at the backbone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the backbone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the fundamental or central part of something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The new policy is at the backbone of our strategy for improving employee satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

An efficient synthesis of siRNAs modified at the backbone with a triazole functionality is reported.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters

This ensures that the side chains have more space to spread out and eases tension at the backbone.

Nature

The force at the backbone is estimated as f≅S˙d, where S is the spreading coefficient and d is the width of adsorbed brush macromolecules (Fig. 2).

Nature

Energy lies at the backbone of any advanced society and constitutes an essential prerequisite for economic growth, social order and national defense.

Energy Policy

Content marketing is the backbone for PR: I would say that content marketing is on the rise and at the backbone of what we do – everything is content from a tweet to an event.

The Guardian

Although well-aligned UDA segments induce the growth of crystallites, the pendant butyrate groups hinder the alignment polyethylene-like chains at the backbone and further depress the overall strength of intermolecular van der Waals interactions.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

It is also evident from the SERS spectra that the interaction between DNA and complexes takes places at the bases and not at the sugar-phosphate backbone.

BioMed Research International

Von Huene assumed digitigrade bipedality with erect hind limbs for the animals he excavated at Trossingen, with the backbone held at a steep angle (at least during rapid locomotion).

Wikipedia

The use of the Morse potential at the backbone-to-terminal links allows the network to release high-cost links that have an effect on the overall assurance of end-to-end connectivity.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

After folding, RNAs were fragmented by activating the Fenton reaction at the backbone-tethered Fe(III) atoms using ascorbate as a reducing agent (Das et al., 2008).

eLife

This behaviour can be simulated using a simple model wherein the probability P of bond scission occurring at any point along the backbone, except at the ends, is the same (Fig. 4a).

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the backbone" to emphasize the foundational or critical nature of a component or idea within a larger system or concept.

Common error

Avoid using "at the backbone" in overly casual or informal settings where simpler alternatives like "the main part" or "the core" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the backbone" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate the location or position of something that is fundamental or essential. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the backbone" effectively conveys the idea of something being fundamental or essential. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's commonly found in diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science. Alternatives like "at the core" or "at the heart" offer similar meanings. When using "at the backbone", ensure it aligns with the context and consider its slightly formal tone. Overusing it in informal conversation could sound unnatural. The phrase serves as a powerful tool to emphasize the critical nature of a component, system or idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the core

Focuses on the central and most important part.

at the heart

Emphasizes the emotional or vital center of something.

at the foundation

Highlights the underlying structure or basis.

at the base

Indicates the supporting or starting point.

at the root

Suggests the origin or fundamental cause.

at the center

Highlights the central position and importance.

at the crux

Points to the decisive or critical point.

at the center of gravity

Emphasizes the point around which something revolves.

at the infrastructure

Points at the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.

at the key

Highlights the most important element or factor

FAQs

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

Use "at the backbone" to describe something essential or fundamental. For example, "Content marketing is "at the backbone" of modern PR strategies."

What are some alternatives to "at the backbone"?

You can use phrases like "at the core", "at the heart", or "at the foundation" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "at the backbone" or "at the core"?

Both phrases are correct, but "at the backbone" often suggests a structural or supporting role, while "at the core" implies a more central or essential element. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "at the backbone" mean in the context of a network?

In a network context, "at the backbone" refers to the primary infrastructure that supports the network's operations, such as high-capacity communication lines and key servers.