a conceptual cornerstone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a conceptual cornerstone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fundamental idea or principle that serves as a basis for a theory, argument, or system. Example: "In our discussion of modern architecture, sustainability is often viewed as a conceptual cornerstone that influences design choices."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In his hands, 3D was not a gimmick demanded by marketing suits, but a conceptual cornerstone and technical foundation of the film.

The Guardian

"There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch" is a conceptual cornerstone of economics, with Nobel Laureate Milton Friedman writing a book of the same title.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Outcome measures have usually focused on self-efficacy, the program's conceptual cornerstone, which was often significantly increased up to six months after the end of the program, even though it may decline later [ 4, 5, 16– 16].

BMC Health Services Research

Before going ahead, it is worth focusing on some theoretical and conceptual cornerstones usually used to explain the degree of interaction and reciprocal influence between the dimension of physical space (what we have previously called the polity dimension) and the participatory dimension of the democratic political processes that lead to binding decisions on individual and collective security.

City, Territory and Architecture

A conceptual framework was initially constructed that includes the three cornerstone potential risks that confront any NPP plant operational risks, natural disaster risks, and plant locational risk (Fig. 3).

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

It's a conceptual, a spatial thing.

The New Yorker

What is a conceptual walking tour?

The New York Times - Arts

Fischer is not a conceptual artist.

The New Yorker

This was not a conceptual effort.

The New York Times

It sounds like a conceptual art project.

The Guardian - Arts

Mr. Gerety, 36, is a conceptual artist.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a conceptual cornerstone", ensure the concept you are describing is truly fundamental and essential to the larger idea or system being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "a conceptual cornerstone" when a simpler term like "basic idea" or "key concept" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when describing complex or abstract systems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a conceptual cornerstone" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a fundamental and essential concept or principle. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing foundational elements in various fields.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a conceptual cornerstone" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It signifies a fundamental principle or idea that serves as the basis for a theory or system. While relatively infrequent in general usage, it appears most commonly in scientific and news media contexts. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where you truly want to emphasize the foundational nature of the concept you're describing. Alternatives such as "foundational concept" or "core concept" may be suitable substitutes depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundational concept

Replaces "cornerstone" with "concept" emphasizing the basic idea.

fundamental principle

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the idea.

key principle

Highlights the importance of the principle.

core concept

Highlights the essential concept.

basic tenet

Highlights the core belief or doctrine.

underlying premise

Focuses on the assumption upon which something is based.

primary foundation

Focuses on the foundational aspect.

guiding principle

Emphasizes the role of the principle in guiding actions or decisions.

central idea

Focuses on the main idea or theme.

essential element

Emphasizes the necessary component.

FAQs

How can I use "a conceptual cornerstone" in a sentence?

Use "a conceptual cornerstone" to describe a foundational idea or principle upon which a theory, argument, or system is built. For example, "Sustainability is often viewed as "a conceptual cornerstone" in modern architecture".

What are some alternatives to "a conceptual cornerstone"?

You can use alternatives like "foundational concept", "fundamental principle", or "core concept" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a conceptual cornerstone" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a conceptual cornerstone" is better suited for formal or academic writing. Simpler terms might be more appropriate in informal contexts.

What makes something qualify as "a conceptual cornerstone"?

A "conceptual cornerstone" is a fundamental idea or principle that is essential for understanding or building upon a particular subject or theory. It's the base upon which further concepts are developed.