tools

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "tools" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a set of instruments, implements, or objects used to carry out a particular type of task (e.g. painting tools, gardening tools, cooking tools). For example, "I need to buy some new tools for my DIY projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This has sometimes meant taking on the vested interests of the medical profession, and Seddon's description of SalaUna suggests that power lies with the managers of the business, who use contracts, incentives, data and dismissal as tools to shape the behaviour of clinicians.

The Guardian

"We can offer a space for shy students to reflect on their experience," says a university spokeswoman, "along with structured time with professional emotional practitioners to explore possible contexts of their shyness, and practical tips and tools, such as mindfulness and CBT".

The Guardian

They are powerful tools to help any organisation improve its performance".

The Guardian - Business

It was confirmed that the prison's inventory of tools was intact and the focus was on outside contractors doing refurbishment work at the prison, which houses 3,000 inmates in the village of Dannemora, and was built in 1865.

The Guardian

We divide them in two types: active communication tools and advanced poll tools.

The Guardian

Indeed, the aggregate information that we seek threatens privacy far less than the scrubbed anecdotes that Google has already released, or the notifications that it is giving to webmasters registered with Google webmaster tools.

The Guardian - Tech

Following news reports of the allegations, Couchsurfing said that users' safety was a top priority and that it was constantly "evolving our tools and processes to find and halt abusers of our system".

The Guardian

New smart cities that have begun to take advantage of these tools include Tanzania's Kigamboni, an administrative ward of the capital, Dar es Salaam, Congo's Cité du Fleuve, Kenya's Tatu and Kozo Tech, Ghana's Hope City and Nigeria's Eko Atlantic developments.

The Guardian

"The reason why we don't have choices today is that we don't have transparency and we don't have tools to be able to control those choices.

The Guardian - Tech

The questions economists seek to answer, the tools they use to help find the answers (that's principally maths, rather than the applied topics that research suggests women are drawn to), the standard assumptions they make along the way (that people are emotionless, free and selfish), and the things they choose to measure all reflect a traditional and stereotypical male way of looking at the world.

The Guardian

- Julia Bayne, co-founder of istanbul!place In our values-led business hub, we plan to explore the values that can define a business, as well as the structures, business models, tools, strategies, processes and performance metrics that can help and hinder businesses in creating and acting upon their values.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "tools", consider the specific context. Are you referring to physical tools, digital tools, or conceptual tools? Using precise language will enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "tools" as a catch-all term. If you can specify the type of tool—software, hardware, instruments—do so. This provides more detail and avoids ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The noun "tools" primarily functions as a plural noun, referring to multiple implements or instruments used to perform a task. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, from physical instruments to software applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Tech

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "tools" is a common and versatile noun used to describe instruments, implements, or methods employed to achieve a specific purpose. As noted by Ludwig AI, "tools" is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. While its register can vary from formal to informal, it is frequently encountered in news, technology, and business sectors. To enhance clarity, consider specifying the type of "tool" when possible, whether physical or digital. Alternatives such as "instruments", "equipment", and "devices" can provide more precise descriptions depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instruments

Focuses on precision and specific application, often in technical or scientific fields.

equipment

Implies a broader range of items used for a particular purpose, often larger and more complex.

implements

Suggests manual or hands-on application, often in the context of agriculture or craftsmanship.

devices

Emphasizes functionality and technical aspects, commonly used for electronic or mechanical items.

gear

Informal term referring to equipment or clothing used for a specific activity.

gadgets

Refers to small, often innovative and technological devices.

appliances

Specifically refers to household or electrical machines used for particular tasks.

utensils

Typically refers to tools used in cooking or eating.

resources

Highlights the availability and utilization of means to achieve an end.

mechanisms

Focuses on the system or process by which something is accomplished.

FAQs

How can I use "tools" in a sentence?

You can use "tools" to refer to instruments or implements used for a specific purpose. For example: "The basic suite of "tools" journalists use has only been around six or seven years."

What are some alternatives to the word "tools"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "instruments", "equipment", or "devices".

Is it correct to use "tools" to describe software?

Yes, it is acceptable. "Tools" can refer to both physical implements and software applications. In the digital world, software programs that aid in completing tasks are often referred to as "tools".

What's the difference between "tools" and "resources"?

"Tools" are implements or instruments used to accomplish a task, while "resources" are broader and encompass anything that can be used to achieve a goal, including time, money, and information.