at the cornerstone of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the cornerstone of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate something that is fundamental or essential to a particular concept, idea, or structure. Example: "Education is at the cornerstone of a successful society, shaping the future of its citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Accountability is at the cornerstone of Apple's management.

The Guardian - Tech

Third, protection is at the cornerstone of humanitarian action.

The Guardian

I'm convinced that science has to be at the cornerstone of efforts on conservation.

The New York Times - Science

Others want reform, but not by chipping away at the cornerstone of a centuries-old tradition of law and liberty.

The Economist

The problem is not just a question of justice, so much as one of bargaining power; women with economic agency are at the cornerstone of social progress.

The Guardian

In an interview yesterday, Mr. Espada said that his intention to continue to sit with the Republican majority, if elected, was at the cornerstone of his platform.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Christina Allen, head of the products for higher education at LinkedIn, describes University Pages as the "cornerstone" of the company's strategy in education services.

TechCrunch

Technology, regulation and growing competition are chipping away at Telmex, the cornerstone of Mr. Slim's telecommunications holdings.

The New York Times

Much of Lavinia's pile ended up at Amherst College, the cornerstone of its special collections; Susan Dickinson's batch went to Harvard, along with several household treasures that had been preserved at the Evergreens.

The New Yorker

In "You, Me and Everyone Else," Mr. Esber's current show at Pierogi, the cornerstone of the Williamsburg, Brooklyn, gallery scene, Mr. bin Laden's familiar beard-and-turban-framed features stare out of scores of drawings that line the walls.

The New York Times - Arts

In Western Europe, vaccination of at-risk groups forms the cornerstone of influenza prevention.

Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the cornerstone of" to emphasize that something is a fundamental or essential aspect of a larger concept or system. Ensure the context clearly establishes the relationship between the cornerstone and the larger entity.

Common error

Avoid using "at the cornerstone of" for trivial or unimportant elements. This phrase is best reserved for truly foundational aspects, not merely contributing factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the cornerstone of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun and indicating that something is a fundamental or essential part of a larger entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the cornerstone of" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize that something is a foundational, essential, or fundamental part of a larger concept or system. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for elements that are truly essential, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Consider alternatives like ""fundamental to"" or ""central to"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental to

Emphasizes the basic and essential nature of something.

central to

Highlights the importance of something being in the middle or at the heart of something else.

essential to

Stresses the necessity of something for a particular outcome or entity.

integral to

Implies that something is an indispensable part of a whole.

crucial for

Focuses on the decisive or critical importance of something.

vital for

Highlights that something is necessary for the continuation of life or something else.

key to

Indicates that something is essential for achieving a goal or understanding something.

basic to

Underlines the foundational aspect of something.

underlying

Highlights the base or foundation that supports something else.

at the heart of

Indicates the most important or essential part of something.

FAQs

How can I use "at the cornerstone of" in a sentence?

Use "at the cornerstone of" to emphasize the fundamental nature of something. For example, "Integrity is "fundamental to" any successful business relationship."

What phrases are similar to "at the cornerstone of"?

Similar phrases include "central to", "essential to", or "fundamental to". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "at the cornerstone of" in informal writing?

While generally appropriate in formal writing, "at the cornerstone of" can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Consider using a simpler phrase like "basic to" or "key to" for informal settings.

What is the difference between "at the cornerstone of" and "at the heart of"?

"At the cornerstone of" emphasizes the foundational nature of something, while "at the heart of" highlights its central importance or emotional core. For example, "Innovation is at the cornerstone of our company's strategy," versus "Compassion is "at the heart of" our charitable work."