Search blog

What are Tools, Device and Equipment? Distinguishing Tools, Device and Equipment

Tools, Device and Equipment may have the same meaning, but each word is used in different contexts. In today’s article, let’s explore the concepts, usage, and distinctions between Tools, Device and Equipment in detail!

Differences of 3 words Tools, Device and Equipment

I. What is Device?
II. What is Equipment?
III. What is Tool?
IV. Distinguishing Tools vs Equipment, and Device
V. Exercises to distinguish Tools, Device and Equipment
1. 1. Exercise: Choose the appropriate word (Device or Equipment, Tools or Equipment) to fill in the blanks in the following sentences:
2. 2. Answer

I. What is Device?

To distinguish between Tools, Device and Equipment, let’s explore the concept and collocations with Device!

1. Definition

"Device" is pronounced /dɪˈvaɪs/ and functions as a noun, meaning: an object or machine that has been invented for a particular purpose. For example:

We have a device that switches the lights on at a preset time in the evening.
His temper tantrums were just a device for attracting attention.

2. Collocation with Device

Collocation with Device	Example
assist device	The wheelchair is an essential assist device for many people with mobility issues.
doomsday device	The villain threatened to activate the doomsday device unless his demands were met.
floatation device	Everyone on the boat was required to wear a floatation device for safety.
playback device	The playback device allowed us to review the recorded footage.
prototype device	The engineers tested the prototype device before moving on to mass production.
radar device	The radar device detected an approaching storm.

3. Words/phrases associated with Device

Words/phrases associated with Device	Example
electronic device	Smartphones, laptops, and tablets are common electronic devices used daily.
mobile/ wireless/ handheld devices	Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets are essential tools for staying connected.
marketing device	The company used social media as a marketing device to reach a broader audience.

II. What is Equipment?

To accurately distinguish between Tools, Device and Equipment, let’s explore the concept and collocations with Equipment!

1. Definition

"Equipment" is pronounced /ɪˈkwɪp.mənt/ and functions as a noun, meaning: the set of necessary tools, clothing, etc. for a particular purpose. For example:

The teacher demonstrated how to use the equipment.
All of the medical equipment must be sterilized before use.

2. Collocation with Equipment

Collocation with Equipment	Example
adaptive equipment	The school provides adaptive equipment for students with physical disabilities.
additional equipment	The new project required additional equipment for successful completion.
adequate equipment	The team had adequate equipment to safely conduct the experiment.
advanced equipment	The hospital is equipped with advanced equipment for cancer treatment.
agricultural equipment	The farm invested in new agricultural equipment to increase productivity.
athletic equipment	The gym is fully stocked with athletic equipment for all types of exercises.
audio equipment	The concert hall has state-of-the-art audio equipment for high-quality sound.
automated equipment	The factory uses automated equipment to streamline production processes.
auxiliary equipment	The auxiliary equipment was necessary for the main machine to function properly.
basic equipment	The classroom is equipped with basic equipment like projectors and whiteboards.
bulky equipment	Moving the bulky equipment required a team of workers.
camera equipment	John invested in professional camera equipment for his photography business.
camping equipment	We packed all the camping equipment before heading to the mountains.
computing equipment	The office upgraded its computing equipment to improve efficiency.
damaged equipment	The technician repaired the damaged equipment quickly.

3. Words/phrases associated with Equipment

Words/phrases associated with Equipment	Example
machinery and equipment	The factory invested heavily in machinery and equipment to increase production capacity.
a piece of equipment	The new printer is a piece of equipment that will help streamline our work.
install/ use/ supply equipment	They will install the equipment tomorrow.
buy/ purchase/ hire equipment	We need to buy new equipment for the project.
electrical/ electronic/ high-tech equipment	The technician repaired the electrical equipment in the building.
computer/ office/ audio-visual equipment	The school has updated its computer equipment to enhance learning.
state-of-the-art/ special/ specialized equipment	The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
equipment maker/ manufacturer/ supplier	The equipment maker released a new model this year.

III. What is Tool?

To precisely distinguish Tools, Device and Equipment, let’s look at the concept and usage of Tool below!

1. Definition

"Tool" is pronounced /tuːl/ and functions as a noun, meaning: a piece of equipment that you use with your hands to make or repair something. For example:

This tool is used to make holes in leather.
Early humans shaped tools out of stone.

2. Words/phrases associated with Tool

Words/phrases associated with Toolss	Example
useful tool	The internet is a useful tool for learning new skills.
hand tools	Carpenters often rely on hand tools like hammers and saws.
power tools	Power tools like drills and sanders make construction work easier.
a business/ marketing/ research tool	Social media is a powerful marketing tool for reaching customers.
a strategic/ managerial/ statistical tool	SWOT analysis is a strategic tool for planning business growth.
software tools	Graphic designers use software tools like Photoshop to create designs.

2. Idioms and Phrasal verbs with Tool

Idioms and Phrasal verbs with Tool	Meaning	Example
tool (something/ someone) up	to get together the equipment you need for doing or making something; to arm yourself (= get weapons ready) in preparation for something	The factory was tooled up with the latest machinery for increased production.
tool of the trade	A tool of the trade is something you need to use to do your job	A stethoscope is a tool of the trade for doctors.

IV. Distinguishing Tools vs Equipment, and Device

Let’s distinguish the difference between Device and Equipment, the difference between Tools and Equipment with PREP below!

	Device	Equipment	Tool
Meaning	Refers to an instrument or machine designed to perform a specific function or task, often electronic or mechanical.	Refers to a set of tools, machines, or items used to perform a specific task or job. "Equipment" typically refers to larger or more complex parts or devices.	Refers to an instrument or item used to perform a specific job, often handheld tools that assist in manipulation or production.
Example	A smartphone is a device that combines the functions of a phone and a computer.	The laboratory is equipped with high-tech equipment for conducting research.	A hammer is a tool used for driving nails into wood.

V. Exercises to distinguish Tools, Device and Equipment

To better understand the usage and distinctions between Device vs Equipment vs Tools, let’s complete the exercises below with PREP!

1. Exercise: Choose the appropriate word (Device or Equipment, Tools or Equipment) to fill in the blanks in the following sentences:

The technician used a variety of _______ to repair the machinery.
The new _______ we bought for the office includes a printer, a scanner, and a photocopier.
This _______ is designed to measure electrical currents accurately.
For the construction project, we need heavy-duty _______ like cranes and bulldozers.
A smartphone is a _______ that combines many functions into one device.
The laboratory is well-equipped with various _______ for conducting experiments.
You should use a wrench as a _______ to tighten the bolts.
To improve the quality of sound in the recording studio, they invested in high-quality _______.
The doctor uses a stethoscope, which is a type of _______ for listening to patients' heartbeats.
The fitness center provides various _______ such as treadmills and exercise bikes.

2. Answer

Tools
Equipment
Device
Equipment
Device

Equipment
Tool
Equipment
Device
Equipment

Above, PREP has shared the concepts, usage, and differences between Tools, Device and Equipment. Keep following PREP for more useful and interesting English knowledge!

Master Tu Pham

Founder/CEO at Prep

Founder of Prep Smart Test Preparation Platform. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and test preparation, Mr. Tú has helped thousands of students achieve high scores in the IELTS exam. In addition, Mr. Tú Phạm is also a consulting expert in British Council programs and a speaker at many leading educational events, programs, and conferences.