along the backbone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "along the backbone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to structure, support, or connectivity, often in discussions about systems, networks, or anatomy. Example: "The data flows along the backbone of the network, ensuring efficient communication between all devices."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Run your thumb gently along the backbone to release it, and you should be able to easily pull it out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A linear polymer characterized by a repetition of ester groups along the backbone chain is called a polyester.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Using poultry shears or a strong pair of scissors, cut right along the backbone and through the ribs on either side of the parson's nose.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As seen from space, it appears as if an enormous rake had been dragged along the backbone of the Appalachians from northeast to southwest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Each of the bases strung along the backbone is chemically attracted to a corresponding base on the parallel strand of the DNA molecule.

Encyclopedia Britannica

3. Roast the fish for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it feels just firm when pressed at the thickest part: check by opening a slit along the backbone and pressing the flesh.

The New York Times

Pickerel, which have firm, sweet-tasting white flesh, are not favored as a food fish by many anglers because of fine, free-floating Y-shaped bones along the backbone, but those bones can be removed with judicious knife work.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, holding the fish, belly upward, between the palms of your hands, run your thumb along the backbone so the fish opens like a book, the two halves remaining joined along the dorsal ridge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The polyethylene oxide grafts contained 54 monomer units and were randomly distributed along the backbone.

Polymer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The conservation within these secondary structure H-bonds is what leads to conserved flexibility along the backbone.

Chemistry Central Journal

The latter analyses resulted in a greater number of nodes conflicting with the ML topology, particularly along the backbone of the tree (Fig. 6).

Biological Reviews

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "along the backbone" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly establishes what the "backbone" represents (e.g., a network's infrastructure, a project's central plan).

Common error

Avoid using "along the backbone" when describing something peripheral or non-essential. The backbone implies a central and vital pathway or structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "along the backbone" functions primarily as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the location or path of an action. Ludwig provides examples in science, news, and encyclopedia contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "along the backbone" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase that describes movement, position, or characteristics related to the central supporting structure of something. Ludwig AI identifies its function as an adverbial phrase and its communicative purpose as specifying location or path. The phrase appears most frequently in science and news contexts. It's important to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that the described element is genuinely central to the subject. Alternative phrases such as "through the core" or "down the spine" can be used depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

down the spine

Replaces "backbone" with a more anatomical term, focusing on the physical structure.

through the core

Shifts the focus to the central or essential part of something, rather than a supporting structure.

along the central axis

Emphasizes the symmetry and centrality of the path or location.

across the main structure

Highlights the main structure as the reference point, instead of calling it the backbone.

spanning the primary support

Replaces "backbone" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing its role in providing support.

over the principal framework

Focuses on the framework aspect of the structure.

following the central line

Highlights the path or direction along the central part of the structure.

tracing the main pathway

Emphasizes the path or route along the backbone.

along the primary route

Simplifies the wording, focusing on the route along the structure.

on the supporting framework

Highlights the supporting nature of the structure.

FAQs

How can I use "along the backbone" in a sentence?

The phrase "along the backbone" is used to describe movement, placement, or characteristics that follow or are situated on the main supporting structure or central element of something. For example, "The data flows "along the backbone" of the network".

What does "along the backbone" mean?

The phrase "along the backbone" refers to something that is positioned, moving, or occurring on the primary support or most important structural element of a system, object, or concept. It often implies centrality or fundamental importance.

Which is correct, "along the backbone" or "on the backbone"?

Both phrases can be grammatically correct, but "along the backbone" emphasizes movement or progression following the structure, while "on the backbone" suggests a fixed position or location on the structure. The best choice depends on the intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "along the backbone"?

You can use alternatives like "through the core", "down the spine", or "along the central axis depending" on the context.