tool

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "tool" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a device or object used to do work or a means of achieving an end, such as a "tool for success" or a "tool for completing a task". For example, "This project requires the right tools to ensure success".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One example is the Advanced Market Commitment tool, where donors pledge to purchase developing country disease-focused vaccines or medicines, giving companies a commercial buyer and thus a reason to risk their R&D investment and product development.

The Guardian

Darrell Issa, in charge of the US house of representative's investigation of the Justice Department's prosecution of Swartz, told the Huffington Post that "overprosecution is a tool often used to get people to plead guilty rather than risk sentencing… If someone is genuinely guilty of something and you bring them up on charges, that's fine.

The Guardian - Tech

Rather than acting as a tool to unearth the fragility of the human psyche, the effect is the equivalent to Dirty Dancing if Johnny Castle was crippled by, say, Tourette syndrome.

The Guardian - Film

"It does not enhance the privacy protections of American citizens, and it surely undermines American security by taking one more tool from our war fighters, in my view, at exactly the wrong time".

The Guardian

It was a transformational tool kit for life that doesn't cost the earth.

The Guardian - Travel

Between you and me, I don't think he's the sharpest tool in the box.

The Guardian - Film

#bleepme is a creative tool and discovery platform, it's all about showcasing new creative talent.

The Guardian

But in the antic and frantic world of advertising, who is to say what a powerful self-promotional tool quietly spoken and cerebral self-effacement might be?

The Guardian

My students find the free Pinstamatic tool helpful when curating research outside of Pinterest.

The Guardian

One tool which is great for curating this information is Pinterest.

The Guardian

On the other, he just looks a total tool when he accuses politicians and the media of obfuscating and ducking questions when he then does precisely the same, and with added bully-boy petulant aggression.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "tool", be specific about its function or purpose to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify whether it's a software tool, a physical tool, or an analytical tool.

Common error

Avoid generic references to "tool" without specifying its purpose. Instead of saying "This tool will help", specify "This software tool will automate data analysis" for better comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The word "tool" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a device or instrument used to carry out a particular function. It can also act as a verb, meaning to work on something with tools. Ludwig AI indicates that the word is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Film

8%

Travel

5%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Tech

3%

Opinion

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "tool" is a grammatically sound and versatile term, commonly used as a noun to describe an instrument or device for performing a task, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to technical and everyday scenarios. When using "tool", clarity is crucial; specifying its exact function is recommended to avoid ambiguity. While generally neutral in register, context-specific alternatives like "instrument", "device", or "implement" can enhance precision. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively employ the word "tool" in diverse writing projects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instrument

Refers to a device used to achieve a specific purpose, similar to "tool" but potentially more precise.

device

A more general term for a piece of equipment or mechanism designed for a particular purpose.

implement

Suggests a physical object used to perform a task, often implying a practical or utilitarian purpose.

mechanism

Emphasizes the internal workings and functional aspects of a device or process.

means

Focuses on the method or resource used to achieve a particular end.

aid

Highlights the assistance or support provided by something.

resource

Points to a valuable asset or source of support.

appliance

Typically refers to a device designed for a specific household task.

utensil

Usually refers to a handheld implement used in cooking or eating.

contrivance

Suggests something ingeniously or elaborately designed for a specific purpose, sometimes with a hint of artificiality.

FAQs

How can I use "tool" in a sentence?

You can use "tool" to refer to a physical device (e.g., "Use this tool to fix the bicycle") or a conceptual instrument (e.g., "Data analysis is a powerful tool for understanding trends").

What are some synonyms for "tool"?

Alternatives include "instrument", "device", "implement", and "means". The best choice depends on the context.

Is "tool" formal or informal?

"Tool" is generally considered a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, avoid using it too casually in highly formal writing.

How does the meaning of "tool" change depending on the context?

The meaning of "tool" can vary. It can refer to a physical object used for a task, a method for achieving a goal, or even a person being used by someone else. Pay attention to the surrounding words to determine the intended meaning.