know some general words to help you describe objects, especially if you do not know the name of a particular object. 有些一般性词汇可用于描述物品，尤其是不知道名称的东西。

• A device is something that has been designed to do a particular job. * device 指为特定用途设计的装置、器具、器械：◆There is a new device for cars that warns drivers of traffic jams ahead. 有一种新的汽车装置可提醒司机前面交通拥堵。
• A gadget is a small object that does something useful, but is not really necessary. * gadget 指有用、但不一定必需的小器具、小装置：◆His kitchen is full of gadgets he never uses. 他厨房里到处是他从不使用的小器具。
• An instrument is used especially for delicate or scientific work. * instrument 尤指用于精密或科学工作的仪器、器械、器具：◆'What do you call the instrument that measures temperature?' 'A thermometer.' “测量温度的仪器叫什么？” “温度计。”
• A tool is something that you use for making and repairing things. * tool 指制造或修理用的工具、用具：◆'Have you got one of those tools for turning screws?' 'Do you mean a screwdriver?' “你有拧螺丝钉的工具吗？” “你是指螺丝刀吗？”
• A machine has moving parts and is used for a particular job. It usually stands on its own. * machine 指有特定用途的机器，通常为独立设备：◆'What's a blender?' 'It's an electric machine for mixing soft food or liquid.' “搅拌器是什么？” “是搅和软食物或液汁的电动机器。”
• An appliance is a large machine that you use in the house, such as a washing machine. * appliance 指大型家用机器，如洗衣机。
• Equipment means all the things you need for a particular activity. * equipment 统称某项活动所需的设备、装备：◆climbing equipment 攀登活动的装备
• Apparatus means all the tools, machines or equipment that you need for something. * apparatus 统称做某事所用的设备、用具、器械、装置：◆firefighters wearing breathing apparatus 戴着呼吸装置的消防人员

These are all words for sth that you are trying to achieve. 以上各词均指目标、目的。

• target a result that you try to achieve 指试图达到的目标、指标：◆Set yourself targets that you can reasonably hope to achieve. 给自己制订有望达到的指标。◆attainment targets in schools 学校的成绩目标
• objective (rather formal) something that you are trying to achieve 指正努力达到的目标、目的：◆What is the main objective of this project? 这个项目的主要目标是什么？
• goal something that you hope to achieve 指希望达到的目标、目的：◆He continued to pursue his goal of becoming an actor. 他继续追求他成为演员的目标。

target, objective or goal? 用 target、objective 还是 goal？

A target is usually officially recorded in some way, for example by an employer or by a government committee. It is often specific, and in the form of figures, such as number of sales or exam passes, or a date. People often set their own objectives: these are things that they wish to achieve, often as part of a project or a talk they are giving. Goals are often long-term, and relate to people's life and career plans or the long-term plans of a company or organization. * target 通常为以某种方式正式记录的目标，如由雇主或政府委员会等制订，常为具体的数字，如销售量、考试及格率、日期等；objective 通常指为自己制订的、希望达到的目标，常为某一项目或发言的一部分；goal 通常指长远目标，与人生和职业规划或公司、机构的长远规划有关。

• object the purpose of sth; sth that you plan to achieve 指目的、目标、宗旨：◆The object is to educate people about road safety. 目的就是教育大众注意交通安全。
• end something that you plan to achieve 指计划达到的目的、目标：◆He joined the society for political ends. 他为了政治目的加入了这个协会。◆That's only OK if you believe that the end justifies the means (= bad methods of doing sth are acceptable if the final result is good). 除非你认为只要目的正确可以不择手段，不然那是不可以接受的。 NOTE End is usually used in the plural or in particular fixed expressions. * end 常用复数或用于某些固定短语中。

Patterns

• to work towards a(n) target/objective/goal
• a(n) ambitious/major/long-term/short-term/future target/objective/goal
• economic/financial/business targets/objectives/goals
• to set/agree on/identify/reach/meet/exceed a(n) target/objective/goal
• to achieve a(n) target/objective/goal/end