being the keystone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being the keystone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is essential or central to the structure or function of a system or concept. Example: "In this project, being the keystone of our strategy, effective communication will ensure that all team members are aligned and informed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

After mostly doing Wall Street's bidding for three years and putting climate change on the backburner, he has in recent weeks paid more liberal-leaning attention to the issues that motivate protesters and environmentalists; in the latter case, his administration blocked, for the time being, the Keystone XL pipeline that was to bring tar sands oil from Canada to the US Gulf coast.

The Guardian - Opinion

In practice, crayfish are of particular importance for biomonitoring studies [ 4], being the keystone species in most ecosystems in which they occur [ 5], and, most importantly, can tolerate polluted environments and reflect pollution levels due to accumulation of respective elements in their tissues [ 6].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Maternal health is the keystone supporting the foundational well-being of families and children.

Harvard University

Syria is the keystone of the Middle East.

The New York Times

Tourism is the keystone of the economy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Family was the keystone of her life.

The New York Times

Conjugative plasmids are the keystone of horizontal gene transfer.

Current Opinion in Microbiology

We are the keystone holding up the global system.

The New York Times

"It's the keystone that holds the whole thing together.

The New Yorker

Because Syria is the keystone of the Levant.

The New York Times

Activist groups were the keystone, distributing millions of free condoms.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being the keystone", ensure the context clearly establishes what system or concept it supports to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "being the keystone" when you simply mean something is important or significant. This phrase specifically denotes an element that is fundamentally critical to the overall structure and stability of something, akin to a literal keystone in an arch.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being the keystone" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a subject complement or part of a descriptive clause. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in identifying a crucial component within a system, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being the keystone" is a gerund phrase used to emphasize that something is structurally critical or essential. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. Though somewhat rare, it's found in both scientific and news contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the system or structure it supports and consider alternatives like "functioning as the cornerstone" or "serving as the linchpin" for subtle variations in meaning. Remember that using this phrase suggest something is fundamental for operation of a system.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functioning as the cornerstone

Replaces "keystone" with "cornerstone", emphasizing a foundational role.

serving as the linchpin

Uses "linchpin" to highlight the essential role in holding things together.

acting as the key element

More straightforward, replacing "keystone" with the more general "key element".

constituting the central component

More formal, using "central component" to denote primary importance.

representing the critical factor

Focuses on criticality rather than structural importance.

forming the backbone

Emphasizes the supporting and structural importance, different from the keystone.

playing a pivotal role

Highlights the importance but less direct than "being the keystone".

essential part

A simple alternative that may fit in many situations.

core aspect

Core aspect is more generic, referring to the center or heart of something.

the most crucial part

Focus on describing the most crucial part of something.

FAQs

How can I use "being the keystone" in a sentence?

You can use "being the keystone" to describe something fundamental to the operation of a system. For example, "In this project, "being the keystone" of our strategy, effective communication will ensure that all team members are aligned and informed".

What are some alternatives to "being the keystone"?

Alternatives include "serving as the linchpin", "functioning as the cornerstone", or "acting as the key element", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "being the keystone" a formal or informal phrase?

"Being the keystone" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, scientific, or professional contexts, as well as news and media. The level of formality depends on the context.

What does it mean for something to "be the keystone"?

For something to "be the keystone" means it's an essential part of something. It's the most important piece that everything else depends on.