a central pillar of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a central pillar of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is fundamental or essential to a particular concept, system, or organization. Example: "Education is a central 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

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

"Robust discussion is a central pillar of our democracy and nothing should be done to undermine freedom of expression.

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a central pillar of", ensure the noun following 'of' is abstract (e.g., democracy, policy, strategy) rather than concrete.

Common error

While versatile, "a central pillar of" can sound cliché if overused in formal writing. Try substituting with synonyms like "cornerstone" or "foundation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central pillar of" functions as a noun phrase complement. It is used to describe something as a fundamental and essential component of something else. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase highlights the importance of the noun it modifies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a central pillar of" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the fundamental importance of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, consider substituting it with alternatives like "cornerstone" or "foundation" to avoid repetition. Ensure the following noun is abstract and relevant to the topic at hand. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "a central pillar of" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cornerstone of

Emphasizes the foundational aspect, similar to the base of a building.

a key component of

Highlights the essential role as a part of a larger system or structure.

an integral part of

Stresses the inseparability and necessity of the element.

a fundamental aspect of

Indicates the basic or essential nature of the element.

a vital element of

Underlines the importance for the survival or success of something.

a linchpin of

Highlights the element that holds other parts together.

the backbone of

Suggests the element provides strength and support.

at the heart of

Indicates the element is central and essential.

a building block of

Highlights the element as a basic unit for construction.

the foundation of

Indicates a base or groundwork upon which everything else depends.

FAQs

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

Use "a central pillar of" to emphasize that something is a fundamental and indispensable component of a larger entity or concept. For example, "Free speech is "a central pillar of" a democratic society".

What are some alternatives to "a central pillar of"?

Alternatives include "a cornerstone of", "a key component of", or "a fundamental aspect of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "central pillar to" grammatically correct instead of "a central pillar of"?

While "central pillar" can sometimes be used as an adjective, "a central pillar of" is the idiomatic and grammatically standard form when referring to something being a fundamental element. "To" is incorrect in this context.

How does "a central pillar of" differ from "a key element of"?

"A central pillar of" implies a stronger sense of support and indispensability than "a key element of". A pillar is a structural support, while an element is simply a part.