a basic pillar of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a basic pillar of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fundamental or essential component of a concept, system, or belief. Example: "Education is a basic pillar of a thriving society, as it fosters knowledge and critical thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It Can't Happen Here" is an argument for journalism as a basic pillar of democracy.

The New Yorker

A basic pillar of the requisite independence, impartiality and objectivity of the I.R.S. is its noninvolvement in political matters.

The New York Times

At times, it seemed almost like a comical conceit, like those movies that pivot on the sudden disappearance of a basic pillar of life, "Death Takes a Holiday" or even "The Invention of Lying".

The New York Times

Partnership with the USA remains a basic pillar of German foreign policy in order for us to meet the great challenges of our time: striving for economic and social wellbeing and a forward-looking climate policy, the fight against terrorism, hunger and disease, engagement for peace and freedom, in Germany, Europe and all over the world".

The Guardian

Some of them don't believe in hating men (a basic pillar of feminist theory).

Vice

And regardless of student performance, the rush to fix troubled schools has eroded a basic pillar of public education -- a collective mission to serve the community through shared resources and responsibilities.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Most significantly, the administration's policy has interfered with a basic pillar or tenet of Islam: zakat, or almsgiving.

The New York Times

This runs counter to a basic pillar in medicine that doctors and patients remain strongly attached to: the annual checkup.

The New York Times

The basic pillar of democracy is the inviolable integrity of the individual.

The Guardian

Snapping this most basic pillar of the alliance's defence arrangements has outraged the new members from eastern Europe.

The Economist

According to data, on street illegal parking reduction has to be one basic pillar of mobility policies.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a basic pillar of", ensure that the context clearly defines what larger structure or concept the pillar supports. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a basic pillar of" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Overuse can dilute the impact of the metaphor and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by incorporating synonyms or rephrasing the idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a basic pillar of" functions as a nominal phrase, acting as a subject complement or object complement. It identifies and emphasizes the fundamental nature of a specific element within a larger context, as highlighted in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

27%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a basic pillar of" serves to highlight the fundamental and essential nature of a component within a larger structure or concept. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, although it appears most frequently in news, science, and formal business writing. While versatile, remember that overuse can diminish its impact, so consider using alternatives like "a fundamental component of" or "a key element of" for variety. By ensuring context is clear and avoiding repetition, you can effectively leverage this phrase to emphasize the core building blocks of any subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental component of

Replaces "pillar" with "component", emphasizing that it's a constituent part.

a key element of

Substitutes "pillar" with "element", highlighting the importance of the aspect.

an essential aspect of

Uses "aspect" instead of "pillar", focusing on a particular feature or quality.

a core principle of

Replaces "pillar" with "principle", suitable when referring to guiding beliefs or rules.

a foundational element of

Replaces "basic" with "foundational", stressing that it's a base upon which something is built.

an integral part of

Uses "integral part" instead of "pillar", emphasizing its inseparability from the whole.

a cornerstone of

Substitutes "pillar" with "cornerstone", highlighting its significance as a support.

a primary foundation of

Replaces both "basic" and "pillar" with "primary foundation", stressing the fundamental nature.

a fundamental building block of

Uses "building block" instead of "pillar", metaphorically referring to construction.

a central tenet of

Replaces "pillar" with "tenet", useful when referring to a doctrine or belief.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a basic pillar of" in a sentence?

Use "a basic pillar of" to emphasize the fundamental and indispensable nature of something. For example, "Honesty is "a basic pillar of" any successful relationship" highlights how crucial honesty is to the relationship's foundation.

What are some alternatives to saying "a basic pillar of"?

You can use alternatives like "a fundamental component of", "a key element of", or "an essential aspect of" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a basic pillar of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a basic pillar of" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing foundational elements or core principles. However, ensure the metaphor aligns with the tone and style of your writing. Other alternatives can be slightly more/less formal such as "a cornerstone of".

How does "a basic pillar of" differ from "a major pillar of"?

"A basic pillar of" emphasizes the fundamental and essential nature of something, while "a major pillar of" simply highlights its significance or importance. The former suggests an indispensable foundation, whereas the latter indicates prominence. Consider "a fundamental component of" in order to express an indispensable foundation.