a collection of tools

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a collection of tools" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a group or assortment of tools that serve a particular purpose or function. Example: "The workshop was filled with a collection of tools that the carpenter used for various projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Founded in 2004 by Bianchini and Marc Andreessen, the father of Netscape Communications and a Web software pioneer, Ning is literally a network of social networks–a collection of tools that let people or companies build their own social network around hyper-specific topics: nontraditional weddings, professional cricket in India, the Twilight series of vampire books, you name it.

Forbes

The museum also hosts a collection of tools and domestic items collected during 1902-22, an inventory from the Old Church with the original altarpiece dated to approximately 1650, and paintings from the 1790s.

Wikipedia

As such, it has a refreshingly frank power, a collection of tools made or redeployed for specific – and often desperate – ends.

The Guardian - Arts

HomePage is a collection of tools and templates that allow members to create personal Web pages on a free publishing area called home page.mac.com.mac.com

The New York Times - Tech

Other Lab's most visible project is a Web site called WattzOn, which is a collection of tools for estimating and reducing personal energy consumption.

The New Yorker

I tackle these jobs with a collection of tools that has diminished in stunning lockstep with my children's ability to reach the toolbox.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Three rooms contain a collection of stone tools, arrowheads, and clay tools made by the indigenous people of the region.

Wikipedia

GALLERY 14 "Water in Motion," photographs by M. Jay Goodkind; "Without Tools He Is Nothing," prints taken of a collection of antique tools by Robert Borsuk.

The New York Times

In and around one of the cabins on the main deck under the sterncastle archaeologists found a "collection of woodworking tools ... unprecedented in its range and size", consisting of eight chests of carpentry tools.

Wikipedia

To make building these services easier, Microsoft is developing a collection of software tools for programmers, called.Net.Net

The New York Times

From a collection of hearth tools by Enclume made in Washington State, $128 from Kitchen Accessories at [phone] or kitchensource.org.org

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a collection of tools", ensure the context clearly indicates the purpose or area of application of those tools.

Common error

Avoid using "a collection of tools" when you can be more specific about the types of tools involved. Instead of saying, "The software offers a collection of tools," specify what kind of tools are included, such as "editing tools", "analysis tools", or "collaboration tools".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a collection of tools" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It typically describes a group of implements used to achieve a particular task. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a collection of tools" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a set of implements, methods, or software designed for a specific purpose. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse fields like science, news, and business. While it's important to ensure the context clarifies the tools' application, it's equally crucial to avoid overly broad usage by specifying the types of tools when possible. Alternatives like ""a set of instruments"" or ""a suite of utilities"" can provide more specific connotations, but "a collection of tools" remains a reliable and widely understood phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a set of instruments

Replaces 'tools' with 'instruments', implying a more precise or scientific assortment.

an array of resources

Shifts the focus to the 'resources' provided, suggesting a broader range of support beyond physical tools.

a suite of utilities

Emphasizes the 'utilities' aspect, often implying software or digital tools designed for specific tasks.

a range of equipment

Focuses on the 'equipment' available, often referring to physical or mechanical tools.

a compilation of methods

Replaces 'tools' with 'methods', shifting the emphasis to procedures or techniques.

an inventory of implements

Substitutes 'tools' with 'implements', suggesting a more formal or comprehensive listing.

an arsenal of solutions

Uses 'arsenal' to convey a sense of power or readiness, highlighting the problem-solving capability of the tools.

a portfolio of instruments

Suggests a carefully curated and diverse set of instruments, similar to how a portfolio showcases a range of skills or assets.

a toolbox of capabilities

Changes 'collection' to 'toolbox', emphasizing the practical application and convenient accessibility of the capabilities.

a cluster of functions

Replaces 'tools' with 'functions', implying a software focused context.

FAQs

How can I use "a collection of tools" in a sentence?

You can use "a collection of tools" to describe a set of instruments, software, or methods used for a specific purpose. For example, "The artist's studio contained "a collection of tools" for painting and sculpting."

What's a good alternative to "a collection of tools"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a set of instruments", "an array of resources", or "a suite of utilities".

Is it better to say "a collection of tools" or be more specific?

While "a collection of tools" is grammatically correct, being more specific can enhance clarity. For instance, instead of "a collection of tools for data analysis", you could say "statistical analysis software".

What is the difference between "a collection of tools" and "a set of tools"?

While similar, "a collection of tools" often implies a more varied and possibly less organized assortment compared to "a set of tools", which suggests a more curated or standardized group.