cultural backbone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cultural backbone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the fundamental values, beliefs, or practices that support and shape a culture. Example: "The traditions and customs of our ancestors serve as the cultural backbone of our community, guiding our identity and values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This is the gender model that forms the cultural backbone of our television and radio content today.

The Guardian

He amassed a nine-figure fortune, only to give away more than 90percentt of it to institutions that continue to form the educational and cultural backbone of modern Houston.

The New York Times

This is bound to cause alarm amongst the Flexibly Funded Organisations, whose ranks include, for example, the Print and Sculpture Studios in Edinburgh whereas the Glasgow equivalents are included in the Foundation Organisation category, supposed to represent the cultural backbone of the country.

The Guardian

Narrated by actress Sissy Spacek, this important PBS series explores Wolfe's challenge with a stunning series of portraits about our nation's environmental and cultural backbone.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

For centuries, fish has been the cultural and economic backbone of the region.

Huffington Post

He devised the idea of the BBC Symphony Orchestra – a group of committed, salaried players instead of the normal shifting cast of freelance players, which, along with the other four BBC orchestras, is still an important mainstay of British cultural life, and the backbone of the BBC Proms since its formation.

The Guardian

It's interesting to me that this salient cultural product, which is the backbone of all popular music, has been so disrespected".

The Guardian - Music

Thus arose the modernist establishment - the self-contained circle of critics who form the backbone of our cultural institutions and who trade in 'originality'transgressionion' and 'breaking new paths'.

BBC

His annual Stars of the White Nights Festival now forms the backbone of the St Petersburg cultural calendar and, next July, he plans to overwhelm London with a month-long Mariinsky mini-season at Covent Garden.

The Guardian - Music

Today, that troika still forms the backbone of Braamfontein's cultural allure, though its street scene is far more vibrant thanks to a new generation of design shops, restaurants, galleries and residential developments.

The New York Times

They are our cities' backbones in terms of cultural production and urban development.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cultural backbone", ensure the context clearly defines which aspects of culture you are referring to, such as traditions, values, or beliefs.

Common error

Avoid using "cultural backbone" as a generic term for all cultural elements. Be specific about the particular values or practices that form the core of the culture you're discussing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cultural backbone" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object to describe the essential elements that constitute a culture. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cultural backbone" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the core values and traditions that define a culture. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is relatively low, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. Consider alternative phrases like "cultural foundation" or "cultural core" for nuanced variations. When using "cultural backbone", ensure specificity about the cultural elements you're referencing to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultural foundation

Emphasizes the underlying structure and principles upon which a culture is built.

cultural bedrock

Highlights the solid and unchanging elements that form the basis of a culture.

cultural core

Focuses on the essential and most important aspects of a culture.

cultural heart

Implies the central and vital elements that drive a culture.

cultural essence

Refers to the intrinsic and defining characteristics of a culture.

cultural underpinnings

Highlights the supporting elements and values that sustain a culture.

cultural mainstays

Indicates the established and enduring aspects of a culture.

cultural cornerstones

Suggests the fundamental and indispensable components of a culture.

cultural heritage

Refers to the inherited traditions, monuments, objects, and culture.

cultural identity

Focuses on the sense of belonging and shared values within a culture.

FAQs

How can I use "cultural backbone" in a sentence?

You can use "cultural backbone" to describe the fundamental values or practices that support a culture, as in, "Traditions and customs serve as the "cultural backbone" of our community".

What is a good alternative to "cultural backbone"?

Alternatives include "cultural foundation", "cultural core", or "cultural heritage", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean to be the "cultural backbone"?

To be the "cultural backbone" suggests one is an integral and foundational part of a culture's identity, providing essential support and continuity.

In what contexts is "cultural backbone" typically used?

"Cultural backbone" is often used in discussions about the preservation of traditions, the importance of shared values, and the identity of a community.