instruments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instruments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to tools or devices used for a specific purpose, often in contexts like music, science, or measurement. Example: "The orchestra was filled with various instruments, including violins, flutes, and trumpets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Finance

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We explored the wind-whipped town's white and blue port and souk, known for exquisite woodwork and musical instruments – the town hosts the renowned Gnaoua world music festival each year.

The Guardian - Travel

"International human rights law leaves out men in nearly all instruments designed to address sexual violence," she continues.

The Guardian

"My high school experience was a lot more like Juno than Jennifer, obviously," says Cody. "I hung out with a group of pretty inoffensive kids, playing musical instruments, having fun and moving furniture around the neighbourhood.

The Guardian - Film

With the second record there's a need to show that we weren't chancers, that we could play our instruments.

The Guardian - Music

In Greece the hard-left Syriza movement has prospered, along with the neo-fascist Golden Dawn, which added violence to the list of instruments deployed in the backlash of the new politics.

The Guardian

Appleton said the pair were learning to play instruments and they would joke about starting a "kick-ass metal band".

The Guardian

According to the European Spreadsheet Risk Group, spreadsheets were behind the collapse of the Jamaican banking system in the late 1990s, and their use was key in the development of collateralised debt obligations – the financial instruments that promised sub-prime mortgages could somehow become AAA-rated investments.

The Guardian

The insect flew into one of the instruments on the outside of the jet shortly after it took off from Southampton on Friday.

The Guardian

Health specialists in this case assess the risk of infection through contaminated instruments or poor hygiene control as low, but say they cannot be 100% sure.

The Guardian

Put that in a context where the whole train is full of musicians, with instruments; where we're not gonna be told, "Keep the noise down"; where it's properly organised, and we've got gigs at every stop… It's what we already do, but multiplying it, doing it on a national scale.

The Guardian - Music

It seems so sad that they didn't take the opportunity to have a bit of fun, put down the instruments and light up a joint, or head down to the ballroom to play Marco Polo.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or financial contexts, ensure the description of "instruments" is precise to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "instruments" without providing sufficient context. Always specify the type or purpose of the "instruments" being discussed to prevent confusion. For instance, instead of saying 'The lab was full of instruments', specify 'The lab was full of measuring instruments' or 'scientific instruments'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "instruments" is a plural noun. It typically acts as the object of a sentence or preposition, referring to tools, devices, or means used for specific purposes, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Music

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Travel

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "instruments" functions as a plural noun and is commonly used to denote tools, devices, or means employed across diverse fields such as music, science, finance, and law. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct. Its usage frequency is very common, particularly in News & Media sources. For clarity, always specify the type or purpose of the "instruments" being discussed. Alternatives include "tools", "devices", and "equipment", depending on the context. When writing about this topic, it's important to give enough context, avoiding generic statements that may not be informative to the readers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

musical equipment

Replaces "instruments" when referring to musical performance.

financial tools

Emphasizes the financial aspect, replacing "instruments" in economic contexts.

scientific apparatus

Specifies the context, replacing "instruments" in a scientific context.

tools

Replaces "instruments" with a general term for implements used to perform a task.

legal mechanisms

Focuses on the legal aspect, offering a formal alternative to "legal instruments".

devices

Substitutes "instruments" with a term for mechanical or electronic apparatus.

implements

Offers a formal synonym for "instruments", referring to tools or utensils.

apparatus

Replaces "instruments" with a more formal term for a set of equipment used for a specific purpose.

equipment

Substitutes "instruments" with a collective term for items used for a specific purpose.

means

Replaces "instruments" with a broader term for methods or resources used to achieve something.

FAQs

What are some examples of musical "instruments"?

Examples of musical "instruments" include stringed instruments like guitars and violins, wind instruments such as flutes and trumpets, and percussion instruments like drums and cymbals.

How can I use the word "instruments" in a sentence?

You can use "instruments" in a sentence like this: 'The orchestra featured a wide range of "musical instruments"'.

What are some alternatives to "instruments" when referring to tools?

Alternatives to "instruments" when referring to tools include "tools", "devices", and "equipment", depending on the context.

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

"Instruments" often implies a higher degree of precision or specialization than "tools". For instance, surgical instruments are more specialized than garden tools.