a main pillar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a main pillar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental or essential component of a system, idea, or structure. Example: "Education is a main pillar of a successful society, providing individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Our traditional commitment to constitutional reform will continue to be a main pillar of our appeal.

The Guardian

It is a main pillar, but not the sole component, of the recent rebellion against Mali's central government.

The New York Times

China has recently made the creative industries a "main pillar" of its national economy, while Taiwan has shifted its curriculum towards the encouragement of creative thinking.

The Guardian

I let him know that I didn't think I could handle doing long distance for a year or be a main pillar of support as he tried to re-acclimate to civilian life in 2013.

The New York Times

Argentina will overhaul a main pillar of its economic structure, the peg of the peso to the United States dollar, and bring euros into the equation, according to the economy minister, Domingo Cavallo.

The New York Times

The regular columns from these great minds have become a main pillar that this journal stands on.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The main pillar of a landing obligation is to provide a driver for fishers to avoid catching unwanted species in the first place (such as the successful Project 50% in the SW of England), and not to purely increase landings.

The Guardian

Now Mr. Chirac is pitching his war on smoking as the main pillar of a five-year, $580 million campaign against cancer.

The New York Times

And that is a bit of a problem, because income tax is the main pillar on which the Smith Commission built its further devolution of powers to Holyrood.

BBC

The new case is an attack on the other main pillar of federal campaign finance regulation: limits on contributions made directly to political candidates and party committees.

The New York Times

The latest case is an attack on the other main pillar of federal campaign finance regulation: limits on contributions made directly to political candidates and some political committees.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a main pillar" to emphasize the foundational importance of a specific element within a broader context. This phrasing adds weight and significance to the point being made.

Common error

Avoid using too many architectural metaphors in the same piece of writing. While "a main pillar" can be effective, combining it with other similar metaphors can make your writing sound cliché and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a main pillar" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies something as a crucial supporting element, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a main pillar" is used to describe something fundamental and essential, often providing support or stability to a larger concept or system. It is grammatically correct and, while not overly common, appears across credible sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and usable in written English. While its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for professional and academic contexts, avoid overuse to prevent your writing from becoming cliché.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cornerstone

Similar to pillar, emphasizing foundational and structural importance.

a key component

Changes the metaphor from architecture to general composition, focusing on essential parts.

a primary element

Replaces 'pillar' with 'element', emphasizing the fundamental nature of the aspect.

a core principle

Shifts the focus to foundational beliefs or doctrines.

a fundamental aspect

Emphasizes the basic and crucial nature of the element.

an integral part

Focuses on its inseparability and necessity within a system.

a central tenet

Highlights the importance of a specific belief or principle within a system.

a vital ingredient

Implies necessity and contribution to a larger whole, similar to cooking.

a critical factor

Highlights its decisive role in determining an outcome.

an essential foundation

Stresses its role as a base upon which something else is built.

FAQs

How can I use "a main pillar" in a sentence?

Use "a main pillar" to describe something that provides essential support or is a fundamental part of a larger system. For example, "Education is "a main pillar" of any thriving society".

What are some alternatives to "a main pillar"?

Consider using alternatives like "a key component", "a core principle", or "a fundamental aspect" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a main pillar" or "a key pillar"?

Both "a main pillar" and "a key pillar" are acceptable. The choice depends on the specific context; "a main pillar" emphasizes foundational support, while "a key pillar" highlights importance.

What does it mean when something is described as "a main pillar"?

When something is described as ""a main pillar"", it signifies that it is an essential and indispensable element, providing strength and stability to a larger structure or concept.