as a backbone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a backbone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that serves as a fundamental support or essential component in a system or structure. Example: "The new policy will serve as a backbone for our company's growth strategy moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We modeled human ZnT3 primary sequence (Fig. 6) using as a backbone the crystal structure coordinates of the bacterial ZnT3 homologue YiiP bound to zinc atoms [33].

Plosone

I'm trying to use this as a backbone, so I can develop my own backbone".

The New York Times

Sex is tiresome enough in the novels, but in a ghost story, or as a backbone to a ghost story, I have no patience with it".

The New Yorker

With that rest as a backbone, Dr. Zee said, "one will naturally begin to feel more alert within a couple of hours" after the dip begins.

The New York Times

Developer Tetsuya Mizuguchi furnished Dreamcast and PlayStation 2 with Rez with much pounding bass, which served as a backbone for the rest of the abstract sci-fi shooter.

The Guardian - Tech

Godín is typically all over the field, pushing his way into scrums and serving as a backbone to Atlético's unflagging shape.

The New York Times - Sports

He has 293 saves in his career, but just one for the Mets, who had once envisioned him as a backbone of their rotation.

The New York Times - Sports

It therefore serves as a backbone upon which data and its associated metadata can be 'attached'attached

Journal of Cheminformatics

P2CP uses the cloud storage system as a backbone storage system.

Journal of Systems and Software

Pomodoro is implemented in Python and utilizes CasADi as a backbone to formulate the problem.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

This requires intelligent, intuitive and robust preprosessing system as a backbone for automation lifecycle management.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a backbone", ensure the analogy is clear and relevant to the context. It's most effective when referring to something that provides fundamental support or structure, similar to a literal backbone.

Common error

Avoid using "as a backbone" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can weaken its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Consider alternative phrases like "as a foundation" or "as a core element" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a backbone" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a noun or noun phrase, indicating that something serves as a fundamental support or essential component. Ludwig examples illustrate this in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a backbone" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something that provides essential support or structure. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in science and news media. Alternatives include "as a foundation" or "as a cornerstone". While versatile, it's important to use the metaphor judiciously to avoid overuse and maintain clarity in writing. Remember to emphasize the structural or fundamental importance of whatever you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a foundation

Replaces "backbone" with a more general term for a supporting structure, implying a base upon which something is built.

as a cornerstone

Implies being a fundamental and indispensable element, similar to the first stone laid in a building.

as a linchpin

Suggests being the key element that holds everything together, emphasizing interconnectedness.

as a mainstay

Highlights the reliable and consistent support provided, implying long-term dependability.

as a central pillar

Emphasizes the role of providing crucial support, similar to a structural column.

as a key component

Focuses on being an essential and integral part of a larger system.

as a core element

Similar to "key component", highlighting the fundamental nature of the role.

as a fundamental principle

Emphasizes the role of a guiding rule or concept upon which something is based.

as a supporting structure

Directly describes the act of providing support, lacking the figurative language of "backbone".

as an essential framework

Focuses on the structural support provided, particularly in terms of organization and planning.

FAQs

How can I use "as a backbone" in a sentence?

Use "as a backbone" to describe something that provides essential support or structure. For example, "The internet serves as a backbone for global communication".

What are some alternatives to "as a backbone"?

You can use alternatives like "as a foundation", "as a cornerstone", or "as a linchpin" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "as a backbone" in formal writing?

Yes, "as a backbone" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing the structural or fundamental importance of something. However, ensure that the metaphor is clear and adds value to your explanation.

What does it mean when something is described "as a backbone"?

When something is described "as a backbone", it means that it serves as a primary source of support, stability, or structure. It is the foundation that other things rely upon.