a central pillar

USAGE SUMMARY

"a central pillar" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a person or thing that provides strong support for something. For example: The United Nations remains a central pillar of international stability.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Puccini remains a central pillar of opera.

The New York Times - Books

It is a central pillar of foreign policy".

The Guardian

He has jeopardized a central pillar of nationhood.

The New York Times

The trans-Atlantic alliance has been a central pillar of the security of the postwar world.

The New York Times

That includes Egypt, which was once a central pillar of American foreign policy.

The New York Times

Tackling inequality should be a central pillar of Britain's global leadership in shaping a fairer world.

Independent

Overcome your fear, because when fear disappears the regime loses a central pillar of its power.

The New York Times - Magazine

That concept, known as open Internet or net neutrality, is a central pillar of Mr. Obama's technology policy.

The New York Times

Thereafter, the monarchy continued to nurture close ties with Western powers as a central pillar of its national security.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Put another way, a carbon tax can be a central pillar of tax reform and sound fiscal policy.

The New York Times

Washington sees this base as a central pillar to its defense system in the Asia-Pacific region.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a central pillar" to emphasize the indispensable nature of something. Ensure that the context clearly establishes what relies on this "pillar" for support or stability.

Common error

Avoid using "a central pillar" in overly casual or informal writing. While versatile, it can sound overly formal or grandiose in everyday conversation or informal correspondence. Opt for simpler terms like "key part" or "main element" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central pillar" functions as a noun phrase that identifies something as being fundamentally important or essential. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is frequently used to highlight the critical role that something plays in supporting a larger structure or concept.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a central pillar" is a widely used phrase that effectively conveys the idea of something being fundamentally important or essential. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When using "a central pillar", ensure the context clearly establishes what it supports, and avoid overuse in overly informal settings. Alternatives include "a key foundation" or "a core element", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Understanding its function and appropriate context will help ensure clear and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key foundation

Changes the metaphor from a pillar to a foundation, emphasizing the base or support structure.

a core element

Replaces the architectural metaphor with a more general term for an essential component.

a fundamental aspect

Focuses on the underlying nature of being an indispensable part.

a vital component

Highlights the necessity and importance of the element.

an integral part

Indicates that the element is essential and cannot be removed without affecting the whole.

a cornerstone

Uses a different architectural metaphor to suggest the element is crucial for the structure's integrity.

a bedrock principle

Emphasizes that the element is a fundamental and unshakeable principle.

a lynchpin

Highlights that the element is crucial for holding everything together.

a mainstay

Indicates that the element is a reliable and consistent source of support.

a crucial support

Highlights that the element offers indispensable assistance.

FAQs

How can I use "a central pillar" in a sentence?

Use "a central pillar" to describe something that is essential and provides strong support to an organization, system, or idea. For example: "Honesty is "a central pillar" of our company's ethics".

What are some alternatives to "a central pillar"?

Alternatives include "a key foundation", "a core element", or "a fundamental aspect". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a central pillar" is well-suited for formal writing. It is often used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts to emphasize the importance of something.

How does "a central pillar" differ from "a supporting element"?

"A central pillar" implies greater importance and indispensability than "a supporting element". A supporting element provides assistance, whereas "a central pillar" is foundational and critical.