a major cornerstone of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major cornerstone of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the importance or foundational nature of a particular element within a larger context, such as a theory, project, or system. Example: "Education is a major cornerstone of a successful society, shaping the future of its citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Despite the advent progress in new technologies in agricultural practices, reliance on labor, especially in fresh market fruits and vegetables, will always be a major cornerstone of agriculture for at least the foreseen future.

Applied Ergonomics

These early exemptions offer the first signs of how the administration may tackle an even more difficult hurdle: the resistance from insurers and others against proposed regulations that will determine how much insurers spend on consumers' health care versus administrative overhead, a major cornerstone of the law.

The New York Times

Because evolution is a major cornerstone of biology, it is discussed in most biology courses.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Energy cooperation between New Delhi and Tehran has long represented a major cornerstone of bilateral ties.

Forbes

At full-capacity, the site would be expected to be of similar, or even bigger, size to the Seattle operation, which today is a major cornerstone of Seattle's business life, employing 40,000 people, covering 8.1 million square feet with 33 buildings including 24 restaurants.

TechCrunch

The US alliance with South Korea is a major cornerstone of American strategy in the Asia-Pacific.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Sleep is a major cornerstone for an energetic, joyful, healthy life.

HuffPost

"We are proud that it will be a major cornerstone in the development of this new reputation". CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story listed the aquarium's capacity at 60,000 gallons.

HuffPost

Given the fact that drug interventions are rare in degenerative diseases and limited to only specific type of diseases and symptoms [ 10], physiotherapy is a major cornerstone in current therapy of ataxic gait.

BioMed Research International

Treatment with endocrine therapy is a major cornerstone in the management of breast cancer and has considerably improved patient survival.

Annals of Oncology

To gain the confidence of everyone, communication is a major cornerstone.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience, consider replacing "a major cornerstone of" with simpler phrases like "a key part of" or "an essential element of" to ensure clarity and avoid jargon.

Common error

Avoid using "a major cornerstone of" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for varied language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major cornerstone of" functions as a noun phrase modifier, emphasizing the significant and foundational role of a specific element. It highlights the importance of something within a larger system or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a major cornerstone of" serves to emphasize the foundational and critical importance of an element within a larger context. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, though not exceptionally frequent. Its usage is most common in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, consider its impact and ensure that it aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing. Alternatives like "a key component of" or "a fundamental element of" can provide variety and clarity when needed. Overuse of the phrase should be avoided to maintain its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key component of

Replaces "cornerstone" with "component", focusing on the element's contribution to the whole.

a fundamental element of

Substitutes "major cornerstone" with "fundamental element", emphasizing the basic and essential nature.

a vital aspect of

Replaces "cornerstone" with "aspect", highlighting the importance from a different angle.

an integral part of

Uses "integral part" to indicate that the element is necessary and essential for completeness.

a central tenet of

Replaces "cornerstone" with "tenet", suitable for principles, beliefs, or doctrines.

a significant foundation of

Changes "cornerstone" to "foundation", focusing on the supporting and structural role.

a critical building block of

Uses "building block" to emphasize the constructive and essential nature of the element.

a primary ingredient of

Substitutes "cornerstone" with "ingredient", suitable when discussing factors or elements contributing to a result.

a basic principle of

Replaces "cornerstone" with "principle", emphasizing the fundamental rule or belief.

a chief element in

Uses "chief element" to emphasize the importance, while slightly altering the original metaphor.

FAQs

How can I use "a major cornerstone of" in a sentence?

Use "a major cornerstone of" to emphasize that something is a fundamental and essential part of a larger entity or concept. For example, "Effective communication is a major cornerstone of any successful relationship".

What are some alternatives to "a major cornerstone of"?

You can use alternatives like "a key component of", "a fundamental element of", or "a vital aspect of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the major cornerstone of"?

While grammatically acceptable, "a major cornerstone of" is more commonly used. "The major cornerstone of" might suggest there is only one cornerstone, which may not always be the case.

What's the difference between "a major cornerstone of" and "a key aspect of"?

"A major cornerstone of" emphasizes the foundational and structural importance of something, while "a key aspect of" simply highlights an important feature or element. The former implies a more critical and indispensable role.