a key backbone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key backbone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is essential or fundamental to a system, structure, or concept. Example: "The new software serves as a key backbone for our data management system, ensuring efficiency and reliability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Armed with the knowledge that secondary metabolite biosynthetic genes often occur in clusters with a key backbone gene.

DNA Research

The combined loss of gliT and exposure to exogenous gliotoxin resulted in attenuated expression of the biosynthetic genes for the secondary metabolites: fumitremorgin B, fumagillin, and pseurotin A. Secondary metabolite production in fungi is generally dependant on the presence of a key backbone enzyme, namely a PKS or a NRPS [ 47].

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In the last snapshot of this trajectory (Figure 3B), all key backbone hydrogen-bonds in the structure remain intact.

Plosone

A key conceptual backbone is a detailed "theory of change" to apply appropriate evidence for each operational component.

Global health, science and practice

The widened dimer interface causes disruption of key backbone contacts between the Cys-bearing Zn2+ binding hairpin fragment (residues 95 102) that includes contacts between C101 and N468.

Biochemistry

Based on the structure of the XerC/D-like clade, we infer that the helix-1 and helix-3 of the ALOG domains, which are orthogonally positioned with respect to each other, are likely to make key backbone and base contacts in the major groove.

Biology Direct

Trekking and mountaineering are the key backbones of the industry - the major foreign exchange earner for Nepal.

BBC

A key feature of the backbone interface developed is its open architecture.

Chemical Engineering Journal

In data it owns a fine Internet backbone, a key reason WorldCom wanted to buy it.

Forbes

The primary amine along the chitosan backbone plays a key role in biomedical applications.

Materials Science and Engineering: C

Molecular modeling simulation revealed that, the designed compounds docked well into p110α active site and their complexes are stabilized by a key H-bonding with the backbone amide of Val851 as well as other favorable hydrophobic and H-bond interactions with different amino acids within the enzyme active site.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key backbone", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being supported or structured. This phrase is most effective when the supporting role is evident.

Common error

Avoid stacking metaphors. Using "a key backbone" within an already complex metaphorical structure can obscure your meaning. Opt for more direct language for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key backbone" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as essential and supportive, much like a backbone, and as Ludwig AI also suggests. The examples from Ludwig show this in contexts ranging from industry to biological processes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key backbone" is a phrase used to describe something that is both essential and foundational. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and suitable for describing essential elements in a system. While it's considered a rare phrase, primarily appearing in scientific and news contexts, its effectiveness lies in conveying the indispensable and supportive nature of the subject. When employing this phrase, it's advisable to ensure clarity in its supporting role and avoid overuse of metaphorical language. Consider alternatives like "a crucial foundation" or "an essential support" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial foundation

Replaces 'key' with 'crucial' and 'backbone' with 'foundation', emphasizing importance and stability.

an essential support

Substitutes 'key' with 'essential' and 'backbone' with 'support', highlighting the necessary assistance provided.

a fundamental element

Replaces the metaphor 'backbone' with the more literal 'element', clarifying its role as a basic component.

a pivotal component

Changes 'key' to 'pivotal', stressing the turning-point nature of the component.

a central pillar

Employs the 'pillar' metaphor to convey the idea of something structurally important and holding things up.

an integral part

Uses 'integral' to highlight the necessity of the part within the whole.

a cornerstone

Uses the metaphor of a 'cornerstone' implying a basic, essential element on which everything else depends.

a primary basis

Shifts from a structural metaphor to a more abstract concept of a 'basis' or foundation.

a vital source

Highlights the importance of a resource or origin from which something originates or is sustained.

a critical infrastructure

Focuses on the underlying systems and facilities that serve as the foundation for operation or function.

FAQs

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

You can use "a key backbone" to describe something essential to a system. For instance, "The new software serves as "a key backbone" for our data management system".

What are some alternatives to "a key backbone"?

Alternatives include "a crucial foundation", "an essential support", or "a fundamental element", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a key backbone"?

The phrase "a key backbone" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is both important (key) and provides structural support (backbone) to a larger entity or concept.

Is "a key backbone" too informal for academic writing?

While "a key backbone" isn't inherently informal, consider your audience. In some academic contexts, a more literal phrase like "a fundamental element" might be preferred.