a keystone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a keystone' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is essential or paramount to a system or structure, and provides stability and support. For example, you could say, "Teachers are the keystone of a successful public school system."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Miniaturization is a keystone.

The New York Times - Science

Bees are a keystone species".

The Guardian

"They are a keystone species".

The Guardian

It looked like a Keystone Kops routine.

The New York Times - Sports

Unaids considers community conversations a keystone of that achievement.

The New York Times

Non-violence is a keystone of Vinoba's philosophy.

The New Yorker

This bargain is a keystone of the U.S. federal system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It could have seemed like a Keystone Kops episode.

The New York Times

Subtlety must be a keystone to our policy.

The New York Times

Oysters, he said, are a keystone species in the bay.

The New York Times - Science

FOR Chile, a small economy driven by exports, international integration is a keystone of growth.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or systems, "a keystone" can be a powerful metaphor to illustrate the critical importance of one specific component.

Common error

Avoid using "a keystone" too loosely. It should only be applied when the element truly provides essential stability or functionality, not merely as a synonym for 'important'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a keystone" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or an appositive, to describe something essential or fundamental. As Ludwig indicates, it designates an element providing stability, support, or critical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

17%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a keystone" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the critical and foundational role of something within a larger system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including science, news and business. It is most effectively used when describing elements that provide essential stability or functionality. While the phrase is valuable, it's important to avoid overuse in abstract contexts, ensuring its application aligns with elements truly critical to a system's success. Related phrases like "a cornerstone" or "a linchpin" can provide nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cornerstone

Emphasizes foundational importance, similar to a keystone.

a linchpin

Highlights the element that holds everything together, like a keystone.

a mainstay

Indicates something relied upon for support, much like a keystone provides support in an arch.

a foundation

Stresses the basic, underlying support, similar to the stability provided by a keystone.

a pillar

Conveys the idea of strong support, analogous to a keystone's role in structural integrity.

a bedrock

Focuses on the fundamental nature of something, similar to a keystone.

a key element

Highlights essentiality, like a keystone's crucial role.

a central component

Underscores the element's importance to the overall structure, as with a keystone.

an integral part

Shows that something is an essential component of a larger structure.

a vital aspect

Highlights the necessity and significance of something.

FAQs

How is "a keystone" used in describing ecological roles?

In ecology, "a keystone" species refers to a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance. Its removal would drastically alter the ecosystem.

What are some synonyms for "a keystone"?

You can use alternatives such as "a cornerstone", "a linchpin", or "a mainstay", depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "a keystone"?

It is appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize the critical importance of a particular element within a system, be it an idea, a species, a policy or a component.

How does "a keystone" differ from just saying something is "important"?

"A keystone" implies that the element is not just important, but essential for maintaining the stability and function of the entire system, more so than if it was just important.