an essential pillar

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Manufacturing has long been viewed as an essential pillar of a powerful economy.

The New York Times

"This alliance has been an essential pillar of American security interests for decades," he said.

The New York Times

On the one hand, firms in LMT industries are an essential pillar of advanced industrial regions.

Research Policy

Identifying the factors associated with making quit attempts is an essential pillar to reach successful quitting.

Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health

Along with the police and the army, state television was considered an essential pillar of Slobodan Milosevic's 13-year rule.

The New York Times

For example, Roman Catholic women over 45 long constituted an essential pillar of the German Christian Democrats.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Recruitment of monocytes is a further essential pillar of innate defence in listeriosis.

Plosone

It warns that chancellor Philip Hammond's commitment to extend the scheme to 2023 shows that what should have been a temporary lift for first-time buyers and housebuilders has become a permanent and essential pillar for the sector.

The Guardian - Business

What also emerged from the evolution of display technologies was another essential pillar of today's smart devices — touch.

TechCrunch

If we're looking to maximize worker productivity -- another essential pillar in the structure of our economy -- ensuring that people have legitimate access to health care is a good place to start.

Huffington Post

Not just the well-cut tux, so perfect for slipping into fashionable soirees that villains inhabit, but the most essential pillar of all things Bondian — that the very fate of the free world rides on one man's ability to beat impossible odds and save the day.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an essential pillar", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being supported or upheld by this pillar. Providing specific examples or details will strengthen your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "an essential pillar" in overly abstract or vague contexts without concrete connections. Ground the metaphor by clearly defining what the pillar supports and how it is crucial to the overall structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an essential pillar" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a fundamental and indispensable element within a larger structure or system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe something crucial.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an essential pillar" is a noun phrase used to emphasize something fundamental and indispensable. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and formal business settings, highlighting its role in supporting various systems and structures. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what this "pillar" supports and its critical importance. Alternatives like "a fundamental component" or "a key foundation" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indispensable element

Highlights the necessity of the item, indicating it cannot be done without.

a cornerstone

Highlights the primary importance of the feature.

a fundamental component

Focuses on the part that is basic and necessary.

a key foundation

Emphasizes the supporting nature of the element.

a linchpin

Focuses on the connecting and holding-together function.

a crucial aspect

Highlights the importance of the attribute in question.

a vital part

Emphasizes the importance for survival or proper function.

an integral aspect

Emphasizes the completeness that the item brings.

a bedrock principle

Highlights the fundamental and unwavering nature.

a basic tenet

Highlights the fundamental belief that the item represents.

FAQs

How can I use "an essential pillar" in a sentence?

Use "an essential pillar" to describe something fundamental or crucial. For instance, "Free speech is "an essential pillar" of a democratic society".

What phrases are similar to "an essential pillar"?

Similar phrases include "a fundamental component", "a key foundation", or "an indispensable element". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "essential pillar" or "important pillar"?

"Essential pillar" emphasizes necessity and fundamentality more strongly than "important pillar". While both are valid, "essential" suggests something without which the system would fail, versus something that is merely beneficial.

What makes something "an essential pillar"?

Something becomes "an essential pillar" when it serves as a critical support or foundational element for a larger system, concept, or structure. Without it, the system's stability or functionality would be compromised.