cornerstone

USAGE SUMMARY

'cornerstone' is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
You could use "cornerstone" to refer to something which forms the basis or foundation of something else. For example, you could say "Education is the cornerstone of any successful society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A cornerstone of the good practice guidelines is that MBCT teachers have an established personal mindfulness practice and appreciate the common nature of human suffering, rather than teaching from a purely intellectual stance".

The Guardian

"This project forms the main cornerstone (main target) of a series of planned attacks that have been prepared for synchronised execution on the same day at the same time," he wrote.

The Guardian

During Chris Christie's first term as governor, he made tax incentives a cornerstone of a promised "New Jersey comeback" that would lure new businesses to the state.

The Guardian

There are just four original copies of the cornerstone for English law and first document to champion the rights and freedom of the common people – and the best preserved is in Salisbury Cathedral.

The Guardian - Travel

The defending champion's failure to find rhythm and fluency on his legendary forehand, the cornerstone of his game, was as much down to Murray's guile as his own shortcomings – plentiful though these were – and it was a striking feature of the match that most of Nadal's best moments came when he advanced into the forecourt.

The Guardian - Sport

Another cornerstone of the legislative package is SB 32, which continues executive orders first made by then-governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2005 and later passed by the legislature in California's groundbreaking 2006 climate change law, which created cap-and-trade emissions requirements for large industrial polluters like oil refineries and power companies.

The Guardian

The cornerstone of the legislation enabled workers to recruit more easily.

The Guardian

Critics say: Judgment by one's peers is a cornerstone of British law.

The Guardian - Opinion

Empire is now the cornerstone of a lineup that, this fall, will include a series based on the Tom Cruise movie Minority Report, a show from the creators of American Horror Story called Scream Queens (starring Jamie Lee Curtis) and a Rob Lowe comedy called The Grinder, about the star of a canceled reality series.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And it will be a cornerstone of my leadership".

The Guardian

Even then, she had to be persuaded to run by a young cohort of staffers who are credited with creating a social media drive that has proved a cornerstone of the campaign.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cornerstone", ensure it clearly represents a foundational element, not just an important one. The term implies that without this element, the entire structure would be compromised.

Common error

Avoid using "cornerstone" when a weaker term like "important" or "significant" would suffice. "Cornerstone" should be reserved for elements that are absolutely fundamental and irreplaceable.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cornerstone" is as a noun, often used to denote a foundational or essential element of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights something that is fundamental and critical for support.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cornerstone" is a frequently used noun that signifies a foundational or essential element. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific sources, the phrase carries a neutral to formal register. When using "cornerstone", ensure it truly represents a fundamental aspect, not just something important. Alternatives such as "foundation", "key element", and "essential component" may be suitable depending on the intended nuance. It is a strong and widely applicable term when you need to emphasize the core, irreducible nature of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation

Direct synonym, emphasizing the base upon which something is built.

core element

Highlights the central and most important part of something.

key element

Underscores the importance of something as a crucial part of a whole.

bedrock

Similar to foundation, suggesting a solid and unwavering base.

essential component

Highlights the role of something as a necessary part of a larger system or entity.

linchpin

Emphasizes the crucial role of something in holding a system together.

underlying basis

Highlights the fundamental support or reason for something.

fundamental aspect

Emphasizes the essential nature of something, shifting from a structural metaphor to a more abstract concept.

central tenet

Focuses on a belief or principle that is held as especially important within a system of beliefs.

basic principle

Focuses on the underlying rules or beliefs that guide a system or ideology.

FAQs

How can I use "cornerstone" in a sentence?

You can use "cornerstone" to describe a fundamental element or principle upon which something is based. For instance, "Trust is the cornerstone of any successful relationship."

What are some alternatives to "cornerstone"?

You can use alternatives like "foundation", "key element", or "essential component" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say something is 'a cornerstone' or 'the cornerstone'?

Both are grammatically correct, but "the cornerstone" implies a specific, identifiable element, while "a cornerstone" suggests one of several foundational elements.

What's the difference between "cornerstone" and "keystone"?

"Cornerstone" refers to a foundational element, while "keystone" ("keystone") refers to the central stone in an arch that locks the other stones in place. While both are important, they have different structural roles.