core of civilization

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "core of civilization" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to fundamental elements or principles that are essential to the development and functioning of a civilization. Example: "Education and culture are often considered the core of civilization, shaping the values and beliefs of society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

With a tip of the hat, the Coens send viewers home to consider the nihilism at the core of civilization, the confrontation with death that defines life.

The New Yorker

After growing up during the Cultural Revolution of 1966-76, when book-burning was widespread, he came to view attacks on words and language as a threat to the very core of civilization.

The New York Times - Arts

Their presence eventually fired the imagination of the artist Barnaby Evans, a 1975 graduate of Brown, who first created WaterFire in the small cove up the river as a public artwork that would, in his words, "invite people back to celebrate the city as the core of civilization".

The New York Times - Arts

Those cycles tend to be economically driven, politically driven and typically periods of political or economic uncertainty drive periods of significant threats to democracies and to the very core of civilization.

Forbes

Those citizens who develop a truly global identity become members of the community at the very core of civilization; the community of humanity as a collective.

HuffPost

"They are the core of civilization.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Called the Niya seal, it was collected in Xinjiang province, far to the west of the core of Chinese civilization.

The New York Times - Science

He said he believes finance is a structure for society, which if regulated properly is "at the core of our civilization".

The Guardian - Business

"The fact is the South embodies much that's at the core of Western civilization," Mr. Genovese said in an interview with The New York Times in 1998.

The New York Times

Re "It's Time to Terror-Proof Markets" (On the Contrary, Oct. 7), in which Daniel Akst said the nation should never again let its enemies paralyze its business life: Mr. Akst said that no one should be ashamed of making money, which he described as "at the core of our civilization".

The New York Times

"Hunger Games, U.S.A.," by Paul Krugman (column, July 15), was intellectually stunning, exposing a gigantic moral cancer at the core of our postindustrial American civilization.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "core of civilization" when emphasizing the central, indispensable values, principles, or elements that define a society's development and culture.

Common error

Avoid using "core of civilization" too broadly or metaphorically. Ensure it refers to concrete aspects that directly impact a society's structure and progress, not vague or speculative ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "core of civilization" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It identifies the most essential elements or principles that define a society's development.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "core of civilization" is grammatically sound and used to emphasize the essential elements of a developed society. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage in contexts such as news and formal documents. The phrase is employed to highlight the fundamental values, principles, and institutions that are indispensable for societal progress. While alternatives like ""heart of civilization"" or ""foundation of civilization"" offer nuanced variations, "core of civilization" remains a direct and effective way to express centrality and importance. It is crucial to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring it refers to concrete aspects of societal development rather than abstract concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heart of civilization

Substitutes "core" with "heart", emphasizing the central and vital importance to civilization.

foundation of civilization

Replaces "core" with "foundation", focusing on the basic elements upon which civilization is built.

essence of civilization

Emphasizes the intrinsic and indispensable qualities that define civilization.

cornerstone of civilization

Highlights the critical importance of the phrase as a building block for civilization.

basis of civilized society

Shifts focus to a civilized society, using "basis" instead of "core" to denote fundamental support.

central tenet of civilization

Highlights a specific belief or principle that is essential to civilization.

key component of civilization

Focuses on civilization's essential ingredients.

vital element of civilization

Highlights the living, indispensable aspect of civilization.

fundamental principle of civilization

Highlights the principles that define civilization.

mainstay of civilization

Highlights what sustains and supports civilization.

FAQs

How can I use "core of civilization" in a sentence?

Use "core of civilization" to refer to fundamental aspects essential for a society's development. For example: "Education is often considered the "core of civilization" because it shapes values and knowledge."

What are some alternatives to "core of civilization"?

You can use alternatives such as "heart of civilization", "foundation of civilization", or "essence of civilization" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "core of civilization" or "foundation of civilization"?

Both "core of civilization" and "foundation of civilization" are correct, but "core" emphasizes centrality, while "foundation" stresses the supporting base. Choose based on whether you want to highlight importance or fundamental support.

What does the phrase "core of civilization" imply?

The phrase "core of civilization" implies the most essential and fundamental aspects that sustain and define a developed society, such as values, knowledge, and institutions.