an extensive toolbox

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extensive toolbox" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a wide range of tools or resources available for a particular purpose, often in a metaphorical sense related to skills or capabilities. Example: "As a project manager, I have an extensive toolbox of strategies to ensure the success of our initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

To this end, over the past decades psychology has accumulated an extensive toolbox of methods of behaviour change.

Health Psychology Review

The publication of the full genome in 2009 (De Schutter et al., 2009) provided the information needed to create an extensive toolbox of Ko. pastoris expression vectors, which is now commercially available (reviewed by, e.g., Bollok et al., 2009; Logez et al., 2012).

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

An extensive genetic toolbox allows time and tissue-specific manipulation of gene expression in D. melanogaster in ways that are not available in other organisms, and these techniques have been used to characterize the effects of many genes on fly lifespan and fecundity.

F1000Research

A. I have an extensive control system.

The New York Times

"It had an extensive and interesting history.

The New York Times

It's already an extensive list.

The New York Times

Georgia has an extensive library system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Staub has an extensive background in cooking.

The New Yorker

Si also owns an extensive art collection.

Forbes

Neither fund has an extensive track record.

Forbes

See Feferman (2006) for an extensive discussion.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an extensive toolbox", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific tools or resources are included or implied. Be specific rather than vague.

Common error

Avoid using "an extensive toolbox" if the set of tools or resources is actually quite limited or basic. Overstating the extensiveness can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extensive toolbox" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig indicates its use in describing a collection of resources or methods available for a particular purpose. This is seen in examples like "psychology has accumulated an extensive toolbox of methods".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extensive toolbox" is a noun phrase that describes a broad and varied collection of resources or methods. Ludwig's analysis of real-world examples highlights its application in diverse contexts, including science and news, where it serves to emphasize the wide range of tools available. The phrase is considered grammatically correct, although relatively rare in occurrence. While it conveys a sense of capability, carefully consider more precise language depending on the specific context. Using alternative phrases such as "a comprehensive toolkit" or "a wide array of resources" can also help convey the intended meaning with clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive toolkit

Replaces 'toolbox' with 'toolkit' and 'extensive' with 'comprehensive', focusing on completeness.

a comprehensive set of tools

Uses 'set of tools' instead of 'toolbox' and 'comprehensive' instead of 'extensive', focusing on a complete collection.

a wide array of resources

Substitutes the concrete 'toolbox' with the more abstract 'resources' and 'extensive' with 'wide array', indicating a variety of options.

a broad range of methods

Replaces 'toolbox' with 'methods' and 'extensive' with 'broad range', emphasizing the variety of approaches available.

a diverse collection of instruments

Replaces 'toolbox' with 'collection of instruments' and 'extensive' with 'diverse', highlighting variety and range.

a rich repository of techniques

Substitutes 'toolbox' with 'repository of techniques' and 'extensive' with 'rich', emphasizing a large and valuable collection.

a full complement of skills

Replaces 'toolbox' with 'complement of skills' and 'extensive' with 'full', focusing on completeness and capability.

a considerable collection of assets

Substitutes 'toolbox' with 'collection of assets' and 'extensive' with 'considerable', indicating a significant accumulation of resources.

an ample supply of procedures

Replaces 'toolbox' with 'supply of procedures' and 'extensive' with 'ample', emphasizing a sufficient quantity of available processes.

a substantial repertoire of capabilities

Replaces 'toolbox' with 'repertoire of capabilities' and 'extensive' with 'substantial', highlighting a significant range of abilities.

FAQs

How can I use "an extensive toolbox" in a sentence?

You can use "an extensive toolbox" to describe a wide range of methods, resources, or skills available for a particular task or field. For example: "Psychology has accumulated "an extensive toolbox" of methods of behaviour change".

What are some alternatives to saying "an extensive toolbox"?

Alternatives include "a comprehensive toolkit", "a wide array of resources", or "a broad range of methods", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "extensive" or "comprehensive" when describing a toolbox?

"Extensive" emphasizes the breadth or scope of the toolbox, while "comprehensive" implies completeness. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight the variety or the completeness of the resources available.

In what contexts is it most common to hear the phrase "an extensive toolbox"?

The phrase "an extensive toolbox" is often encountered in contexts related to science, technology, psychology and business, where a wide range of tools and methods are commonly employed to address complex problems or achieve specific goals.