a touchstone of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a touchstone of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized. Example: "The novel is considered a touchstone of modern literature, influencing countless authors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A touchstone of your intelligence," she said.

The New York Times

A touchstone of modernity itself".

The Guardian - Books

The trilling adverbs are a touchstone of Stewart's style.

The New Yorker

It remains, even today, a touchstone of philosophical memory.

Harvard University

That poem has remained a touchstone of my emotional life.

The New York Times - Arts

Since World War II, a touchstone of American conservatism has been the defense of freedom.

The Washington Post

The independent Italian automotive design house, or carrozzeria, is a touchstone of automotive culture.

The New York Times

Yet, over the last two decades, Talk Talk have become a touchstone of the alternative scene.

Independent

However, his plaintive, bluesy phrasing was unique and became a touchstone of country music.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ever since, they have served me as a touchstone of painterly potency.

The New Yorker

So far, it has yielded mixed success, but is fast becoming a touchstone of "niche-dating".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a touchstone of" when you want to emphasize that something serves as an important standard or basis for evaluating or understanding something else. For example, "Integrity is a touchstone of our company's values."

Common error

While "a touchstone of" is versatile, avoid overuse in very informal or casual writing where simpler alternatives like "key aspect" or "important part" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a touchstone of" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify something that serves as a crucial standard or basis for comparison or judgment. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes something fundamental. Examples show its usage in diverse contexts ranging from philosophical memory to automotive culture, signifying its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

12%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a touchstone of" is a versatile phrase used to denote something that serves as a fundamental standard or essential element. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Science, highlighting its relevance across various professional fields. When writing, use it to emphasize that something acts as an important benchmark or basis. While it's generally suitable for formal contexts, avoid overuse in casual writing where simpler alternatives may be more effective. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig showcase its widespread applicability and importance in clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a standard for

Directly indicates a model or criterion used for comparison or judgment.

a criterion of

Indicates a principle or standard by which something is judged or decided.

a cornerstone of

Highlights the foundational and essential nature of the element being described.

a benchmark for

Focuses on the standard aspect, emphasizing a point of reference for evaluation.

a guiding principle of

Focuses on the role of the phrase as a fundamental belief or rule.

a foundation for

Emphasizes the base upon which something is built or established.

a key component of

Highlights the significant role of the component in a larger system or structure.

an essential element of

Stresses the importance and necessity of the component being referred to.

a vital aspect of

Emphasizes the critical and indispensable nature of the element.

a point of reference for

Highlights that something is used to help make judgements and comparisons.

FAQs

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

Use "a touchstone of" to indicate something is a fundamental or essential element. For example, "Honesty is "a touchstone of" any successful relationship."

What can I say instead of "a touchstone of"?

You can use alternatives like "a benchmark for", "a cornerstone of", or "a foundation for" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a touchstone of" in formal writing?

Yes, "a touchstone of" is suitable for formal writing to emphasize a key standard or principle. It adds a level of sophistication and precision.

What's the difference between "a touchstone of" and "an example of"?

"A touchstone of" implies a standard or essential element, while "an example of" simply denotes a representative instance. The former carries more weight in indicating importance or fundamentality.