a fundamental cornerstone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fundamental cornerstone" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an essential or foundational element of something. Here is an example: "The principle of equality is a fundamental cornerstone of our society, ensuring that every individual is treated with fairness and respect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"It is a fundamental cornerstone of everything Britain stands for.

The Guardian

It has overturned a fundamental cornerstone of UK policy since the early 1970s.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The freedom to read any book, no matter the subject, is a fundamental cornerstone of our liberty".

The Guardian - Books

Mutagenesis is now documented as a fundamental cornerstone of the molecular basis of all forms of cancer24.

Nature

James Corden has described the BBC as a "fundamental cornerstone of everything Britain stands for" as he voiced fears for the future of the publicly funded broadcaster.

The Guardian

"The freedom to read any book, no matter the subject, is a fundamental cornerstone of our liberty". Glanville also called Schedule 7 a "continuing problem" and said it was overdue for reform.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

An undecorated staircase, a pile of rubbish in a toilet and a liberal sprinkling of builders' dust were all that took the architectural gloss off the first competitive match at Southampton's magnificent new home, but for the Saints' manager Stuart Gray the work in progress on the pitch is lacking a rather more fundamental cornerstone.

The Guardian - Sport

Together they typify the maximising of every available ounce of talent from the fundamental cornerstone of making a team difficult to beat.

The Guardian - Sport

"Through his [Peter's] professional career, the idea of a constitutionally enshrined press freedom was an abstract, an idealised principle that he understood to be a fundamental legal cornerstone of both his trade and the wider concept of a free and open society," he said.

The Guardian

The most fundamental cornerstone of the learning process at MIT is the interaction between faculty and students in the classroom, and amongst students themselves on campus.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

One fundamental cornerstone is serenity on behalf of the individual.

Clinical interventions in aging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fundamental cornerstone" to emphasize the foundational and indispensable nature of a concept, principle, or element within a larger system or idea.

Common error

Avoid using "a fundamental cornerstone" in situations where simpler words like "basis" or "foundation" would suffice. Reserve it for contexts where you want to convey a strong sense of importance and indispensability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fundamental cornerstone" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object complement. Ludwig confirms it highlights something essential and foundational within a concept or structure. Examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a fundamental cornerstone" is a commonly used noun phrase that denotes an essential or foundational element. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various writing contexts. Ludwig examples show frequent use in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately conveys the indispensable nature of the element being described, avoiding overuse in simple contexts where more direct language would suffice. Consider alternatives like "a foundational element" or "an essential component" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a foundational element

Replaces "cornerstone" with "element", emphasizing the basic and essential nature of something.

a primary foundation

Replaces "cornerstone" with "foundation", stressing the supporting role of the element.

an essential component

Uses "component" instead of "cornerstone", focusing on something that is necessary and integral.

a critical building block

Emphasizes the role of the element as a foundational unit in a larger structure.

a core aspect

Highlights a fundamental and central facet of a concept or entity.

a basic principle

Shifts the focus to a guiding rule or concept that underlies a system or belief.

a crucial element

Similar to essential component, but emphasizes the decisiveness of the element.

an integral part

Highlights the inseparability and necessity of the element within a whole.

a key ingredient

Implies that the element is a crucial component for achieving a desired outcome or result.

a central tenet

Focuses on a core belief or doctrine that is essential to a system of thought or ideology.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fundamental cornerstone" to describe something essential. For example, "Trust is "a fundamental cornerstone" of any successful relationship."

What phrases are similar to "a fundamental cornerstone"?

Alternatives include "a foundational element", "an essential component", or "a basic principle", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "fundamental cornerstone"?

While "cornerstone" inherently implies importance, using "fundamental" reinforces the depth and significance of the element being described. The phrase is widely accepted and used.

What is the difference between "a fundamental cornerstone" and "a key aspect"?

"A fundamental cornerstone" emphasizes the foundational and indispensable nature of something, while "a key aspect" simply highlights an important feature or element without necessarily implying that it's foundational.