A tool is a piece of equipment used to make, repair or do something.

The idea

Tool is countable: a tool, several tools. State a purpose with a tool for opening boxes or a tool to repair a chair.

Examples

  • This tool is useful for opening the box.
  • She keeps her tools in a small case.
  • We need the right tool to repair the chair.
  • He cleaned the garden tools after work.
  • Which tool should I use for this job?
  • They borrowed a tool from their neighbour.

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Watch out

A tool is equipment used for a task; the task itself is the work you do with it.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the plural after several. She keeps several ___ in the case. (tool / tools)

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    tools

    Tools is plural after several.

  2. Choose the form after for to describe purpose. This is a tool for ___ boxes. (opening / open)

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    opening

    For opening describes the tool’s purpose.

  3. Choose the form naming the repair task. We need a tool ___ the chair. (to repair / repairing)

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    to repair

    To repair names the task the tool helps perform.

Use it today

Name a tool and explain what task it is used for.