a critical backbone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a critical backbone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is essential or foundational to a system, organization, or concept. Example: "The research conducted over the years has provided a critical backbone for our understanding of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Satellites support worldwide communications, providing a critical backbone for daily commerce – carrying billions of global financial transactions daily, for example.

The Guardian - Opinion

Public opinion is a critical backbone of our democracy.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We present here the development of a new PT forcefield following the AMBER approach, using the program ANTECHAMBER and ab initio calculations at the HF/6-31G* level of theory to assign partial charges and parameterize the critical backbone torsion potential.

Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling

Since not everything can or should be privatized (look at how the airline industry fared after deregulation), taxes are needed to fund this critical backbone.

Huffington Post

The ability to offer live coverage is a critical part of our service, the backbone and the beating heart of a non-stop news service.

The Guardian

Backbone connectivity is a critical and challenging problem in vehicle ad hoc networks.

Computers & Mathematics with Applications

A critical observation was that the APY backbone structure appears to be slightly strained.

ACS Chemical Biology

One nonprofit is trying to halt the process by preserving forests that form the backbone of rural economies and play a critical role in combatting climate change.

Huffington Post

To neglect any of these therefore may negate a critical part of patient-centred medicine which is the backbone of high quality healthcare [ 4, 5].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

These methods involve introducing students to a range of theories and concepts that provide a critical understanding of the images and messages that form the backbone of our collective culture.

Huffington Post

For backbone all-carbon system, the cathode deposit plays a critical role in sustaining the arc discharge and thereby, the synthesis processes.

Carbon

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a critical backbone", ensure the context clearly establishes what system or idea the backbone is supporting. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a critical backbone" in overly casual or informal writing. The phrase carries a level of formality that may sound out of place in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a critical backbone" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a key element that is essential for support or structure. It's often used to highlight the importance of something within a larger system. Ludwig provides real-world examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a critical backbone" is a noun phrase used to describe an essential element providing support or structure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While versatile, it's most common in news and scientific contexts. For alternative expressions, consider "an essential foundation" or "a key component". When incorporating it into your writing, clarity and appropriate formality are essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an essential foundation

Replaces "backbone" with a more general term for a fundamental element.

a vital underpinning

Emphasizes the supporting role of the element.

a key component

Focuses on the role as an element within a larger structure.

a fundamental basis

Highlights the underlying nature of the element.

an indispensable element

Stresses the necessity of the element.

a crucial support

Highlights the supporting function.

an integral part

Highlights its necessity as being a part of a whole.

a lynchpin

Uses a more concise term to convey the idea of essentiality.

a cornerstone

Metaphorically highlights the foundation of something.

a central pillar

Highlights the supporting and central aspect of the element.

FAQs

How can I use "a critical backbone" in a sentence?

You can use "a critical backbone" to describe something that provides essential support or structure to a system or idea. For example, "Satellites provide "a critical backbone" for worldwide communications."

What are some alternatives to "a critical backbone"?

Some alternatives include "an essential foundation", "a vital underpinning", or "a key component", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when something is described as "a critical backbone"?

It means that the thing being described is essential, fundamental, and provides significant support or structure to something else. It's indispensable for the overall function or stability of the system.

Is "a critical backbone" formal or informal?

"A critical backbone" is generally considered a semi-formal to formal phrase. It's suitable for professional, academic, or news-related contexts, but may sound out of place in very casual settings.