as the backbone of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the backbone of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is essential or fundamental to the structure or function of a system, organization, or concept. Example: "Education serves as the backbone 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

60 human-written examples

Over time, I have come to recognize this serving style as the backbone of genteel society.

The New York Times - Travel

We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Boodram, 46, described his wife as the "backbone of my family.

The New York Times

Articles in the press perennially describe him as the backbone of our Davis Cup team.

Independent

Jeremy Hunt has described junior doctors as the "backbone of the NHS".

Independent

THE importance of technology as the backbone of economic growth is well understood.

The Economist

On Tuesday, Revis described his mother as "the backbone of my life".

The New York Times - Sports

"We are invested in women as mothers, and we value them as the backbone of our social structure.

The Guardian - Books

Since 1945, this nation has successfully developed a sustained deterrent that has served as the backbone of our military arsenal.

The New York Times

Many of the executives emphasized that they were far from abandoning the scripted series as the backbone of network schedules.

The New York Times

They see it very rightly as the backbone of geology and they do not amend it lightly," said Zalasiewicz.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as the backbone of" when you want to emphasize that something is fundamental and essential for the structure or function of something else. Be mindful of the context to ensure the metaphor of a "backbone" is appropriate and resonates with your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "as the backbone of" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and weaken your message. Vary your language by using synonyms like "foundation", "core", or "linchpin" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the backbone of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase. It signifies that the modified element is essential, fundamental, or provides core support to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this structure is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as the backbone of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase, indicating something fundamental and essential. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It is common across news, science, and formal business contexts, highlighting its versatility. While powerful, it's advisable to use it judiciously and consider alternatives like "foundation", "core", or "linchpin" to avoid repetition. Its impact lies in conveying the critical role an element plays in supporting a larger structure or concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the foundation of

Replaces "backbone" with "foundation", emphasizing the supportive and foundational role.

the cornerstone of

Uses "cornerstone" instead of "backbone", highlighting the essential and indispensable nature.

the linchpin of

Substitutes "backbone" with "linchpin", stressing the element that holds everything together.

the core of

Replaces "backbone" with "core", focusing on the central and most important part.

the heart of

Uses "heart" in place of "backbone", emphasizing the vital and central role.

central to

Simplifies the phrase to emphasize centrality and importance.

fundamental to

Highlights the basic and essential nature of something.

key to

Emphasizes the crucial role in achieving a particular outcome.

essential for

Focuses on the necessity of something for a specific purpose.

critical for

Highlights the importance and criticality of something.

FAQs

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

Use "as the backbone of" to describe something that provides essential support or structure. For instance, "Technology serves "as the backbone of" modern communication."

What are some alternatives to "as the backbone of"?

Alternatives include "the foundation of", "the core of", or "the linchpin of", which all convey a similar sense of essential support.

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

Yes, "as the backbone of" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when you want to emphasize the fundamental importance of something in a clear and impactful way. It is appropriate for News, Business and even Science contexts.

What's the difference between "as the backbone of" and "key to"?

"As the backbone of" emphasizes structural support and essential function, while "key to" highlights the importance for achieving a specific goal. For example, "Education is the backbone of society" versus "Education is key to success".