a basic tool

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic tool" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a fundamental instrument or resource that is essential for a particular task or purpose. Example: "In programming, a basic tool for debugging is the print statement, which helps identify issues in the code."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a basic tool.

The New Yorker

Analogy is a basic tool of teaching.

The New York Times

Stop-and-frisk is such a basic tool of policing.

The New Yorker

It is a basic tool in an increasingly interconnected world.

The New York Times

Mathematics is a basic tool in optimization and modeling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It should become a basic tool of structural bioinformatics.

Computational Biology and Chemistry

PandaPowVPN is a basic tool for Android, and costs $84 annually, or $9 a month.

The New York Times

Introduction to MATLAB programming as a basic tool kit for computations.

Stanford University

The spectrogram is a basic tool in audio spectral analysis and other fields.

Stanford University

Be careful". He was teaching Ito's calculus, a basic tool for financial engineering.

Columbia University

The Laplace transformation is used as a basic tool to derive semi-analytical solutions.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basic tool", ensure the context clearly identifies what the tool is and the task it supports. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a basic tool" without specifying the tool or its purpose, as this can lead to vagueness and weaken your writing. Always provide context to clarify what "a basic tool" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic tool" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as a fundamental or essential instrument, resource, or method. Ludwig confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a basic tool" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something fundamental or essential. It appears frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability, suggesting it is a reliable choice for conveying the idea of a fundamental instrument or resource. While alternatives like "a fundamental instrument" or "an essential resource" exist, "a basic tool" remains a straightforward and widely understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental instrument

Replaces "tool" with "instrument", suggesting a more precise or technical item.

an essential resource

Substitutes "tool" with "resource", broadening the scope to include non-physical assets.

a key component

Focuses on the role of the tool as part of a larger system.

a necessary element

Emphasizes the indispensability of the tool.

a core principle

Shifts from a physical tool to an abstract concept.

a building block

Highlights the foundational nature of the tool.

a go-to method

Indicates a frequently used and reliable approach.

a standard procedure

Suggests a well-established and widely accepted practice.

a primary means

Focuses on the tool as a way to achieve a particular outcome.

a staple item

Implies a common and regularly used object or resource.

FAQs

How can I use "a basic tool" in a sentence?

You can use "a basic tool" to describe something fundamental or essential for a task. For example, "In cooking, a sharp knife is "a basic tool"."

What's a good alternative to "a basic tool"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a fundamental instrument", "an essential resource", or "a key component", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a basic tool" or should I use another phrase?

The phrase "a basic tool" is perfectly acceptable and grammatically correct. Ludwig AI also confirms its validity and usability. Consider alternatives only for stylistic variation.

What does "a basic tool" generally refer to?

Generally, "a basic tool" refers to any instrument, skill, or resource that is fundamental and widely used in a particular field or activity.