a pillar of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a pillar of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is respected and admired for their qualities, accomplishments, or character. For example, "She is a pillar of the local community, always giving generously to charities and offering a helping hand to those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"She is a pillar of strength.

The New York Times

He was a pillar of his community.

The New York Times - Books

Rudy Giuliani was a pillar of strength.

The Economist

"A pillar of salt?

The New Yorker

You were a pillar of the community.

Independent

He is basically a pillar of society.

Independent

He is a pillar of the community".

The New York Times - Sports

Elections are a pillar of American democracy.

Stanford University

This is a pillar of Putin's power".

The New Yorker

Joy Williams is a pillar of strength.

The New York Times

Take it with a pillar of salt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pillar of" to describe individuals, institutions, or concepts that are fundamental to a community, organization, or belief system. It conveys a sense of stability, reliability, and importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a pillar of" to describe something insignificant or unimportant. This phrase carries a strong connotation of foundational importance, and misusing it can dilute its impact and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pillar of" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object complement. It identifies something or someone as a fundamental and supportive element within a particular context. Ludwig shows examples of this phrase being used to describe people, concepts, and institutions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pillar of" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote something or someone essential and supportive. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts. As the analysis shows, this phrase is primarily employed in News & Media and Academic writing. When using "a pillar of", consider its strong implications of foundational importance to avoid misuse in trivial situations. Related phrases like "a cornerstone of" or "a mainstay of" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cornerstone of

Focuses on the foundational aspect, implying something essential upon which other things depend.

a mainstay of

Emphasizes reliability and consistent support over time.

a linchpin of

Highlights the critical role in holding things together or ensuring functionality.

an essential element of

Stresses the importance as a necessary component.

a vital component of

Similar to "essential element", but with a stronger emphasis on necessity.

a key figure in

Refers specifically to a person who is very important or influential.

a foundation for

Highlights the role as a base or starting point for further development.

a bedrock of

Implies a solid, unshakeable base or principle.

a bulwark against

Emphasizes protection or defense against something negative.

a source of strength

Highlights the provision of support, power, or resilience.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pillar of" to describe someone or something that is a crucial supporter or foundation of something else. For example, "She is "a pillar of strength"" or "Honesty is "a cornerstone of" any healthy relationship".

What are some synonyms for "a pillar of"?

Alternatives to "a pillar of" include "a cornerstone of", "a mainstay of", or "a linchpin of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe an inanimate object as "a pillar of" something?

Yes, it is appropriate. The phrase "a pillar of" can be used to describe both people and inanimate objects that serve as a crucial support or foundation. For example, "Tradition is "a bedrock of" their culture".

What's the difference between "a pillar of" and "a foundation of"?

While both phrases suggest importance, "a pillar of" implies strong support and stability, whereas "a foundation of" suggests something upon which everything else is built. They are similar, but "a pillar of" often carries a connotation of active support.