a cardinal point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cardinal point" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to one of the four main directions: north, south, east, and west, or to indicate a fundamental principle or aspect of something. Example: "In navigation, understanding a cardinal point is essential for accurate direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

His manic street preaching has been one of the fundaments of a band who, in turn, have long been a cardinal point of good taste in guitar music.

The Guardian - Music

While it still mouths that support, which one senior official called a "cardinal point of our foreign policy" this week, it is now balanced by an active, and growing, friendship with Israel.

The New York Times

A cardinal point is Orozco's way of relating to post-minimalism, notably the achievements of Bruce Nauman and Eva Hesse, as a cogent, fertile tradition, rather than — as it has often seemed for the past forty years — a terminal breakdown of art's formal integrity, relevance to life as it is lived, and civilized appeal.

The New Yorker

The houses of the royal wives were formerly located in the southern portion of the site, a cardinal point traditionally associated with femininity and spiritual power.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The site of Caracas is a high rift valley within this system; hence, mountains enclose the city at all cardinal points.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I agree that computer simulation of net glucose transport lies at the heart of this commentary,   however this is used simply as a tool-  a means  to illustrate the cardinal point  that GLUT2 does not have a functional role in augmenting net glucose transport in the way that GK has suggested  - namely during luminal overload.

F1000Research

Each side also features a library with entrances at each cardinal point, in front of the third set of stairs from the entrance, and a pond between the library and the temple itself.

Wikipedia

Akt is a cardinal nodal point in PI3K signaling pathway and confers resistance to apoptosis through inactivation of regulatory substrates such as GSK3β.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters

The Croxtons have teamed up with the Cardinal Point Winery in Afton, Va., for an oyster and wine pairing weekend, but it is more of a boutique event.

The New York Times - Travel

Making a "salute to the seven directions," where the energies of each cardinal point extend into the sky, ground, and the inside of each person to open a portal of happiness.

Vice

The northern portion of the site is the location of a courtyard where royal judgments were handed down from atop a prominent granite boulder, in line with the Malagasy association between the northern cardinal point, masculinity, and political power.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cardinal point" to refer to a direction, ensure the context clearly indicates geographical or navigational usage. For abstract concepts, consider alternatives like "fundamental aspect" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a cardinal point" in contexts where the intended meaning is unclear. Overuse of the phrase in non-directional contexts can sound unnatural. To avoid this, use the alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cardinal point" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig indicates it refers to one of the four main directions or a fundamental principle. Examples provided illustrate both literal and abstract usages.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cardinal point" is a noun phrase that signifies either one of the four main directions (north, south, east, west) or a fundamental principle. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. While most commonly found in News & Media sources, its usage extends to Wiki, Science, and Encyclopedia contexts. When employing the phrase, ensure clarity by selecting appropriate alternatives for abstract meanings. The provided writing guidance and FAQs offer practical tips for effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental aspect

Focuses on the essential or foundational nature of the point.

a key element

Highlights the importance of the element within a larger context.

a central tenet

Emphasizes the core belief or principle involved.

a crucial factor

Stresses the decisiveness or critical nature of the factor.

a pivotal consideration

Indicates that the consideration is crucial for decision-making.

a major direction

Emphasizes the primary directional aspect.

a primary direction

Highlights the main route to be taken or followed.

an essential component

Highlights a necessary part of a whole.

a significant feature

Emphasizes that this aspect has importance and meaning.

a basic principle

Highlights the simple and necessary rule or law

FAQs

How can "a cardinal point" be used in navigation?

In navigation, "a cardinal point" refers to the four main directions: north, south, east, and west. Understanding these points is essential for accurate orientation and course plotting.

What does "a cardinal point" mean in a philosophical or abstract context?

In abstract contexts, "a cardinal point" signifies a fundamental or essential aspect of a concept or argument. It represents a core element that is crucial for understanding the whole.

What can I say instead of "a cardinal point" when referring to a key element?

Alternatives to "a cardinal point" include "a fundamental aspect", "a key element", or "a crucial factor" depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to use "a cardinal point" when discussing abstract ideas?

Yes, it is correct to use "a cardinal point" in abstract discussions to highlight a core principle or essential aspect. However, ensure the context makes the meaning clear to avoid confusion with its navigational sense.