intellectual backbone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intellectual backbone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the fundamental principles or core ideas that support a person's or group's intellectual framework or beliefs. Example: "The theory of evolution serves as the intellectual backbone of modern biology, providing a cohesive understanding of the diversity of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The Armenians were the intellectual backbone of the city.

The New York Times - Magazine

Bronislaw Geremek, Leszek Kolakowski and Jacek Kuron formed the intellectual backbone of the anti-Communist movement.

The New York Times

Groups like the Center for Economic Policy Research in Washington churn out studies that are the movement's intellectual backbone.

The New York Times

With no equivalent to Tony Blair's "Third Way", Mr Cameron's team is often said to lack intellectual backbone.

The Economist

Mr. O'Keefe said he considers the British writer G. K. Chesterton his "intellectual backbone" and called himself a "progressive radical," not a conservative, because he wants to change things, "not conserve them".

The New York Times

Originally a small group of conservative Catholics who provided the intellectual backbone of General Pinochet's regime, it has evolved and now competes on level terms with the more traditional right-wing party, National Renewal RNNational Renewal RN

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Yet the remark also seemed profoundly out of touch with the undercurrent of unease that was building most clearly among the professionals who provide the intellectual and administrative backbone of the British state and wider society.

The Guardian - Opinion

We view scientific research and intellectual debate as the backbone of this institution and firmly believe that discipline-based knowledge and thoughtful analysis are the foundation of good business practice and policy, as well as the basis for an effective MBA curriculum.

University of Chicago

In 1990, Robert Reich, Paul Starr and I founded a new progressive magazine, The American Prospect, to try to breathe some intellectual spirit and political backbone into American liberalism.

Huffington Post

He views Jackson's eight new amendments as "the political backbone and intellectual infrastructure for the expression of a new politics of race and class that strengthen the status of all suffering Americans".

Wikipedia

Everything from the Internet backbone to consumer devices employs technological design to regulate behavior purposefully by promoting values such as privacy, security, intellectual property protection, innovation, and freedom of expression.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "intellectual backbone", ensure that the context clearly establishes what specific body of knowledge, principles, or expertise is being referred to as the foundation.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual backbone" in very casual or informal writing; it is a relatively formal phrase and may sound pretentious in such settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "main idea" or "key concept" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual backbone" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies and characterizes the core, foundational set of ideas or principles supporting a concept or entity, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intellectual backbone" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe the core, foundational ideas or principles that support a concept, movement, or individual's thinking. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral to formal tone. When writing, ensure that the context clearly defines the specific body of knowledge being referenced. While "intellectual backbone" is a strong choice for formal analytical writing, simpler alternatives like "main idea" or "key concept" may be more appropriate in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "intellectual foundation" or "cognitive framework" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual foundation

Focuses on the fundamental basis of knowledge or thought, rather than the supporting structure.

intellectual bedrock

Emphasizes the solid, fundamental nature of the underlying knowledge.

cognitive framework

Highlights the mental structure that organizes and interprets information, emphasizing thought processes.

conceptual basis

Emphasizes the underlying concepts and ideas upon which something is built.

theoretical underpinning

Stresses the theoretical principles that justify or support a concept or system.

reasoning foundation

Highlights the importance of logical thought and justification.

philosophical groundwork

Highlights the philosophical basis or assumptions on which an idea or system rests.

ideological core

Focuses on the central beliefs and values that drive a political or social movement.

knowledge base

Refers to the accumulated knowledge and understanding that supports expertise or action.

scholarly base

Highlights the importance of academic and research-based knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "intellectual backbone" to describe the foundational principles or core ideas that support a belief system, theory, or movement. For example, "The theory of evolution serves as the "intellectual backbone" of modern biology."

What are some alternatives to "intellectual backbone"?

You can use alternatives like "intellectual foundation", "cognitive framework", or "conceptual basis" depending on the context.

Is "intellectual backbone" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "intellectual backbone" is more suited for formal writing and discussions. In everyday conversation, simpler terms like "main idea" or "key concept" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "intellectual backbone" from "ideological core"?

"Intellectual backbone" generally refers to the foundational knowledge or principles, whereas "ideological core" specifically points to the central beliefs and values driving a movement or political stance.