a key pillar of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key pillar of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize an essential component or foundational element of a concept, organization, or system. Example: "Sustainability is a key pillar of our corporate strategy, guiding our decisions and actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Transport was always a key pillar of the powerhouse project.

The Guardian - Opinion

Exporting was a key pillar of my business, Tangle Teezer, from the word go.

The Guardian

A key pillar of the EU project, the passport-free Schengen area created in 1995, remains in disarray.

The Guardian - Opinion

That, in turn, will hurt the public sector unions that are a key pillar of the modern Democratic Party.

The New Yorker

But direct talks are now a key pillar of President Obama's nonproliferation strategy vis-à-vis Tehran.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Egyptian military, with its key controlling stake in the economy, was always a key pillar of Mubarakism.

The New York Times

The episode highlights the politicisation of humanitarian access, once a key pillar of peace talks in Geneva under US, Russian and UN auspices.

The Guardian

Cultural outreach is a key pillar of that effort, including the establishment of a satellite campus of Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi a decade ago.

The Guardian

Germany's local savings banks (Sparkassen and Genossenschaftsbanken) are a key pillar of the Mittelstand, a source of funding for small firms.

The Guardian

THE GREEN ENERGY GLOW IS DIMMING Washington's failure to pass cap-and-trade legislation or otherwise regulate carbon emissions threatens a key pillar of the green energy business.

The New York Times

A key pillar of de Blasio's campaign was to expand pre-kindergarten classes — something President Barack Obama has championed at the national level.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key pillar of", ensure that the noun following 'of' is a broad concept or system rather than a specific item.

Common error

Avoid using "a key pillar of" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key pillar of" functions as a modifier, specifically a predicate nominative, to describe an essential or foundational element. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly emphasizes core aspects of a concept or entity, as evidenced by many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a key pillar of" is a widely used and grammatically correct way to emphasize the fundamental importance of something. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it functions as a modifier, highlighting the essential nature of a component within a larger structure. It is commonly found in news, science, and formal business contexts, making it a versatile choice for professional communication. While alternatives like ""a central component of"" or ""an essential aspect of"" exist, "a key pillar of" provides a strong metaphor for support and indispensability. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase and ensure the noun following 'of' is a sufficiently broad concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cornerstone of

Similar to "pillar", but emphasizes the foundational nature, especially in building or organizational contexts.

a central component of

Replaces "pillar" with "component", emphasizing the role as a part within a larger system; slightly less metaphorical.

underlying foundation of

Focuses on the supporting structure or basis.

a fundamental element of

Substitutes "pillar" with "element", highlighting the basic and essential nature of the aspect.

integral to

A more concise way of expressing essentiality; omits the "a ... of" structure.

an essential aspect of

Replaces "pillar" with "aspect", focusing on the characteristic or feature that is crucial.

a crucial part of

Uses "part" instead of "pillar", making it less formal and more straightforward.

a vital ingredient of

Emphasizes the necessity of the element, similar to a key ingredient in a recipe.

basic to

Simple and direct; highlights the foundational quality without the complexity of "pillar".

key to the success of

Shifts focus to the outcome or achievement that depends on the element.

FAQs

How can I use "a key pillar of" in a sentence?

You can use "a key pillar of" to describe something fundamental or essential to a broader concept or system. For example, "Innovation is "a key pillar of" our business strategy".

What are some alternatives to "a key pillar of"?

Alternatives include "a central component of", "a fundamental element of", or "an essential aspect of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a key pillar for" grammatically correct instead of "a key pillar of"?

While you might occasionally encounter "a key pillar for", ""a key pillar of"" is the standard and more widely accepted phrasing.

What does "a key pillar of" emphasize in a sentence?

Using ""a key pillar of"" emphasizes that the subject is not just important, but foundational and crucial to the existence or success of something else.