are the touchstone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are the touchstone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that serves as a standard or criterion for evaluating quality or authenticity. Example: "In our discussions, honesty and integrity are the touchstone of our values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mahler, Mozart and Mary are the touchstone names for next season at the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The New York Times

Indeed, such rights are the touchstone by which Hong Kong's fragile autonomy within Communist China is measured.

The Economist

That said, he doesn't like the jerky, shaky aesthetic of more journalistic documentaries; well-crafted, cinematic shots are the touchstone of his work.

The Guardian - Film

The spread of hip-hop culture has gone hand in hand with the global rise of sportswear and trainers are the touchstone between the two.

The Guardian - Music

While the lives of many LGBT Jamaicans remain bleak, the prominent Jamaican gay rights activist Maurice Tomlinson believes that young LGBT Jamaicans such as the Gully queens are the "touchstone for how far the movement will advance.

Independent

Even a casual acquaintance with his collection of essays, "The Broken Estate," immediately suggests the extent to which, for him, it is the great, heavy, morally searching novels of the 19th and early 20th centuries that are the touchstone for all other work; for contemporary novels he notoriously has far less regard.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

More cleavage, more profanity and more explosions are the touchstones here.

The New York Times - Arts

Anti-imperialism and anti-Zionism are the touchstones of its orthodoxy.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, the encounters with this hapless parent are the touchstones of the young man's memory.

The New Yorker

Aaliyah, Brandy, Ciara – these are the touchstones for their dreamy yet subtly dislocating dance music.

The Guardian - Music

"Accuracy and completeness are the touchstones of public company disclosure under the federal securities laws," said Robert Khuzami of the SEC's enforcement division when announcing the settlement deal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are the touchstone" when you want to emphasize something's role as a fundamental principle or standard against which other things are evaluated.

Common error

Avoid using "are the touchstone" in casual conversation or informal writing. It is generally more appropriate for formal, analytical, or academic contexts. In informal scenarios, simpler phrases like "are the key" or "are most important" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are the touchstone" functions as a predicate nominative, identifying the subject with a standard or criterion. Ludwig examples show it used to define key aspects, such as values or qualities, that serve as benchmarks. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

37%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are the touchstone" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote something as a fundamental standard or criterion. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and effective in formal contexts such as news, academia, and analytical writing. While not as common in everyday speech, understanding its function and purpose can enhance precision in more structured forms of communication. Related phrases like "are the benchmark" or "are the standard" provide viable alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. This guide helps ensure effective and appropriate usage of the phrase."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are the benchmark

This alternative emphasizes a standard for comparison or evaluation.

are the standard

This alternative highlights a commonly accepted measure or model.

are the criterion

This alternative underscores a principle or standard by which something is judged.

are the yardstick

This alternative implies a means of measurement or assessment.

are the litmus test

This alternative suggests a decisive test or indicator.

are the foundation

This alternative stresses the basic principle on which something depends.

are the cornerstone

This alternative highlights an essential part on which everything else depends.

are the key

This alternative indicates a crucial or vital element.

are the essence

This alternative signifies the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.

are the backbone

This alternative signifies the main support or major sustaining element.

FAQs

How can I use "are the touchstone" in a sentence?

Use "are the touchstone" to indicate that something serves as a standard or essential element for evaluating something else. For example, "Honesty and integrity "are the touchstone" of our professional relationships".

What are some alternatives to "are the touchstone"?

You can use alternatives such as "are the benchmark", "are the standard", or "are the criterion" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "are the touchstone" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "are the touchstone" is better suited for formal writing or analytical discussions. In everyday conversation, simpler phrases like "are the most important" or "are the key" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "are the touchstone" and "are the cornerstone"?

"Are the touchstone" implies a standard for evaluation, while "are the cornerstone" indicates a foundational element. Although similar, "are the touchstone" is about judging quality against a standard, whereas "are the cornerstone" is about being a vital base.