keystone

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "keystone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to something which is very important or foundational; for example, "The keystone of the company's success was its commitment to customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He touched on his past opposition to free-trade agreements, his support for heavier regulation of Wall Street and the nation's banking industry, and his vote against the Keystone XL oil pipeline as a preview of his campaign.

The Guardian

He also made several "day one" promises, such as securing the border to curb illegal immigration, rescinding a nuclear agreement with Iran and authorizing the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline – the long-in-development crude oil project that has been maligned by environmental activists.

The Guardian

Over the past two years in the US, concerned citizens have been galvanised to march, rally, campaign and get arrested to block the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline – a project to pump a reported 830,000 tonnes of one of the world's dirtiest fossil fuels from Canada to Texas.

The Guardian

Yet if this level of emissions seems irresponsibly high – which it surely is in a carbon-constrained world trying to avert the risk of dangerous climate change – then how should we categorise 3.7bn tonnes of CO2-e, a figure more than triple that from the Keystone XL proposal?

The Guardian

"On climate change, I have helped lead the effort against the Keystone pipeline.

The Guardian

Keystone XL Pipeline – We support the immediate approval and construction of the Keystone XL and other pipelines that will reduce our reliance on imported oil and natural gas from unstable or unfriendly countries.

The Guardian

From humble beginnings in rickety wooden huts, GCHQ has become the keystone of Britain's spy agencies, and its "doughnut" headquarters in Cheltenham is probably the most remarkable building ever constructed in the UK.

The Guardian

The Danes are keystone cops, tripping over each other as they quit the city, while the duke – a confirmed teetotaller – looks suspiciously excited and flushed.

The Guardian - Arts

The hugely contentious Keystone XL pipeline, which is awaiting approval from the Obama administration, would transport tar sands oil from Canada to the Texas Gulf coast.

The Guardian

Finally, with Trophy Season beckoning, the Timbers Army has already selected its Supporters Player of the Year, midfield keystone Will Johnson.

The Guardian - Sport

For example, they would surely ask him to approve the long-delayed Keystone XL pipeline to carry oil from Canada's tar sands to American refineries.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keystone" to highlight the indispensable nature of something, ensuring your writing conveys its crucial role. When used figuratively, it adds a sense of architectural stability and strength to the concept.

Common error

Avoid using "keystone" when a simpler word like "important" or "essential" would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily formal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "keystone" is as a noun. It identifies a crucial element upon which other things depend. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes something foundational. Examples show its application in both literal (architecture) and figurative senses (business, politics).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keystone" functions primarily as a noun denoting something critically important, often the foundation or central element upon which other things depend. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings, with a slightly formal register. While alternatives such as "cornerstone" or "essential element" exist, "keystone" adds a specific architectural connotation of stability and support. The key is to use it judiciously, ensuring that its significance is not diluted by overuse. The frequent usage of "keystone" in reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist underscores its established role in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cornerstone

Changes the image to a building foundation rather than the top stone of an arch, yet maintains the idea of importance.

lynchpin

Synonym that indicates something holds everything together.

essential element

Replaces the architectural metaphor with a more direct description of necessity.

central component

Focuses on the part something plays within a larger system.

fundamental aspect

Highlights the basic and crucial nature of something.

key ingredient

Emphasizes the contribution to a mixture or result.

critical factor

Highlights the importance for a specific outcome or decision.

core principle

Focuses on a guiding belief or standard.

basic tenet

Similar to core principle, but often used in philosophical or theoretical contexts.

vital part

Emphasizes the living and necessary nature of the element

FAQs

How to use "keystone" in a sentence?

You can use "keystone" to describe something that is essential and supports other things. For example, "Customer service is the "keystone" of our business strategy."

What can I say instead of "keystone"?

You can use alternatives like "cornerstone", "essential element", or "central component" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "keystone" or "corner stone"?

"Keystone" refers to the top stone in an arch or a foundational element, while "corner stone" specifically refers to a stone at the corner of a building. Use the former for figurative senses of something being essential.

What's the difference between "keystone" and "linchpin"?

"Keystone" implies foundational support and stability, while "linchpin" suggests something that holds parts together, preventing collapse. They are similar but have slightly different connotations.