at its backbone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its backbone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the fundamental or essential part of something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The company's innovative technology is at its backbone, driving all of its success and growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Tryptophans, labeled with N at its backbone and side chain nitrogens, and lysines, labeled with N at its backbone nitrogen, were used as reporters.

Biochemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

More specifically, since every element in the heap is an integer, we use an array as its backbone, and at every slot in the array, we use a doubly linked list for all vertices with weighted degree rounded to that slot index.

Bioinformatics

In Burundi, however – and for many of us on the continent who are footing the bill for the AU's expensive jamboree – the question remains: what is the point of the AU when it loses its backbone at the first sight of a dictator?

The Guardian

In order to describe the properties of the conducting backbone, we reduce the fracture network to its backbone at the start and at each step after eliminating fractures.

Petroleum Science

BT will now be able to run those applications over its backbone network at a lower cost than Ribbit was able to lease those lines (calls to landline and mobile phones need to go over regular telephone lines at some point).

TechCrunch

Given a protein with solved structure, we calculate its backbone angles at each position and determine one of the 100 groups (i.e. states or labels) to which the angles at each position belong.

Bioinformatics

AT&T, the world's biggest telecoms company, says traffic on its backbone is growing "at a pace of more than 50% per year".

The Economist

If AT&T's access to consumers is superior, websites linked to its backbone may be better treated so AT&T's backbone may grow at the expense of those who do not own cable companies.When the FCC approved AT&T's takeover of TCI, it insisted that it would keep a close watch on this battle.

The Economist

7α,25-OHC contains three hydroxyl groups attached to its steroid backbone at positions 3, 7, and 25 (Fig. 1).

European Journal of Immunology

Some 18 miles (30 km) long and 6 miles (10 km) across at its widest point, the island has a densely wooded, broken, mountainous backbone culminating at a height of 2,142 feet (653 metres) at Matafao Peak.

Britannica

Since you're coming at it from the other side, extend the cut in front of the fin and end it at the backbone.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at its backbone" to emphasize the crucial supporting role of something within a larger system or entity. It's particularly effective when highlighting foundational elements.

Common error

Avoid using "at its backbone" when referring to superficial or non-essential aspects. The phrase should be reserved for elements that are genuinely fundamental to the operation or structure of something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its backbone" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or clause to specify a core, fundamental, or essential component. Although Ludwig AI provides no direct examples, the phrase's grammatical structure allows for its use in various contexts to highlight the most important or supportive aspect of something.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "at its backbone" serves to emphasize the fundamental or essential nature of something. While grammatically correct, its usage appears to be rare based on available data from Ludwig. Related phrases such as "at its core" or "at its foundation" can serve as alternatives, offering similar emphasis on foundational elements. The phrase is best used when highlighting truly crucial components, avoiding overuse for superficial aspects. While Ludwig AI did not provide direct examples to bolster the analysis, the phrase is understandable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its core

Replaces "backbone" with "core", emphasizing the central and essential part.

at its foundation

Substitutes "backbone" with "foundation", focusing on the underlying structure.

at its heart

Uses "heart" instead of "backbone" to convey the central and vital aspect.

at its base

Replaces "backbone" with "base", highlighting the supporting element.

at its root

Substitutes "backbone" with "root", emphasizing the origin and fundamental nature.

at its center

Uses "center" instead of "backbone" to convey the central point of focus.

at its essence

Replaces "backbone" with "essence", emphasizing the intrinsic and indispensable quality.

at its infrastructure

Substitutes "backbone" with "infrastructure", highlighting the organizational or structural support.

at its groundwork

Uses "groundwork" instead of "backbone" to highlight a preparatory foundation.

at its underpinning

Replaces "backbone" with "underpinning", focusing on the supporting structure.

FAQs

How can I use "at its backbone" in a sentence?

You can use "at its backbone" to describe something that is a fundamental or essential part of a system or organization. For example, "Customer service is at its backbone, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty."

What's a good alternative to "at its backbone"?

Alternatives include "at its core", "at its foundation", or "at its heart". These phrases emphasize the fundamental nature of something.

Is it correct to say "at it's backbone" instead of "at its backbone"?

No, "at it's backbone" is grammatically incorrect. "Its" is a possessive pronoun, while "it's" is a contraction of "it is" or "it has". The correct phrase is "at its backbone".

What is the difference between "at its backbone" and "integral to"?

While both phrases indicate importance, "at its backbone" suggests a fundamental structural role, whereas "integral to" simply means necessary or essential. The former implies a foundational element, while the latter focuses on essential contribution.