a staple of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a staple of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is essential or traditional in a particular setting. Example: Rice is a staple of many Asian cuisines, including Chinese and Japanese.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

HOLOGRAMS are a staple of science fiction.

The Economist

It is a staple of the times.

The New York Times

He is a staple of goodness.

The New York Times

Once, it was a staple of Bordeaux.

The New York Times - Food

It remains a staple of pro football.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's like a staple of my diet.

The New York Times

Gunpowder was a staple of warfare.

The New York Times

It's a staple of the movies.

The Washington Post

They are still a staple of some parties.

Harvard University

Alien worlds have long been a staple of science fiction.

Princeton University

Parallel and distributed computing are a staple of modern applications.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a staple of", ensure the context clearly defines what broader category the subject is a staple of. For instance, instead of just saying 'It's a staple', clarify 'It's a staple of Korean cuisine'.

Common error

Avoid using "a staple of" too generally. For example, instead of saying 'Communication is a staple of life', be more specific and say 'Clear communication is a staple of successful relationships'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a staple of" functions as a modifier, specifically a predicate nominative, linking a subject to a noun phrase that renames or describes it. Ludwig AI shows how it describes something essential or fundamental to a specific context or area.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a staple of" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is essential, fundamental, or regularly used within a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science, and it maintains a neutral to formal tone. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the category to which the subject is a staple. While the phrase is common, avoid overuse in vague situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cornerstone of

Emphasizes the foundational importance, similar to how a cornerstone supports a building.

an essential component of

Highlights the necessary role in a larger system or structure.

a fundamental part of

Indicates the basic and necessary nature of something.

a key element of

Stresses the importance and influence of something.

integral to

Indicates that something is an essential part and cannot be removed without affecting the whole.

a regular feature of

Focuses on the repeated occurrence or presence of something.

a common element in

Highlights its typical or widespread presence.

basic to

Highlights the fundamental and underlying nature of something.

a dietary staple in

Specifically highlights the importance of food.

a tradition of

Emphasizes the customary and long-standing nature of something.

FAQs

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

Use "a staple of" to describe something that is essential, fundamental, or regularly used within a specific context. For example, "Rice is "a staple of" many Asian cuisines".

What are some alternatives to saying "a staple of"?

You can use alternatives such as "a cornerstone of", "an essential component of", or "a fundamental part of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "staple in" or "staple of"?

The correct phrase is "a staple of". "Staple in" is not grammatically correct in this context. "A staple of" indicates that something is a fundamental or essential part of something else.

What does it mean when something is described as "a staple of" a particular culture or cuisine?

When something is described as ""a staple of"" a culture or cuisine, it means that it is a basic, essential, and commonly used element within that culture or cuisine. It's something that is widely consumed, practiced, or recognized.