a major pillar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major pillar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is a fundamental or essential part of a system, structure, or concept. Example: "Education is a major pillar of a successful society, providing individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Access control is a major pillar in computer security.

Advances in Computers

They are a major pillar of the British government's electricity market reform.

The Guardian

A major pillar of my own research is to reconstruct forest fire frequency and spatial patterns using fire-scar dendrochronology.

University of California, Berkeley

But for hours, the fate of the bill — and by extension, a major pillar of Mr. Corzine's agenda — was uncertain.

The New York Times

Volkswagen said football was a major pillar of its sponsoring strategy that it would continue to pursue in the future.

The Guardian - Sport

If the current growth rate continues, medical biotechnology will soon become a major pillar of health science.

Omics Technologies and Bio-Engineering Towards Improving Quality of Life

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Books will continue to be a major content pillar alongside apps, music and movies in the Google Play store".

The New York Times

The memory of the Second World War (generally referred to in Russia as the Great Patriotic War) is a major ideological pillar of Putin's Russia.

The New Yorker

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet The memory of the Second World War (generally referred to in Russia as the Great Patriotic War) is a major ideological pillar of Putin's Russia.

The New Yorker

His Israeli Jewish handler and fixer Boaz Yohalem (Jemaine Clement) has the inside track on a major discovery the pillar of salt into which Lot's wife was transformed on the flight from Sodom and Gomorrah and, receiving Tony's cash, ships the massive artifact to Don.

The New Yorker

If Facebook wants to be a major Internet pillar, and I don't doubt that's what Mark Zuckerberg wants, then it is missing a major key component that all of its competitors have: A conduit.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a major pillar", ensure the context clearly defines the structure or system it supports. This provides clarity and emphasizes its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a major pillar" when the supporting structure is unclear. Overusing this phrase in vague contexts dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound less precise. Instead, clearly define what the 'pillar' supports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major pillar" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object complement. It identifies a fundamental component or element within a larger system or concept, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis and examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a major pillar" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the fundamental importance of a component within a system or concept. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains. While alternatives like "a vital component" or "a key element" exist, "a major pillar" effectively conveys the idea of foundational support. Remember to use it in contexts where the supporting structure is clearly defined to avoid vagueness. Considering these points will allow you to use the phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vital component

Replaces "pillar" with a more general term for an essential part.

a key element

Uses "element" instead of "pillar", suggesting a constituent part.

a fundamental aspect

Focuses on the foundational nature of the element.

a crucial factor

Emphasizes the importance of the element to an outcome.

an integral part

Highlights the element's necessity for completeness.

a cornerstone

Similar to pillar, but emphasizes the foundational aspect more strongly.

a linchpin

Suggests the element holds other parts together.

a backbone

Implies structural support and strength.

a mainstay

Highlights reliability and long-term importance.

an essential ingredient

Metaphorically suggests something necessary for a mixture to succeed.

FAQs

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

Use "a major pillar" to describe something fundamental or essential to a system or concept. For example: "Effective communication is "a major pillar" of any successful relationship."

What are some alternatives to saying "a major pillar"?

You can use phrases like "a vital component", "a key element", or "a fundamental aspect" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "a major pillar" and "a key pillar" are acceptable. "Major" emphasizes importance in scale or degree, while "key" emphasizes importance as being essential or crucial. Choose the one that best fits the context.

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

Describing something as "a major pillar" means it is a fundamental and essential component, providing significant support and stability to a larger system or concept.