an instrument of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'an instrument of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something (usually a person or entity) that is being used to take an action or achieve a result. For example, “The President was an instrument of change in the country.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's an instrument of torture".

The New Yorker

The Pegasus is an instrument of ExxonMobil.

The New Yorker

Leaks were an instrument of information warfare.

The New Yorker

It is an instrument of doom.

The New York Times

"And Glenn was an instrument of that".

The New Yorker

Art was an instrument of faith.

The Guardian

Could it be an instrument of peace?

The Guardian

A play is an instrument of invective.

The New Yorker

It's an instrument of pure self-expression.

Independent

It is, in its way, an instrument of government.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Internet is, though, an instrument of social revolution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an instrument of", ensure the noun following 'of' clearly defines the purpose or function being served. For example, 'an instrument of change' is more effective than 'an instrument of something'.

Common error

Avoid using "an instrument of" in overly passive constructions. Active voice often provides more clarity and impact. Instead of saying 'The policy was an instrument of oppression', try 'The policy oppressed people'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an instrument of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the purpose or function for which something is used. It specifies that the preceding noun serves as a means or tool to achieve a certain end, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an instrument of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote the function or purpose of something as a means to achieve a particular end. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, appearing frequently in news media, formal business contexts, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "a means of" or "a tool for" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the following noun clearly defines the purpose and to avoid overuse in passive constructions. The phrase carries a neutral to formal tone and is widely understood across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a means of

Focuses on the method or way in which something is achieved.

a tool for

Highlights the practical application and utility of something in achieving a specific goal.

a vehicle for

Emphasizes the role of enabling or transporting something towards a particular outcome.

a mechanism for

Suggests a structured or systematic process that facilitates a certain result.

a channel for

Implies a pathway or conduit through which something is conveyed or facilitated.

a conduit for

Similar to 'channel', but emphasizes a more direct or immediate passage.

a medium for

Highlights the substance or environment in which something operates or is expressed.

a key to

Indicates that something is essential or critical for achieving a particular result.

a catalyst for

Emphasizes the role of initiating or accelerating a particular change or process.

a factor in

Suggests that something contributes to or influences a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "an instrument of" in a sentence?

You can use "an instrument of" to describe something used to achieve a specific purpose or effect. For example, "The law became "an instrument of control"." or "Technology is "an instrument of progress"".

What are some alternatives to "an instrument of"?

Some alternatives include "a means of", "a tool for", "a vehicle for", or "a mechanism for", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an instrument for" instead of "an instrument of"?

While "an instrument for" is grammatically correct, "an instrument of" is generally used when referring to something that serves as a means to achieve a broader goal or effect. "An instrument for" is more commonly used when describing a physical tool designed for a specific task.

What is the difference between "an instrument of change" and "a catalyst for change"?

"An instrument of change" implies a deliberate and active agent causing transformation, while "a catalyst for change" suggests something that accelerates or triggers change without necessarily being the primary driver.