cornerstone document

USAGE SUMMARY

"cornerstone document" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to a document that forms the basis of something, for example: "This document is the cornerstone document for our legal case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Don't be too discouraged" if you are among the unknowing, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin has assured readers of his book, "Jewish Literacy" (William Morrow, 2001), adding, "Even though the Ten Commandments is the cornerstone document of Jewish and Western morality, most people can't name them all".

The New York Times

Its ethos based on life, dignity, and family, is grounded in the human rights movement, whose cornerstone document is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Huffington Post

Consequently, the CRC can be viewed as a "cornerstone" document; with the dual distinction of (1) having been unanimously approved by the UN's General Assembly; and (2) being the most universally ratified UN treaty to date [ 8], the CRC offers a comprehensive statement on paediatric human rights.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

While political freedom is supposedly a cornerstone of the document, the distribution of wealth is not even mentioned.

Huffington Post

Article 19 of that document is the cornerstone of media freedom.

The Guardian - Opinion

Viewing the Shahnameh for the historical document and cultural cornerstone that it is, Dr. Khaleghi's original work (first published in 1971) sought to shed light on the position and practices of early Islamic women.

Huffington Post

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 documents, which provided the cornerstone for the British constitution, will be held at the museum in London for three days in 2015.

Independent

In randomised controlled trials (RCTs), patient informed consent documents are an essential cornerstone of the study flow.

European Journal of Cancer

The quantity and quality of ECE declined significantly  2010 Two important documents (the milestone and cornerstone) were issued to thoroughly reform the ECE system and to speed up the development of ECE: (1) National Education Reform and Development of Long-Term Planning ProgramSeveral–2020); (2) SeViews Views on the Development of Preschool Education The 3rd 'Golden Era' of ECE in China.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

The document is seen as the cornerstone of the development of constitutional law in England.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cornerstone document" when referring to a document that serves as a fundamental and indispensable basis for a system, legal framework, or ideology. It emphasizes the document's role as a key foundation.

Common error

Avoid using "cornerstone document" when you mean a "supporting document". The former denotes a foundational text, while the latter refers to materials that provide additional evidence or context but aren't fundamental in themselves.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cornerstone document" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. It identifies a specific type of document that is foundational and essential to something else. Ludwig shows examples where it describes important legal and ethical frameworks.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cornerstone document" refers to a fundamental and essential document that serves as the basis for a system, ideology, or legal framework. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is grammatically correct, but relatively rare. As a noun phrase, it emphasizes the foundational role of a document, typically in formal or scientific contexts. While alternatives like "foundational document" or "key document" exist, "cornerstone document" specifically highlights the document's role as a crucial building block.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundational document

Emphasizes the role of the document as a base or groundwork.

fundamental document

Highlights the document's essential and indispensable nature.

key document

Focuses on the document's importance and significance.

essential document

Stresses the document's necessity and crucial role.

basic document

Implies the document contains fundamental principles or information.

core document

Highlights that the document is central and vital.

primary document

Suggests the document is the most important or original one.

central document

Indicates that the document is a focal point or main element.

underlying document

Emphasizes the document as the foundation upon which something else is built.

chief document

Highlights the document as the most important one.

FAQs

How can I use "cornerstone document" in a sentence?

You can use "cornerstone document" to describe a foundational piece of writing. For instance, "The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is considered a "cornerstone document" in the human rights movement".

What are some alternatives to "cornerstone document"?

Alternatives include "foundational document", "fundamental document", or "key document". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a document a "cornerstone document"?

A "cornerstone document" is fundamental and essential; it forms the basis for subsequent developments, ideas, or systems. It's not merely important, but foundational.

Is "cornerstone document" interchangeable with "important document"?

While a "cornerstone document" is certainly an important document, not all important documents are cornerstones. "Cornerstone document" implies a foundational role, whereas "important document" simply suggests significance. A "cornerstone document" has a more pivotal impact.