build a backbone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build a backbone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to developing strength, resilience, or assertiveness, often in a personal or professional context. Example: "In order to stand up for yourself in difficult situations, you need to build a backbone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He immediately hired 50 engineers, aiming to build a backbone to make phone networks smarter through technology.

The New York Times

For example, while DNA uses phosphorus in its backbone, it might be possible to build a backbone out of arsenic instead.

The New York Times - Science

There haven't been many companies that have figured out a way to build a backbone of communication and provide it for free.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In order to allow that, the protocol builds a backbone along nodes that have the greatest amount of resources available.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

A massive company probably has plenty of engineers on staff and the resources to build a complex backbone of interconnected information that can contain tons of data and make acting on it easy — but for smaller companies, and for those that aren't technical, those tools aren't very accessible.

TechCrunch

In the delivery of broadband multimedia services to end-users, it is necessary to build a high-speed backbone and access network.

Technological Forecasting and Social Change

He could help the company build a platform business as a backbone for other fintech apps, they way he helped Facebook build its identity platform.

TechCrunch

To understand the relationship between the speed of fishes and some particular physical parameters of their backbones one may build a swimming robot, intervene on the characteristics of its backbone, and measure the resulting speed in search of a correlation.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Where DNA of all known organisms is built on a backbone of phosphates, derived from phosphorus, GFAJ-1, as the microbe NASA's boffins found in Mono Lake, California, is known, instead sported arsenates, chemical compounds based on arsenic.

The Economist

Treatment of adults with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) during the last 30 years demonstrates that 60%to90%0% of patients enrolled in clinical trials achieve a complete response (CR) and that 20%to40%0% will prove to be cured of their disease.3, 8, 11, 12, 14 Historically, induction therapy for adult ALL has been built around a "backbone" of vincristine and prednisone.

Hematology-Oncology Clinics of North America

The Top 40 radio star announced today an official remix EP for the single, which is off her latest album ANTI, and Four Tet's interpretation, a vocal-heavy serenade built on a backbone of serene xylophone keys and swelling, layered vocal runs, is one of four to make the cut.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "build a backbone" to encourage assertiveness, ensure the context makes it clear you're promoting healthy boundaries, not aggression or insensitivity.

Common error

Avoid using "build a backbone" when you actually mean to describe physical fitness or muscle development; this phrase is primarily metaphorical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build a backbone" functions primarily as a metaphorical expression, encouraging the development of strength, resilience, or a foundational element. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It's a call to action to fortify one's character or structure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "build a backbone" is a valid and useful expression that encourages resilience, assertiveness, or the establishment of a strong foundation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts like News & Media and Science. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the context and audience to ensure it's received appropriately. Alternatives like "develop resilience" or "establish a foundation" can be used to subtly shift the meaning. Remember that "build a backbone" is primarily metaphorical and should not be confused with physical strength.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop resilience

Focuses on the personal quality of withstanding adversity, rather than establishing a structural foundation.

cultivate strength

Emphasizes the gradual development of power or resilience.

establish a foundation

Emphasizes creating a firm base for future development, removing the element of strength.

forge a strong core

Highlights the creation of a central, robust element, but uses different imagery.

construct a base

Highlights the act of constructing a firm base, removing the element of resilience or inner strength.

create a framework

Highlights the design and structure of a system, less about inherent strength.

lay the groundwork

Emphasizes preparation and initial steps, not necessarily implying strength or resilience.

foster fortitude

Stresses inner strength and courage, a more internal attribute than a constructed backbone.

engineer stability

Emphasizes the planning and construction of something stable.

form a support system

Focuses on creating a network of assistance rather than an individual's strength or a structural base.

FAQs

What does "build a backbone" mean?

The phrase "build a backbone" means to develop strength of character, resilience, and the ability to stand up for oneself or for what one believes in. It suggests cultivating courage and fortitude.

How can I use "build a backbone" in a sentence?

You can use "build a backbone" in sentences like: "In order to succeed in this industry, you need to "develop resilience"" or "The company needs to "establish a foundation" to support its future growth".

What are some alternatives to saying "build a backbone"?

Some alternatives to "build a backbone" include "develop resilience", "establish a foundation", or "cultivate strength", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to tell someone to "build a backbone"?

While "build a backbone" encourages assertiveness, it's important to consider the context and audience. Sometimes, more empathetic or supportive language might be more appropriate, especially if the person is already under stress or facing significant challenges.