in the cornerstone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the cornerstone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to indicate something that is fundamental or essential to a particular concept or structure. Example: "Trust is in the cornerstone of any successful relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The cigars had been put in the cornerstone in 1853.

The New Yorker

In the cornerstone, "Dedicated to Yesterday's Charm and Tomorrow's Convenience", is a "New Yorker Album".

The New Yorker

It is difficult to recover from an attack on your character that appears in the cornerstone text of Western philosophy.

The New Yorker

The cavity in the cornerstone was left unsealed temporarily to accommodate offerings from ordinary citizens, but it is unclear whether they constituted financial contributions or sentimental relics.

The New York Times

"It's heavy in the cornerstone classics of music," says the Jam's curator, Sean Hanratty, of the list, which includes Leonard Cohen and the Clash.

The New York Times

Press accounts from 1858 agreed that his name was included in the papers placed in the cornerstone, which is no longer visible at the southeast corner of the building.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Several places offer jazz once or twice a week, among them the Priory and Renaissance Caf in Newark, Crossroads in Garwood, the Cornerstone in Metuchen and Luna Rossa Restaurant in Clifton.

The New York Times

Construction was begun in 1837, the cornerstone was laid in 1840, and work was finished in 1860.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This observation prompted to investigate new drugs which may be useful in reducing the fatty content in the liver, the cornerstone in the treatment of NAFLD [ 10].

BMC Gastroenterology

For the Americans, NATO is still, as Mr Bush put it in Brussels, "the cornerstone" of the transatlantic relationship.

The Economist

He's an elder in Whitney's congregation, the Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church in Pasadena, Maryland.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the cornerstone" to emphasize that a concept or element is not just important, but foundational and enduring, especially in contexts relating to established systems or beliefs.

Common error

Avoid using "in the cornerstone" too frequently in your writing. While effective, overuse can dilute its impact. Opt for more direct language or synonyms to avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the cornerstone" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify a verb or clause. It signifies a fundamental or essential element upon which something is built or based, as Ludwig AI indicates. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the cornerstone" serves as a prepositional phrase used to highlight foundational or essential aspects of an idea, project, or belief. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news, science, and wiki contexts, lending emphasis to critical elements. While versatile, strategic usage is key to avoiding overuse. As highlighted by Ludwig, alternatives like "at the foundation" offer similar emphasis, yet with subtle differences in nuance. Remembering these guidelines allows for effective and varied communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the foundation

Emphasizes the base or starting point, implying a strong support or underlying principle. It shifts the imagery from a specific architectural element to a general concept of groundwork.

as a fundamental element

Highlights the essential nature of something, focusing on its role as a basic component or principle. It's more abstract than the original phrase.

at the heart of

Suggests the central or most important aspect of something, often implying emotional or core value.

integral to

Highlights the necessity of something, indicating that it's an indispensable part of the whole.

essential to

Emphasizes the critical importance of something, suggesting it's vital and necessary for existence or success.

critical to

Stresses the crucial role of something, often implying that its absence would lead to failure or significant problems.

key to

Implies that something is a decisive factor or a means of achieving a particular outcome or goal.

underlying principle

Focuses on the basic rule, law, or idea on which something is based, emphasizing a more abstract and theoretical foundation.

the basis of

Indicates the foundation or support for something, highlighting its role as the groundwork upon which something else is built.

the linchpin of

Highlights the element that holds everything together, emphasizing its crucial role in maintaining stability and coherence.

FAQs

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

You can use "in the cornerstone" to describe something that is fundamental or essential. For example, "Trust is in the cornerstone of any successful relationship."

What phrases are similar to "in the cornerstone"?

Alternatives include "at the foundation", "as a fundamental element", or "at the heart of".

Is "in the cornerstone" formal or informal?

The phrase "in the cornerstone" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it tends to be more common in formal writing due to its slightly metaphorical nature. It's versatile enough for various types of communication.

When should I use "in the cornerstone" instead of a simpler phrase?

Use "in the cornerstone" when you want to emphasize the enduring and foundational nature of something. It's particularly effective when discussing principles, beliefs, or elements that have been established for a long time.