NEW: English for Tech Bundle → Save 38%
Your progress…

Loading your progress…

Home
Technical Vocabularynoun · /ˌɑːr.tɪ.fɪ.ʃəl ɪn.ˈtel.ɪ.dʒəns/

artificial intelligence

artificial intelligence — Technology that enables computers to simulate human intelligence by learning from data and making decisions without explicit instructions.

In simple English

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad field in computer science focused on creating machines and software that can perform tasks autonomously. In modern tech workplaces, AI is used across multiple domains: machine learning models that predict patterns, natural language processing for chatbots, computer vision for image recognition, and autonomous systems that make decisions. When engineers discuss AI in meetings, they often distinguish between narrow AI (task-specific) and general AI (human-level intelligence). The term is frequently used when discussing new product features, model training, data pipelines, and algorithm optimization. Understanding AI concepts is essential for modern software engineers, data scientists, and product managers.

How to say it: Most people just say "A-I" ("ay-eye") at work.

Understand what artificial intelligence is, how it works in tech companies, and its real-world applications in software development.

At a glanceCEFR B2
Commonness5/5
Versatility5/5
FormalityCasualFormalNeutral
Spoken ↔ WrittenSpokenWrittenBoth
Directness ↔ DiplomaticDirectDiplomaticDirect
RegionUS and UK

Say it like this

  • We're leveraging AI to automate this process.
  • The AI model needs more training data to improve accuracy.
  • Our company is investing heavily in artificial intelligence research.

Use it at work

Talking about the product

  • We use artificial intelligence to sort support tickets.
  • The new search uses AI to understand questions.

Being careful

  • AI gives a draft, but a person checks it before we send it.
  • We need to explain to users when AI is involved.

In an interview

  • I've worked on AI features for two years.
  • How does your team use AI in daily work?

Don't say this

✕We are using AI for everything in this application.
✓We're using AI for pattern recognition and anomaly detection in this application.

AI is a tool for specific tasks; not every feature requires AI. Be precise about what problem you are solving.

Don't mix it up

How artificial intelligence differs from similar terms
TermWhat it isWho writes or uses itWhen
artificial intelligence (AI)Computers doing tasks that need thinkingEveryoneGeneral term
machine learningSystems that learn patterns from dataData scientists, ML engineersWhen training models
generative AIAI that creates text, images or codeProduct and engineeringChatbots, copilots

Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Complete the sentence

1. Our team deployed a new _______ system to improve the accuracy of fraud detection.

Spot the mistake

2. Which sentence uses 'artificial intelligence' correctly?

Pick the most natural phrasing

3. Your team successfully implemented a new predictive model. How do you describe it?

Rewrite naturally

4. Rewrite using 'artificial intelligence' naturally: 'We need a computer system that can learn from data and make decisions without us telling it exactly what to do.'

Say it out loud

Phrase 1 of 3

"We're leveraging AI to automate this process."

We don't save your recording. The word check uses your browser's speech recognition.

More about artificial intelligence

Real examples(3)

  • in a standup

    "We completed the initial training phase for our AI system, and it's now ready for testing with real user data."

  • in a code review

    "This AI implementation uses a neural network architecture that we discussed in the design doc."

  • in a team meeting

    "Our competitors are using AI to enhance their search functionality, so we should prioritize this feature in our roadmap."

More mistakes(2)

Handle with care. Often abbreviated as AI; do not confuse with machine learning (a subset of AI). Not all automation is AI.

  • ✕The artificial intelligence is broken.
    ✓The machine learning model is producing inaccurate predictions.

    AI is too broad; specify which component or system is malfunctioning.

  • ✕We implemented artificial intelligence last sprint.
    ✓We integrated artificial intelligence features last sprint.

    Use more specific verbs like train, deploy, or integrate to clarify what was done.

Other forms(3)

  • artificial intelligence noun

    "Artificial intelligence is transforming how we develop software."

  • AI-powered adjective

    "Our new AI-powered chatbot handles customer support requests automatically."

  • AI abbreviation

    "The team is exploring AI solutions for our data analysis pipeline."

Often used with(5)

  • machine learning · Often used together; machine learning is a subset of AI focused on algorithms that learn from data.
  • AI model · Refers to a trained artificial intelligence system used for specific tasks.
  • train AI · The process of teaching an artificial intelligence system using datasets.
  • deploy AI · To put an artificial intelligence system into production for real-world use.
  • AI algorithm · The mathematical or computational method underlying an artificial intelligence system.

Similar words(3)

  • machine learning · A subset of AI; not all AI involves machine learning, though the terms are often used interchangeably.
  • intelligent automation · A broader business term; emphasizes automation with cognitive abilities rather than pure intelligence.
  • cognitive computing · Less common in everyday tech English; refers to systems that mimic human cognition.

Opposites(3)

  • manual process
  • hardcoded logic
  • rule-based system

Questions(4)

What is the difference between artificial intelligence and machine learning?
Artificial intelligence is the broader field of creating machines that simulate human intelligence. Machine learning is a subset of AI that focuses on algorithms learning patterns from data. All machine learning is AI, but not all AI uses machine learning; some AI systems use rule-based logic or other approaches.
How do you use artificial intelligence in a work conversation?
Use specific language: avoid saying 'We use AI' without context. Instead, say 'We use AI for customer segmentation' or 'We deployed a machine learning model to detect fraud.' This clarity helps non-technical stakeholders understand what you are building.
Is artificial intelligence formal or informal?
Artificial intelligence is neutral and appropriate in both formal and informal settings. In casual conversations, people often use the abbreviation AI. In formal presentations or documentation, use the full term or AI after introducing it once.
Should I say AI or artificial intelligence?
Both are correct and widely used. Use AI when the context is already established or in technical conversations. Use artificial intelligence when introducing the concept formally or writing for audiences unfamiliar with tech abbreviations.
New app · Free lessons

Speak up in meetings. Feel confident.

Standup vocabulary, native examples, and quick practice — 100+ free lessons

Start learning freeNo card needed · Google or email

For bots & AI agents

Machine-readable versions of this page and Speak Tech English. Speak Tech English sells self-study ebooks and courses in English for tech, publishes free guides, a free glossary and a free newsletter; live lessons are on Mockly English. Fetch these instead of parsing this page.

This page (.md)llms.txtllms-full.txtai.txtGlossary (.md)Free guides (.md)All products (.md)Endpoint indexNewsletterLive lessons (Mockly)