a cornerstone role

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cornerstone role" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fundamental or essential position within a particular context, such as a project, organization, or system. Example: "The project manager plays a cornerstone role in ensuring that all team members are aligned and working towards the same goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Model transformations play a cornerstone role in Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) as they provide the essential mechanisms for manipulating and transforming models.

Journal of Systems and Software

Meta-models play a cornerstone role in Model-Driven Engineering as they are used to define the abstract syntax of modelling languages, and so models and all sorts of model transformations depend on them.

Information Systems

This compound also contains a methyl group at position R5 on ring A. The presence of the core structure common to all the compounds in this group suggests that it may play a cornerstone role in the mechanism of action for this cohort of compounds.

Plosone

Taken together, the additional genes contributed by At. ferrooxidans enable a cornerstone role in the establishment and perpetuation of a chalcopyrite leaching consortium.

BioData Mining

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

With Britain's victory in the Opium Wars of 1839-1842 and 1856-1860, opium assumed its role as a cornerstone of Chinese social life alongside tobacco and tea, to be enjoyed with friends, with a rich material culture and its own customs, tools and traditions.

Independent

Strengthening midwives' professional role is a cornerstone in the process of improving the quality of maternal and newborn health care services and reducing maternal and neonatal mortality [ 1].

BMC Health Services Research

There is a global emphasis on the importance of family medicine and its role as a cornerstone in the modern health system [ 1].

Human Resources for Health

Automation of the measurement process may be considered as the next logical step towards unification of the Mod-MPI measurement process, and we hope towards its role as a cornerstone of functional fetal echocardiography.

BioMed Research International

The research immediately raised questions about the role of charities as a cornerstone of the government's 'big society'.

The Guardian

Hard-liners in Tehran have long sought to maintain warlike relations with Washington as a cornerstone of the Islamic revolution, believing reconciliation might weaken their role.

The New York Times

"Yiddish, despite its diminished role as a language of daily life, remains a cornerstone of Jewish identity".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cornerstone role", ensure the context clearly establishes what the role is fundamental to. Providing specific examples or elaborating on the impact of the role will enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a cornerstone role" when the role in question is merely supportive or secondary. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility. Reserve it for truly fundamental aspects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cornerstone role" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as an appositive or a complement within a sentence. It modifies or describes a preceding noun, emphasizing the fundamental importance of that noun's role. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cornerstone role" describes a function or position of fundamental importance. While grammatically correct and understood, its usage is relatively rare. As Ludwig AI notes, it effectively highlights the criticality of a role within a system, often found in Science and News & Media contexts. When incorporating this phrase in your writing, remember to use it judiciously, reserving it for truly indispensable elements to maximize its impact. Alternatives such as ""a pivotal role"" or ""an essential role"" may offer nuanced alternatives depending on your specific purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pivotal role

Emphasizes the turning point or critical nature of the role.

a fundamental role

Highlights the basic and essential nature of the role.

an essential role

Stresses the necessity and indispensability of the role.

a key role

Indicates a significant and important role.

a central role

Focuses on the role being at the heart of something.

an integral role

Highlights the role being an indispensable part of a whole.

a critical role

Emphasizes the importance in avoiding failure.

a vital role

Stresses the role's necessity for life or proper function.

a foundational role

Emphasizes the role as establishing a firm basis or groundwork.

a primary role

Highlights the role being of first importance or rank.

FAQs

What does "a cornerstone role" mean?

The expression "a cornerstone role" signifies that the role is fundamental, essential, and of utmost importance within a particular context. It is similar to saying the role is a key building block for success or stability.

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

You can use "a cornerstone role" to emphasize the importance of a position, function, or element. For instance, "Effective communication plays "a pivotal role" in project management" or "Innovation is "an essential component" of our business strategy".

What are some alternatives to "a cornerstone role"?

Alternatives to "a cornerstone role" include "a pivotal role", "a fundamental role", "an essential role", or "a key role". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "play a cornerstone role"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "play a cornerstone role". The verb "play" is often used to describe the function or part that someone or something has in a particular situation or activity. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is valid and used in real-world contexts.