cornerstone on which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cornerstone on which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fundamental principle or element that supports or underpins something else, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Trust is the cornerstone on which our relationship is built."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Bodies were meant to clash and hacking was a cornerstone on which the game was built.

The Guardian - Sport

And it provided a cornerstone on which a modern collection could be built.

The New York Times - Arts

That sense of security is the cornerstone on which council housing rests.

The Guardian

A safe, settled, home is the cornerstone on which individuals and families build a better quality of life, access the services they need and gain greater independence.

The Guardian

"Even after we achieve that goal," Mr. Yoon said, "I think the alliance should remain important as a cornerstone on which we can build any kind of peaceful and stable international relationship among Northeast Asian countries".

The New York Times

As charming as the impromptu was, it was primarily an object lesson in musical literacy, the cornerstone on which Mr. Molzer has secured a career spanning over 50 years.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Even though the independence of parallel-acting fluorescence deactivation pathways is one of the cornerstones on which spectroscopy is built [5], the validity of this assumption when applied to energy transfer in the near-field has not been directly tested.

Plosone

Humility and team spirit, qualities notably scarce in the pre-Houllier squad, are the cornerstones on which something significant may yet be built.

The Guardian - Sport

There are three cornerstones on which the structure of NCLB rests.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Once upon a time, in the days of yore — meaning, in hyper-fast-forward Silicon Valley, five years ago — there were things you could count on, evident truths on which you could rely, cornerstones on which you could construct your mental model of the world; and high on any such list would have been "Google will provide you with relevant search results".

TechCrunch

Freedom of speech and the right to congregate peacefully are two of the crucial cornerstones on which this country was built over 200 years ago.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cornerstone on which", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly articulates what is being supported or built upon the cornerstone. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "cornerstone on which" is a valid phrase, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using synonyms like "foundation", "basis", or "underpinning" to maintain reader engagement and prevent your writing from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cornerstone on which" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the fundamental element or principle that serves as the basis for something else. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, such as building relationships, constructing arguments, or establishing systems.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cornerstone on which" is a grammatically correct and usable prepositional phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to emphasize a fundamental element or principle upon which something else is built. While generally suitable for neutral to formal contexts, its frequency is uncommon, suggesting that synonyms might be preferred to avoid repetition. Predominantly found in news and media, and scientific sources, this phrase is a powerful tool for highlighting essential concepts. When using "cornerstone on which", ensure clarity in articulating what is being supported by this cornerstone, and avoid overuse by varying your language with alternatives like "foundation upon which" or "basis on which".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation upon which

Replaces "cornerstone" with "foundation", emphasizing the base or groundwork.

basis on which

Substitutes "cornerstone" with "basis", highlighting the underlying support or reason.

groundwork upon which

Emphasizes the initial preparation or work that supports something.

premise upon which

Highlights the initial assumption or proposition that something is based on.

underpinning for which

Focuses on the support or justification for something.

bedrock upon which

Highlights the fundamental and unshakeable nature of the base.

infrastructure on which

Suggests a structural or organizational base.

springboard from which

Implies a starting point or catalyst for further development.

keystone for which

Uses "keystone", emphasizing the central and locking element.

nucleus around which

Shifts focus to a central point around which things gather or develop.

FAQs

How can I use "cornerstone on which" in a sentence?

Use "cornerstone on which" to describe a fundamental principle or element that something is based on. For example, "Trust is the "cornerstone on which" our partnership thrives."

What are some alternatives to "cornerstone on which"?

Alternatives include "foundation upon which", "basis on which", or "underpinning for which". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "cornerstone on which" and "foundation upon which"?

While similar, "cornerstone" often implies a more integral and indispensable element, while "foundation" refers to the underlying support. The choice depends on the specific emphasis you want to give to the base element.

Can "cornerstone on which" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "cornerstone on which" is suitable for formal writing. It's a standard and accepted phrase in academic, business, and journalistic contexts.