a vital tool

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vital tool" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is essential or crucial for achieving a particular goal or task. Example: "In today's digital age, social media has become a vital tool for businesses to connect with their customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Antidepressants are a vital tool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Humour is a vital tool.

The Guardian

FoI is a vital tool of democracy.

The Guardian

A vital tool, Mr. McCarthy added, is the interview.

The New York Times

"This is a vital tool for them to have.

The Guardian

It remains a vital tool for local Kremlinologists.

The New York Times

It is, after all, a vital tool of his trade.

The Guardian

The survey is a vital tool for shaping public policy.

The Economist

Such an exchange is also a vital tool for ensuring national security.

The New York Times

"Exit polls are a vital tool to ensure election integrity," the authors say.

The New York Times - Books

It is in all these respects a vital tool and a barometer of our social civilisation.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vital tool" to underscore the importance of something instrumental in achieving a specific objective, particularly when discussing processes, strategies, or methodologies.

Common error

Avoid using "a vital tool" when a simpler term like "helpful" or "useful" suffices. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing necessity and critical impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vital tool" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and is widely used to describe elements that are essential for specific outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a vital tool" is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts to underscore the essential nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the critical importance of a particular resource, method, or concept. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains, its versatility allows it to fit into both neutral and professional settings. When aiming to emphasize the irreplaceability of something, using alternatives like "an essential instrument" or "an indispensable asset" can provide nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential instrument

Substitutes "tool" with "instrument", emphasizing precision and control.

a crucial resource

Replaces "tool" with "resource", highlighting its availability and support function.

an indispensable asset

Emphasizes the irreplaceability and value of the item.

a key component

Focuses on the item's role as part of a larger system or process.

a critical element

Highlights the importance of the item in achieving a specific outcome.

a fundamental necessity

Stresses the basic and essential nature of the item.

a significant advantage

Shifts the focus to the benefit provided by the item.

a valuable asset

Highlights the monetary and practical importance of the item.

a primary instrument

Highlights the use as an action trigger.

a useful mechanism

Emphasizes functionality and utility.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vital tool" to emphasize the importance of something. For instance, "Effective communication is "a vital tool" for resolving conflicts".

What are some alternatives to "a vital tool"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an essential instrument", "a crucial resource", or "an indispensable asset".

When is it appropriate to use "a vital tool" instead of "a useful tool"?

"A vital tool" suggests something is essential and indispensable. Use it when the item or method is critical for success or survival, whereas "a useful tool" implies something is merely helpful.

Is "a vital tool" more formal than "a key component"?

While both phrases are generally suitable for professional contexts, ""a vital tool"" may carry a slightly stronger emphasis on necessity, whereas "a key component" emphasizes integration within a system.