is a cornerstone of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a cornerstone of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is fundamental or essential to a particular concept, system, or structure. Example: "Education is a cornerstone of a successful society, as it lays the foundation for informed and engaged citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Za'atar is a cornerstone of Levantine cooking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Secrecy is a cornerstone of the regime.

The Guardian

The big, cold wedge is a cornerstone of American cuisine.

The New York Times - Food

Money management is a cornerstone of the camp.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is a cornerstone of a country's competitiveness.

The Economist

Our aviation industry is a cornerstone of the global economy.

The New York Times

But classical music is a cornerstone of our musical culture.

The Guardian - Music

Brewery sponsorship is a cornerstone of the sport.

The New York Times - Sports

Corporate democracy is a cornerstone of our capitalist system.

The New York Times

Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Pedagogy is a cornerstone of professionalism.

Philosophical Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a cornerstone of" to emphasize the fundamental and indispensable nature of something within a system, idea, or structure. For example, "Trust is a cornerstone of any successful relationship."

Common error

Avoid using "is a cornerstone of" too frequently in your writing. While effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "is fundamental to" or "is essential for" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a cornerstone of" functions as a predicative expression, identifying a fundamental or essential element of something. Ludwig examples show it linking abstract concepts or concrete entities to broader systems, highlighting their foundational role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a cornerstone of" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is fundamental or essential. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in news, scientific, and formal writing, emphasizing the foundational role of an element within a larger context. While powerful, avoid overuse and consider synonyms to maintain variety. This phrase suggests that without the element in question, the entire system would be unstable or incomplete.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a fundamental component of

Replaces "cornerstone" with "fundamental component", emphasizing the essential nature of something.

is an essential element of

Substitutes "cornerstone" with "essential element", highlighting the crucial role of something.

is a key ingredient of

Replaces "cornerstone" with "key ingredient", suggesting that something is a necessary part of a mixture or process.

is integral to

Uses the term "integral" to indicate that something is an essential part of the whole.

is the backbone of

Uses "backbone" as a metaphor for the main support or structure of something.

is central to

Highlights that something is at the center or heart of a concept or system.

is foundational for

Emphasizes that something provides a base or foundation for further development.

is indispensable to

Uses "indispensable" to convey that something is absolutely necessary.

is vital for

Indicates that something is crucial for the survival or success of something.

is crucial to

Synonymous with "vital", indicating critical importance.

FAQs

How can I use "is a cornerstone of" in a sentence?

The phrase "is a cornerstone of" is used to emphasize that something is a fundamental and essential part of something else. For example, you might say "Education "is a cornerstone of" a successful society."

What phrases can I use instead of "is a cornerstone of"?

Alternatives to "is a cornerstone of" include "is a fundamental component of", "is an essential element of", or "is integral to". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "is a cornerstone of" or "is fundamental to"?

Both "is a cornerstone of" and "is fundamental to" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Is a cornerstone of" uses a metaphor to emphasize importance, while "is fundamental to" is more direct. Choose the option that best fits the tone and style of your writing.

What makes something 'a cornerstone' rather than just 'important'?

Calling something 'a cornerstone' implies it's not just important, but absolutely essential and foundational. It suggests that without this element, the entire structure or concept would be unstable or incomplete. It "is a cornerstone of" a successful enterprise means it is a basic prerequisite.