cornerstone of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cornerstone of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is fundamental or essential to the foundation of a concept, system, or organization. Example: "Education is the cornerstone of a successful society, as it empowers individuals and fosters growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

El Bajío A cornerstone of traditional fare.

The New York Times

It is the cornerstone of liberal democracy.

The Economist

It is the cornerstone of their identity.

The Economist

"Bellows is the cornerstone of our collection".

The New York Times - Arts

He wrote Cornerstone of Philippine Independence (1922).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Universities are the cornerstone of free thought.

Independent

One cornerstone of the concept?

The Guardian - Tech

The cornerstone of my life.

The Guardian - Film

Education is the cornerstone of feminism.

The Guardian

Normalization is the cornerstone of that".

The Guardian

Listening is the cornerstone of empathy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cornerstone of", ensure that the noun following 'of' accurately reflects the essential element you're highlighting. For example, "Education is the cornerstone of progress" effectively conveys education's fundamental role.

Common error

Avoid using "cornerstone of" in overly general or cliché statements. Instead of saying "Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship", provide specific examples or context to strengthen your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cornerstone of" functions as a noun complement, highlighting the essential and foundational element of a broader concept or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes something indispensable. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts to emphasize critical components.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cornerstone of" is a versatile phrase used to underscore the fundamental and essential nature of a particular element. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts, emphasizing critical components across diverse subjects. While it's a powerful phrase, avoid overuse and redundancy. Consider alternatives like "foundation of" or "basis of" for variety. By using "cornerstone of" thoughtfully, you can effectively highlight the indispensable elements in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation of

This alternative directly replaces "cornerstone" with "foundation", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

basis of

This alternative focuses on the underlying principle or reason, suggesting something that supports or justifies something else.

linchpin of

This alternative emphasizes the element that holds everything together, implying indispensability.

keystone of

This implies the central stone in an arch, implying the concept won't work without it.

core of

This alternative highlights the most important part or aspect of something.

heart of

This alternative emphasizes the central and most vital part of something.

bedrock of

This phrase underscores the fundamental and unshakeable nature of something.

essence of

This alternative refers to the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.

anchor of

This alternative suggests something that provides stability and security.

mainstay of

This alternative emphasizes the reliable and essential support provided by something.

FAQs

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

Use "cornerstone of" to emphasize the fundamental or essential nature of something. For example, "Innovation is the cornerstone of our company's success."

What can I say instead of "cornerstone of"?

You can use alternatives like "foundation of", "basis of", or "linchpin of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cornerstone of" or "centerpiece of"?

"Cornerstone of" and "centerpiece of" have different meanings. "Cornerstone of" refers to something fundamental and essential, while "centerpiece of" refers to something that is the main or most important item. For example, "Education is the "cornerstone of" a thriving society", not the centerpiece.

What's the difference between "cornerstone of" and "pillar of"?

"Cornerstone of" suggests the fundamental building block, while "pillar of" suggests a strong support. Both imply importance, but "cornerstone" emphasizes necessity for existence, whereas "pillar" emphasizes strength and support.