a backbone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a backbone" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to the central or most important part of something, or someone's strength and support. Example 1: The teacher is the backbone of the school's educational program. Example 2: Taking care of one's physical and mental health is crucial to maintaining a strong backbone. Example 3: The nonprofit organization relies on donations from the community, which serves as the backbone of their funding.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Recommendation #6: GROW A BACKBONE.

Huffington Post

A backbone".

The New York Times

A newspaper without a backbone!

Independent

It has a backbone.

The New York Times

This gives it a backbone of flavor.

The New York Times

"This is a backbone," he wrote.

The New York Times - Arts

I'd have to grow a backbone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

5 Vertebrate Groups Who has a backbone?

Britannica

"Behind that smile, Tim also has a backbone of steel.

The New York Times

Lord Sir Anthony Strallan-Gormless has a backbone?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Four-limbed animals with a backbone are called tetrapods.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a backbone" to describe the essential supporting element of a system or organization. For describing personal character, employ it to suggest strength and resolve, not merely stubbornness.

Common error

Avoid using "a backbone" to justify aggressive or unethical behavior. While it implies strength, it should not excuse actions that lack empathy or integrity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a backbone" functions as a noun phrase. It frequently acts as a metaphor for strength, support, or the fundamental structure of something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a backbone" is a common and grammatically sound expression, according to Ludwig AI. It serves as a metaphor for strength, essential support, or the core structure of an entity or system. It's frequently used in news and media to describe individual resolve or the foundational aspects of organizations. When using "a backbone", aim to convey the idea of resilience and importance, avoiding connotations of aggression or inflexibility. Consider alternatives like "a strong foundation" or ""inner strength"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong foundation

Emphasizes the fundamental and supportive nature, similar to the structural role of a backbone.

a firm resolve

Highlights the aspect of strength and determination in character, akin to having "a backbone".

a central pillar

Focuses on the core supporting element, analogous to the importance of "a backbone".

moral fiber

Refers to the ethical strength and integrity, a type of inner "backbone".

inner strength

Highlights personal resilience and fortitude, related to the metaphorical meaning of "a backbone".

the main support

Indicates a primary source of assistance or stability, mirroring the supportive function of "a backbone".

a solid base

Stresses the reliable and stable groundwork, like "a backbone" provides.

the core principle

Emphasizes the fundamental belief or tenet that guides actions, similar to a "backbone" providing structure.

essential framework

Indicates the vital structural component, like a "backbone" is to a system.

the driving force

Focuses on the impetus or energy behind something, akin to the strength implied by "a backbone".

FAQs

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

You can use "a backbone" to refer to the core of something, as in, "The team's collaboration is "a backbone" of their success". It can also describe someone's strength of character: "She showed "a backbone" in the face of adversity".

What does it mean to say someone has "a backbone"?

Saying someone has "a backbone" means they are strong, resolute, and capable of standing up for their beliefs or principles, even when facing opposition. It implies courage and determination.

Is it always positive to say someone has "a backbone"?

Generally, yes. However, context matters. If someone is using their "backbone" to be unnecessarily stubborn or to defend harmful actions, it might be seen negatively. The intent and outcome of their actions are key.

What are some alternatives to saying someone has "a backbone"?

Depending on the context, you could say someone has "a firm resolve", exhibits "inner strength", or demonstrates "moral fiber". These alternatives emphasize different aspects of the person's character.