Collocations for instrument - noun
1. tool for a particular task
ADJ.
precision | sophisticated | reliable | crude | blunt
The autopsy revealed that the deceased had been hit with a blunt instrument. | (figurative) Even though it was a somewhat blunt instrument (= not very precise), our questionnaire provided us with some interesting ideas.
The autopsy revealed that the deceased had been hit with a blunt instrument. | (figurative) Even though it was a somewhat blunt instrument (= not very precise), our questionnaire provided us with some interesting ideas.
sharp | small | delicate | appropriate | research | drawing, measuring, writing | astronomical, flight, flying, mathematical, medical, navigation, navigational, optical, scientific, surgical | cockpit
QUANT.
set
a set of mathematical instruments
a set of mathematical instruments
VERB + INSTRUMENT
use
All pupils should learn to use drawing instruments.
All pupils should learn to use drawing instruments.
check, read
to read the instruments and make a note of the wind speed and direction
to read the instruments and make a note of the wind speed and direction
design, develop, devise, invent | build, make
All the instruments are made from glass capillary tubing.
All the instruments are made from glass capillary tubing.
INSTRUMENT + VERB
measure sth
an instrument that measures light intensity
an instrument that measures light intensity
INSTRUMENT + NOUN
check
The pilot did his instrument checks and taxied towards the runway.
The pilot did his instrument checks and taxied towards the runway.
maker | panel
There was a warning light flashing on the instrument panel.
There was a warning light flashing on the instrument panel.
PHRASES
an instrument of torture
medieval instruments of torture such as the rack and the wheel
medieval instruments of torture such as the rack and the wheel
2. for playing music
ADJ.
musical | beautiful, fine | classical | modern | period
baroque music played on period instruments
baroque music played on period instruments
solo | orchestral | brass, keyboard, percussion, string/stringed, wind, woodwind | acoustic, electric, electronic
VERB + INSTRUMENT
play (on)
She plays three musical instruments. | The score was written to be played on a keyboard instrument.
She plays three musical instruments. | The score was written to be played on a keyboard instrument.
learn, learn (how) to play | tune
Ensure the instrument is tuned to concert pitch.
Ensure the instrument is tuned to concert pitch.
make
an instrument made by a woman guitar maker in Canada
an instrument made by a woman guitar maker in Canada
INSTRUMENT + VERB
sound
The instrument sounds like a cello.
The instrument sounds like a cello.
INSTRUMENT + NOUN
maker
3. sb/sth used to make sth happen
ADJ.
chief, key, main, major, prime, principal | good, great
They agreed that the UN was the best instrument for reaching agreement.
They agreed that the UN was the best instrument for reaching agreement.
ideal | important, valuable | powerful | useful | effective | flexible | mere
Some cynics say that sport is a mere instrument of capitalist domination.
Some cynics say that sport is a mere instrument of capitalist domination.
chosen
The despot claimed to be the chosen instrument of divine providence.
The despot claimed to be the chosen instrument of divine providence.
divine | political
VERB + INSTRUMENT
perceive sb/sth as, regard sb/sth as, see sb/sth as, view sb/sth as
They saw criminal law as an instrument for improving public morals.
They saw criminal law as an instrument for improving public morals.
use sb/sth as | make sb/sth
PREP.
~ for
Criminal law is not the best instrument for dealing with family matters.
Criminal law is not the best instrument for dealing with family matters.
~ of
She was accused of making a public service an instrument of private advantage.
She was accused of making a public service an instrument of private advantage.