Collocations for tool - noun
1. instrument for making/repairing things
ADJ.
general-purpose, multi-purpose | basic, primitive, standard, traditional
craftsmen using traditional tools
craftsmen using traditional tools
sophisticated, special | sharp | rusting/rusty | cutting, drawing, measuring | cordless, hand, machine, power | agricultural, engineering, farm, garden/gardening, industrial, woodworking
QUANT.
set
VERB + TOOL
use | sharpen | blunt
Cutting concrete would blunt a metal-cutting tool.
Cutting concrete would blunt a metal-cutting tool.
down ~s
Workers downed tools (= stopped work) in protest at poor safety standards in the works.
Workers downed tools (= stopped work) in protest at poor safety standards in the works.
TOOL + NOUN
kit
PHRASES
the tool/tools of the trade
The guitarist opened the case and took out the tool of his trade.
The guitarist opened the case and took out the tool of his trade.
2. sth that helps you do/achieve sth
ADJ.
effective, essential, important, indispensable, invaluable, major, necessary, powerful, useful, valuable, vital | educational, learning, reference, research
This dictionary is an invaluable reference tool for advanced learners.
This dictionary is an invaluable reference tool for advanced learners.
ideological, negotiating, political, propaganda
We must ensure that education is not used as a political tool.
We must ensure that education is not used as a political tool.
communication, management, marketing | analysis/analytical, design, desktop, development, drawing, multimedia, presentation, programming, software