as the cornerstone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as the cornerstone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate something that is fundamental or essential to a particular concept, structure, or system. Example: "Education is often viewed as the cornerstone of a successful society, providing the foundation for future growth and development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The CB1 receptor as the cornerstone of exostasis.

Nature

Living kidney donation continues as the cornerstone of transplantation.

Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease

But it was Floyd on France which remained as the cornerstone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indeed, the investment banking business is seen as the cornerstone of the firm's growth potential.

The New York Times

It makes the BBC even more important as the cornerstone of PSB.

The Guardian

Columbia's intellectual community relies on academic integrity and responsibility as the cornerstone of its work.

Columbia University

And it's this remark that serves as the cornerstone for Rest in Power.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Russians seem to regard the A.B.M. as the cornerstone of security.

The New York Times

THE family is often thought of as the cornerstone of society.

The New York Times

Softbank sees Nippon Credit as the cornerstone of an online financial empire.

The New York Times

It might help, too, not to present virginity as the cornerstone of a virtuous life.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as the cornerstone" when you want to emphasize that something is the fundamental and indispensable element of a system, idea, or structure. For example, you might say "trust is the cornerstone of any successful relationship."

Common error

Avoid using "as the cornerstone" too frequently in your writing. While effective, overuse can diminish its impact. Opt for more direct language or other descriptive phrases to maintain variety and reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as the cornerstone" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as a subjective complement. It describes a subject by attributing to it the quality of being a foundational or essential element. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in defining critical components.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as the cornerstone" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies something is fundamental and essential. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. While commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academia, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "as the foundation" or "as the bedrock" to add variety to your writing. Remember, this phrase should highlight something truly indispensable, the base upon which everything else is built.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as the foundation

Focuses on the underlying support or basis.

as the bedrock

Emphasizes stability and a firm, unshakeable base.

as the basis

Highlights the role as a starting point or justification.

as the linchpin

Stresses the critical role in holding things together.

as the key

Highlights the enabling or unlocking aspect.

as the heart

Emphasizes the central or vital role.

as the core

Focuses on the innermost and essential part.

as the crux

Highlights the decisive point.

as the mainspring

Highlights the driving force or primary motivator.

as the pivot

Focuses on the central point around which something turns or depends.

FAQs

What does "as the cornerstone" mean?

The phrase "as the cornerstone" signifies that something is fundamental, essential, and of utmost importance. It's the basic element upon which everything else depends.

How can I use "as the cornerstone" in a sentence?

You can use "as the cornerstone" to describe something that is the foundation of a system or idea. For example: "Integrity is often cited as the cornerstone of ethical behavior."

What can I say instead of "as the cornerstone"?

You can use alternatives like "as the foundation", "as the bedrock", or "as the basis" depending on the context.

Is "as the cornerstone" a formal or informal expression?

"As the cornerstone" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of your writing.