a cornerstone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cornerstone" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use it to refer to something that is very important or essential as "the cornerstone of something". For example, "Education is the cornerstone of any successful society."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Genetic diversity is a cornerstone of life.

Human Reproduction Update

Weight loss remains a cornerstone of treatment.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

El Bajío A cornerstone of traditional fare.

The New York Times

Catholicism also remains a cornerstone.

The New York Times

"It is like a cornerstone.

The New York Times

Education would be a cornerstone, he says.

The Guardian

Za'atar is a cornerstone of Levantine cooking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Secrecy is a cornerstone of the regime.

The Guardian

It's a cornerstone in people's year.

The Guardian - Music

They are a cornerstone of this institution.

The New York Times

But random testing still remains a cornerstone.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cornerstone", ensure that the sentence clearly identifies what it supports or forms the basis of. For instance, specify the context for which the subject of your sentence is the cornerstone.

Common error

Avoid overusing "a cornerstone" in close proximity within a text, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and diminish the impact of the phrase. Vary your language by using synonyms like "foundation", "linchpin", or "essential element" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cornerstone" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or an appositive. Ludwig AI examples show it identifying essential components or principles, as in "Education would be a cornerstone" or "Genetic diversity is a cornerstone of life."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cornerstone" is a frequently used phrase, primarily within News & Media and Science contexts, to emphasize the foundational importance of something. According to Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct phrase used to denote an essential element. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. Related phrases include "a foundation" and "a linchpin", which offer similar meanings with slight variations. When writing, remember that “a cornerstone” should clearly link to what it supports. Overall, mastering the usage of "a cornerstone" will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foundation

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the idea of support and stability rather than importance.

a linchpin

Highlights the idea of something holding other parts together and preventing collapse.

a mainstay

Implies a reliable and consistent element that provides support over time.

a key component

Focuses on the idea of being one of several important parts that make up a whole.

a critical element

Emphasizes the idea of being essential for success or proper functioning.

an essential ingredient

Suggests something is indispensable for achieving a desired outcome, often used metaphorically.

a basic principle

Refers to a fundamental concept upon which a system of thought or action is based.

a fundamental aspect

Highlights a basic and necessary part of something complex.

the heart of the matter

Identifies the central or most important point being considered.

the essence

Points to the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, capturing its core identity.

FAQs

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

Use "a cornerstone" to describe something essential or fundamental. For instance, "Communication is "a cornerstone" of any successful relationship."

What phrases are similar to "a cornerstone"?

Similar phrases include "a foundation", "a linchpin", or "a mainstay", all conveying the idea of essential importance.

Is it okay to use "a cornerstone" in academic writing?

Yes, "a cornerstone" is appropriate in academic writing when referring to fundamental concepts or principles. For example, "Critical analysis is "a cornerstone" of scholarly research."

What's the difference between "a cornerstone" and "a key element"?

While both indicate importance, "a cornerstone" suggests a foundational role, whereas "a key element" simply highlights an important component. A cornerstone supports everything else; a key element is just one of several crucial parts.