Question

Replace the underlined phrase using an appropriate collective noun:
A number of tools were required to open the engine.

• A. set of tools
• B. pile of tools
• C. store of tools
• D. hoard of tools

Answer 1

The correct option is A set of tools

The collective noun used for 'a number of tools' is 'set' or 'kit'. Hence, the most appropriate phrase which can replace the underlined phrase is 'set of tools' as given in option A.

'Pile' is a collection used to describe a number of books or a lot of dung. 'Store' is a rarely used collective noun for a group of gypsies. 'Hoard' is a stock or store of money or valued objects. Options B, C and D are incorrect as 'pile', 'store' and 'hoard' are not the appropriate collective nouns which can describe 'a number of tools'.