form the cornerstone of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "form the cornerstone of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is fundamental or essential to the foundation of a concept, idea, or system. Example: "Education and training form the cornerstone of a successful career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Basic Bank Accounts form the cornerstone of financial inclusion.

The Guardian - Money

Sports minister Hugh Robertson said the scheme would form the "cornerstone of grassroots legacy" from the Olympics.

The Guardian

Three basic concepts form the cornerstone of Indian philosophical thought: the self or soul (atman), works (karma), and liberation (moksha).

Britannica

Antiplatelet therapies form the cornerstone of atherothrombosis prevention, reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease.

Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine

The principles of participation, transparency and accountability, which form the cornerstone of the notion of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC), are usually absent in such transactions.

The Guardian

The One Show's former presenting team will now form the cornerstone of a relaunched ITV1 breakfast programme due to start on Monday, 6 September.

The Guardian

Yet the response is always the same: hunker down all the more to protect the property investments that form the cornerstone of the American dream.

The New York Times

At this address, he devoted most of his speech to education, which he hopes will form the cornerstone of his legacy.

The New York Times

In this environment I continue to believe a selection of high-quality, equity income funds can form the cornerstone of almost any portfolio.

Independent

Matrices can be considered as an extension of vectors, and matrices form the cornerstone of modern scientific computing and engineering simulations.

Engineering Mathematics with Examples and Applications

Lifestyle interventions are likely to form the cornerstone of the management of IGT in the future, as they do in the management of type 2 diabetes today.

Diabetes & Metabolism

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "form the cornerstone of", ensure that the subject truly represents a fundamental and indispensable component of the larger concept you're describing. Avoid using it for elements that are merely important but not foundational.

Common error

While "form the cornerstone of" is a valid expression, avoid overuse. Employing diverse vocabulary can make your writing more engaging and precise. Consider alternatives such as "underpin", "ground", or "constitute the basis of" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "form the cornerstone of" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that the subject is a fundamental or essential element. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts. It describes the core component upon which something else is built or depends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "form the cornerstone of" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase widely used to denote something fundamental or essential. Ludwig AI's analysis and the numerous examples provided confirm its consistent application across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. While the phrase is valuable, it's also beneficial to consider semantically similar alternatives like "constitute the basis of" or "serve as the foundation for" to enhance writing variety. Remember to use it when you're truly highlighting an indispensable component, and you'll be on the right track.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constitute the basis of

Focuses on the foundational aspect, emphasizing the underlying support provided.

serve as the foundation for

Highlights the supportive role in establishing a stable base.

act as the bedrock of

Emphasizes the stability and unyielding nature of the foundational element.

be the linchpin of

Indicates a crucial element that holds other parts together.

form the basis for

Similar to "constitute the basis of" but focuses on the preparatory role.

establish the groundwork for

Highlights the initial steps in creating a foundation.

underpin the structure of

Focuses on providing support from beneath, crucial for stability.

be fundamental to

Indicates an essential and irreducible element.

be integral to

Highlights the necessary and intrinsic part of something.

play a central role in

Emphasizes the importance of the element's contribution to the overall function.

FAQs

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

You can use "form the cornerstone of" to describe something that is essential or fundamental to a system, idea, or structure. For example, "Basic education "forms the cornerstone of" a successful society."

What are some alternatives to "form the cornerstone of"?

Some alternatives to "form the cornerstone of" include "serve as the foundation for", "constitute the basis of", and "act as the bedrock of". These phrases all convey the idea of something being fundamental or essential.

Is it correct to say "forms the cornerstone to" instead of "form the cornerstone of"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "of". "Form the cornerstone to" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "form the cornerstone of".

What is the difference between "form the cornerstone of" and "be important to"?

"Form the cornerstone of" implies that something is absolutely essential and foundational, while "be important to" simply means that something is significant or valuable, but not necessarily fundamental. The former suggests a higher degree of necessity than the latter.