backbone on which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "backbone on which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fundamental support or underlying structure for something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The new policy serves as the backbone on which our company's success is built."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

From the World Cup semi-final against the West Indies in 1996 to the return fixture three years later, against South Africa, the exhilarating escape was the backbone on which Australia's recent cricketing greatness was built.

The Guardian - Sport

Ransom Stephens, a physicist and novelist who has lectured widely on Noether, said, "You can make a strong case that her theorem is the backbone on which all of modern physics is built".

The New York Times - Science

The structures described in this work involve a cellulosic ether backbone on which oligoethers were grafted and crosslinked in various proportions via urethane chemistry and to which lithium perchlorate was subsequently added as a source of ionic species.

Electrochimica Acta

The topology obtained with the CAT model was used as a backbone on which all possible positions of Convoluta were added, yielding 99 (Figure S3) and 91 trees when Platyhelminthes were discarded (Figure S7).

Plosone

The cathepsin inducible fluorescent probe (ProSense 680) is a composite polymer containing a poly-L-lysine backbone; on which quenched NIR (excitation 675 nm, emission 694 nm) fluorophore and several polyethyleno-glycol side-chains are attached.

Plosone

The metabolic network present at that time represents the backbone on which the metabolism of all modern enterobacteria was built.

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In other words, links form the backbones on which contacts take place.

EPJ Data Science

But the carrot's place is assured in my kitchen as the bringer of earthy sweetness, a backbone vegetable on which to build layers of flavour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the energy sector, this includes energy-efficient devices including new sensors, controls and lighting as well as the backbone infrastructure on which they run.

Forbes

The roads are the backbone of a network based on which the operation is conducted.

Journal of Modern Transportation

But Hillary Clinton is showing some real backbone on the issue, which deserves applause.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "backbone on which" to emphasize the essential and foundational nature of something. It suggests that without this element, the entire structure would be weak or collapse.

Common error

Avoid using "backbone on which" in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "based on" or "supported by" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backbone on which" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the foundational element upon which something else is built or depends. Ludwig provides examples in various scientific and journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "backbone on which" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to emphasize the fundamental support or foundational element of something. Ludwig's analysis indicates it's more common in scientific and journalistic contexts and leans towards a formal register. While alternatives like "foundation upon which" exist, "backbone on which" provides a robust and visually evocative way to describe essential support. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase is correct and effectively used in academic and journalistic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation upon which

Replaces "backbone" with "foundation", emphasizing the base or groundwork.

basis upon which

Substitutes "backbone" with "basis", highlighting the underlying principle or reason.

framework for

Uses "framework" instead of "backbone", focusing on a structure that supports something.

structure for

Similar to 'framework for', this focuses on the arrangement of interconnected elements.

underpinning of

Replaces the entire phrase to focus on the fundamental support.

cornerstone of

Suggests that the referred subject is the essential part of the whole.

the key element supporting

More descriptive, specifying that it's a crucial element.

central support for

Highlights that the referred element is at the center and is the most important support.

fundamental to

A shorter alternative emphasizing the essential nature.

built upon

Emphasizes the construction or development aspect.

FAQs

What does "backbone on which" mean?

The phrase "backbone on which" refers to the fundamental support or structure that something relies upon. It's often used metaphorically to describe something essential.

What can I say instead of "backbone on which"?

You can use alternatives like "foundation upon which", "basis upon which", or "framework for", depending on the context.

How can I use "backbone on which" in a sentence?

Example: "The Constitution is the "backbone on which" American democracy is built."

Is "backbone on which" formal or informal?

The phrase "backbone on which" leans towards a more formal register. In informal settings, phrases like "based on" or "supported by" might be more suitable.