fulcrum

USAGE SUMMARY

"fulcrum" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that serves as a point of support and a point around which something can pivot. For example, "The fulcrum of his argument was the rising cost of healthcare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the former top adviser to Barack Obama suddenly facing a runoff for re-election, remained at the political fulcrum of a mounting campaign both on social media and the streets of Chicago, where demonstrations were planned for Saturday outside what coordinated campaigners described as mirroring a CIA "black site".

The Guardian

Powered by the Pep-Man, Bayern gobbled up points for fun and the opposition mostly gave up the ghost well before the first 200 balls had been passed by the new midfield fulcrum, Philipp Lahm.

The Guardian - Sport

In such a world the central bank would no longer have the fulcrum it currently uses to change interest rates.Why might the demand for base money evaporate?

The Economist

But to keep the strike legal, the unions must insist that it is about nothing more than pay and benefits.In this section Battle of the sexes Turning the tide The fulcrum Bad, repeat good The story so far Brooklyn blues Zero sum games Deeds, not words ReprintsThe timing could hardly be worse, politically speaking.

The Economist

"When work becomes the fulcrum around which lives are organised, family, home, leisure, and all else are subordinated".

The Economist

In 1994 he was elected mayor of Istanbul, Turkey's grandest city, on the fulcrum between Europe and Asia.Even his fiercest critics acknowledge that he did the job well.

The Economist

Abortion is the fulcrum between population stabilization and world population growing to the point of a Malthusian ending.John R. Bermingham Denver, ColoradoIn your latest article on abortion, you conclude by stating: "If [Roe v. Wade] is quashed, abortion could be criminalised in about 30 states.

The Economist

BANBURY, a little English town best known for a walk-on part in a nursery rhyme and as the eponymous origin of a fruitcake, is an unlikely fulcrum for the balance of power in the world of telecoms.

The Economist

In the whole post-war period, employment has never been so far below its pre-recession peak this long after the end of a recession.In this section Battle of the sexes Turning the tide The fulcrum Bad, repeat good The story so far Brooklyn blues Zero sum games Deeds, not words ReprintsBut the closeness of the race, according to the polls, suggests a more complicated picture.

The Economist

The rest of the world may get a little closer to Silicon Valley; but the chances are that high technology, no less than entertainment, will continue to need a fulcrum.

The Economist

Both look backward and forward from the bloody fulcrum of 1945 to see how wartime experiences shaped the cold-war world.Mr Roberts provides the more colourful account.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts, use "fulcrum" to denote the central point around which ideas or arguments pivot for clarity and impact. For example, "The fulcrum of the debate was economic policy."

Common error

Avoid using "fulcrum" solely in literal, mechanical contexts. While accurate, it's more potent when used metaphorically to describe pivotal points in discussions, strategies, or relationships.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fulcrum" is as a noun, either common or proper. It denotes a central point that supports leverage or balance, as Ludwig examples show. It can also function as a metaphor for a pivotal element in abstract contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fulcrum" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a pivotal point or support. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in written English. It is commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, reflecting a neutral to formal register. While it has a technical origin, its metaphorical applications are widespread. As Ludwig examples demonstrate, it serves to emphasize the central or critical nature of an element, whether in mechanical or abstract contexts. Understanding its scope and metaphorical potential allows for precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pivot point

Focuses on the idea of a point around which something turns, similar to the function of a "fulcrum".

center of gravity

Highlights the balancing aspect, where force is equally distributed around a central point, akin to a "fulcrum".

critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance of a moment or point in time that determines future outcomes, aligning with the "fulcrum" as a point of influence.

key element

Indicates a necessary or essential part, akin to how a "fulcrum" is essential for leverage.

central component

Highlights the role of being a core and necessary piece, like a "fulcrum" in a system.

cornerstone

Similar to the base, signifies something on which everything else depends, much like a "fulcrum".

foundation

Stresses the supporting aspect of something that underlies and sustains, similar to a "fulcrum".

linchpin

Focuses on the element that holds separate parts together, mirroring the unifying role of a "fulcrum".

keystone

Implies the element is essential for stability and completion of a structure, aligning with the functional role of a "fulcrum".

balance point

Underscores the point where equilibrium is achieved, which is what a "fulcrum" facilitates.

FAQs

How can I use "fulcrum" in a sentence?

You can use "fulcrum" to describe a central point or support on which something balances or pivots. For example, "The budget negotiations became the "fulcrum" of the political debate."

What can I say instead of "fulcrum"?

You can use alternatives like "pivot point", "center of gravity", or "keystone" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "fulcrum" in a formal context?

Yes, "fulcrum" is suitable for formal contexts, especially when discussing strategic planning, negotiations, or critical decision-making processes. It conveys precision and importance.

What's the difference between "fulcrum" and "basis"?

"Fulcrum" implies a point of balance or leverage, while "basis" refers to the foundation or starting point. A "fulcrum" is where force is applied, whereas a "basis" is what supports an argument or idea.