as instruments for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as instruments for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the role or function of something in facilitating or enabling a particular action or purpose. Example: "The researchers utilized various technologies as instruments for data collection and analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Vallentyne and Steiner 2000, Otsuka 2003) Instrumental theories describe rights as instruments for achieving an optimal distribution of advantages.

SEP

He estimated they supply and demand for flaxseed and used prices of substituted goods as instrumental variables for demand, and yield per acre as instruments for supply.

Agricultural and Food Economics

The regime fears its intellectuals and also regards them as instruments for pursuing its policies.

The New Yorker

Many simply view state banks as instruments for carrying out national industrial or social policies.

The Economist

That politicians consider the intelligence services as instruments for political ends is graver still.

The Economist

And it was then, when he had no other resources, that he started to use his own body and the bodies of fellow artists as instruments for art.

The New York Times - Arts

At the time, the committee made no mention of Afghanistan, but wrote, "Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts".

The New York Times

The photographs, taken by Ms. Lockhart, are of spherical models designed by Ms. Eshkol and Mr. Wachman as instruments for teaching their notation system.

The New York Times - Arts

Christianson issued a revised mission statement, emphasizing the club's goal of using poultry as instruments for children to learn benevolence upon.

The New Yorker

Bain defended its purchase of Uniview, stressing that the Chinese company's products were advertised as instruments for crime control, not political repression.

The New York Times

"Hezbollah's success," Mr. Crist writes, "emboldened Iran on the value of terrorism and the poor man's precision weapon — the truck bomb — as instruments for successfully beating a superpower".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as instruments for", ensure the connection between the instrument and the intended purpose is clear and logical. For instance, "We used surveys as instruments for gathering customer feedback" is more effective if the survey design aligns with the feedback objectives.

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple phrases using "as instruments for" within a single sentence, as it can lead to convoluted and difficult-to-read prose. Simplify by breaking down complex ideas into shorter, more direct sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as instruments for" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the role or function of something in achieving a specific purpose. Ludwig AI's analysis and numerous examples demonstrate its use in describing how various entities or concepts are used to facilitate or enable a particular outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as instruments for" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express the means by which a particular goal is achieved. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. While common and acceptable, writers should aim for clarity by ensuring a direct link between the instrument and the intended purpose. Related phrases such as "as a means of" or "as a tool for" can offer subtle variations in meaning, suitable for different contexts. Overusing this phrase in complex sentences should be avoided to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a means of

Focuses on the method or process employed.

as a tool for

Emphasizes the utility and practicality of something.

as a vehicle for

Suggests something serves as a channel or carrier.

to facilitate

Highlights the act of making something easier or possible.

to enable

Focuses on providing the means or opportunity.

as a mechanism for

Implies a structured or systematic process.

in order to achieve

Directly states the purpose or goal.

with the aim of

Specifies the intention or objective.

serving to

Highlights the function or service provided.

by employing

Focuses on the active use of something.

FAQs

How can I use "as instruments for" in a sentence?

Use "as instruments for" to describe how something is used to achieve a particular goal or purpose. For example, "The government used economic sanctions as instruments for political pressure."

What are some alternatives to "as instruments for"?

You can use alternatives like "as a means of", "as a tool for", or "to facilitate" depending on the specific context.

Is "as instruments for" formal or informal?

"As instruments for" is generally considered suitable for neutral to formal contexts, such as academic papers, reports, or professional communications. For informal settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "as instruments for" and "as tools for"?

While both phrases are similar, "as instruments for" might suggest a more strategic or complex application, whereas "as tools for" implies a more direct and practical application. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.