Clear backbone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Clear backbone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has strong principles or is resolute in their beliefs or actions. Example: "In times of crisis, it's important to have a clear backbone and stand firm in your convictions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the frame of a baseline scenario, which main advantage is to give a clear backbone to the various experts analyses, the final convergence of the two ways to process the results of the matrix (expertise approach and clustering approach), strengthened the robustness of results.

European Journal of Futures Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

For example, in the case of DWB-networks, it is clear that backbone links are of most importance for communications.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It is clear that backbone positions 264 and 268, which have been implicated in sugar binding, do not interact directly with NPG.

Biochemistry

The majority of the network is composed by nodes that are target of a citation, but do not cite back in sufficient amount to clear the backboning threshold.

EPJ Data Science

A more immediate problem is that it's not clear that the backbone of the currency can withstand the increased use that going mainstream would take.

The Guardian - Tech

When the SH2 domains from the singly and doubly phosphorylated EGFR TKB structures are superimposed, it is clear that the backbone atoms of the phosphoSer1070 and Ser1071 residues from ppEGFR are slightly pushed back from c-Cbl surface (largest displacement 1 Å) as compared to pEGFR (estimated coordinate error is 0.24 for ppEGFR and 0.44 for pEGFR by Luzzati plot) (Fig. 5A).

Plosone

This backbone movement clears Tyr away from the active site.

Bioscience Reports

Although of clear interest to transport geographers, backbone extraction techniques have been adopted unevenly and in an ad hoc fashion in transport geography research.

Journal of Transport Geography

"I can't prove that this was being actively logged by LG, but nevertheless it was being transmitted in the clear across the internet's backbone to wherever the servers are located," he said.

BBC

There was a clear interaction of MOF on the backbone of the PANI matrix through electrostatic interaction as investigated by both Raman and Fourier transform infrared analyses.

Composites Part B: Engineering

The only way anyone can really hurt you for being trans, is if you allow their words to hurt you, and you've made it clear that you have a stronger backbone than that.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Clear backbone" when referring to a foundational element that provides stability and is easily understood. It is often used metaphorically to describe strength and resilience in abstract systems or personal character.

Common error

Avoid using "Clear backbone" in situations where a literal description of a spine is required. The phrase is primarily used metaphorically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Clear backbone" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes a quality or characteristic of something, indicating it possesses both clarity and strength in its underlying support or structure. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is often used metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Clear backbone" is a correct and usable English phrase that signifies something providing strong, understandable support. Ludwig shows its use across diverse contexts, from scientific analysis to news reporting. Its grammatical function is typically that of a noun phrase, conveying strength and clarity. While Ludwig indicates that it is a less common phrase, it effectively communicates resilience and a well-defined structure. Related phrases include "strong resolve" and "solid foundation". When writing, avoid using it literally for anatomical references and lean into its metaphorical strength. The phrase has a neutral tone, suitable for both professional and general use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Strong resolve

Emphasizes determination and firmness of purpose, shifting focus from structure to personal strength.

Solid foundation

Focuses on the base or groundwork being firm and reliable rather than clarity of structure.

Resilient structure

Highlights the ability to withstand challenges, changing the focus from clarity to durability.

Unwavering support

Shifts the context to providing consistent assistance, emphasizing reliability over structural clarity.

Defined framework

Emphasizes the structured aspect, where rules and guidelines are clearly stated.

Firm infrastructure

Focuses on the underlying system being robust and unyielding.

Robust support system

Highlights the strength and reliability of the support mechanism.

Well-defined support

Focuses on the quality of definition of support provided.

Resolute core

Emphasizes the strong, unyielding nature of the central part.

Solid grounding

Focuses on having a firm base of knowledge or principles.

FAQs

How can I use "Clear backbone" in a sentence?

You can use "Clear backbone" to describe something providing essential support, like, "The IT infrastructure provides a "clear backbone" for the entire company's operations".

What does it mean to have a "Clear backbone"?

Having a "Clear backbone" implies possessing strength, resilience, and a well-defined structure or set of principles that guides actions and decisions.

Which is correct, "Clear backbone" or "Strong backbone"?

Both "Clear backbone" and "Strong backbone" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Clear backbone" highlights the comprehensibility and straightforwardness of the support structure, while "Strong backbone" emphasizes its robustness and ability to withstand pressure.

What can I say instead of "Clear backbone"?

You can use alternatives like "strong resolve", "solid foundation", or "resilient structure" depending on the context.