cornerstones

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cornerstones" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is generally used to describe the fundamental principles or core values of something. For example, "The cornerstones of our business are quality customer service, innovation, and sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of the cornerstones of the program is SB 350, which calls for a "50-50-50" reduction in major areas of climate concern.

The Guardian

The tribunal is one of the cornerstones of the regime designed to scrutinise the agencies, a regime described by William Hague, the foreign secretary, as one of the best in the world.

The Guardian

We cannot start questioning the cornerstones of integration, because it will have far-reaching consequences".

The Guardian

Mr Koh could well have been the "strongest and most effective advocate" for "human rights principles relating to the use of drones" and nevertheless also have been a key legal architect of a programme that has done "structural damage to the cornerstones of international security and set precedents that undermine the protection of life across the globe in the longer term," as a UN report put it.

The Economist

"Milken and Drexel took high-yield bonds from a cottage industry to one of the cornerstones of the financial industry," says Howard Marks, one of Mr Milken's early customers and now chairman of Oaktree, a Los Angeles firm that manages around $75 billion in funds, much of it in high-yield bonds and related investments.Catch a falling starIn the 1970s the market for such bonds was tiny.

The Economist

"It has got to be defended...it is one of the cornerstones of the constitution".

The Economist

The billboards never went up, and another group that wanted to oppose Mr Driehaus was scared off.Mr O'Rourke argues that "disparaging statements about one's opponent (whether true, mostly true, mostly not true, or entirely fantastic) are cornerstones of American democracy".

The Economist

And Nick Swisher and Aníbal Sánchez are nice complementary players, but not the cornerstones of a championship team.

The Economist

The fact that people consistently judge themselves superior to an average peer on most personality traits is one of the cornerstones of social and personal psychology.

The Economist

No longer they can take pride in the fairy-tale hero who preaches those naive yet indispensable cornerstones of life - ethics, courtesy, tolerance, responsibility.

The Economist

Nor was the prime minister able to parry attacks on his government's health-care and economic policies, both cornerstones of the Conservative campaign.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cornerstones", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being supported or upheld by these fundamental elements. Be specific and avoid vague applications.

Common error

Avoid using "cornerstones" in overly abstract or metaphorical situations where the connection to a foundational support is unclear. Opt for more precise language to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cornerstones" is as a plural noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting fundamental principles or essential elements. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it often describes the core aspects of a concept or organization.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "cornerstones" is a versatile plural noun that refers to the fundamental or essential elements of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. When using "cornerstones", ensure that you clearly define what aspects you are referring to and why they are critical. Avoid overly abstract applications and consider alternatives like "foundations" or "fundamentals" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundations

Focuses more on the underlying support or basis of something.

fundamentals

Emphasizes the basic principles or skills required for something.

basis

Refers to the starting point or rationale for something.

underpinnings

Highlights the hidden or less obvious support system.

bedrocks

Suggests a solid and unshakeable foundation.

essentials

Highlights the most important or necessary aspects.

core principles

Emphasizes the guiding beliefs or values.

key elements

Focuses on the crucial components of something.

building blocks

Highlights components that are assembled to create something larger.

central tenets

Emphasizes beliefs or doctrines that are central to a system of thought.

FAQs

How can I use "cornerstones" in a sentence?

Use "cornerstones" to refer to the fundamental aspects or principles that support something, as in, "Ethics and integrity are the "cornerstones" of our organization."

What are some alternatives to "cornerstones"?

You can use alternatives such as "foundations", "fundamentals", or "underpinnings" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "cornerstones" in formal writing?

Yes, "cornerstones" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing essential principles, values, or components.

What is the difference between "cornerstones" and "building blocks"?

"Cornerstones" emphasizes the foundational and essential nature of something, while "building blocks" highlights how individual elements contribute to a larger structure. The term "building blocks" focus on gradual construction, whereas the term "cornerstones" focus on key principles.