an expensive tool

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an expensive tool" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a tool that has a high cost or price. Example: "The contractor decided to invest in an expensive tool to ensure the quality of the work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Your ski is an expensive tool," he said.

The New York Times - Travel

Stiffing holders of currency is an expensive tool.

Forbes

In [3], the method needs the emotional categories of the words that were constructed using an expensive tool.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

Cost for performing such measurement with an expensive tool such as the total station or laser scanner can hardly be justified.

Visualization in Engineering

Philippe Migault, a senior research fellow at the Paris-based Institute of International and Strategic Relations, told VICE News that the aircraft carrier is an "expensive tool" that "must be used" if it is available.

Vice

SP are classified as high-technology instruments and are an expensive tool for the training of communication skills [ 13].

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

An occasional user can get by with a less expensive tool, while a serious tool user should only buy professional power tools.

WikiHow

New designs need to be evaluated in unit-cavity tools before an expensive preform tool can be ordered.

Stretch Blow Molding

In the 1990s, China started a large-scale construction of road infrastructure, and ITS was considered as a futuristic and expensive tool box.

Case Studies on Transport Policy

5, 6, 28 Therefore, an instrument that enables rapid comparison of packaging and product may provide an accurate and less expensive tool for screening suspect medicines.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

The "peripherals" of the novel's title are a commonplace, if somewhat expensive, tool — essentially surrogate bodies, controlled remotely as if they were the user's own.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a tool or method, specify why it's "an expensive tool". Is it due to advanced technology, rare materials, or specialized labor?

Common error

Avoid simply labeling something as "an expensive tool" without providing context. Instead, offer specifics: "While MRI is an expensive diagnostic tool, its detailed imaging capabilities often justify the cost."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an expensive tool" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "expensive" modifies the noun "tool". It serves to describe a tool that is characterized by its high cost. Ludwig shows several instances of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an expensive tool" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an instrument or method that is characterized by its high cost. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in various contexts, primarily in science, news, and wiki articles. While not overly formal, its use is appropriate when highlighting the financial investment associated with a particular tool is relevant. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to specify why the tool is expensive to provide more context and clarity. Alternatives such as "a costly instrument" or "a high-priced resource" can offer slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a costly instrument

Replaces "tool" with "instrument", emphasizing precision or sophistication, while maintaining the focus on high cost.

a high-priced resource

Substitutes "tool" with "resource", highlighting the value and investment required, using the term "high-priced" to specify expense.

a premium option

Focuses on the superior quality and higher cost of the tool, implying exclusivity and advanced capabilities.

a luxury implement

Emphasizes the tool's status as an indulgence or non-essential item due to its high cost.

an uneconomical solution

Highlights the inefficiency and financial burden associated with using the tool or method.

a capital-intensive device

Focuses on the significant investment of capital required for the tool, often implying it's part of a larger system.

a dear contrivance

Uses more archaic language to convey the high cost and complexity of the tool.

a valuable but pricey apparatus

Acknowledges the tool's worth but underscores that it is expensive.

a substantial investment

Shifts the focus to the monetary commitment, suggesting long-term value despite initial expense.

a spendy gadget

Uses an informal term ("spendy") to indicate that the item, while perhaps novel, is costly.

FAQs

How can I use "an expensive tool" in a sentence?

You can use "an expensive tool" to describe something that is costly and used to achieve a specific purpose. For example: "The new software proved to be "an expensive tool", but it significantly improved our productivity."

What's a more formal way to say "an expensive tool"?

More formal alternatives include "a costly instrument", "a high-priced resource", or "a capital-intensive device". Each of these alternatives emphasizes the significant financial investment required.

Is it better to say "a costly tool" or "an expensive tool"?

Both "a costly tool" and "an expensive tool" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference, though "expensive" is more commonly used.

When should I avoid using the phrase "an expensive tool"?

Avoid using the phrase when the cost is not a significant factor or when a simpler, more direct description is sufficient. For example, instead of saying "the wrench was "an expensive tool"", you might say "the wrench was high-quality and durable" if those qualities are more relevant.