linchpin

USAGE SUMMARY

'linchpin' is a real word in English with the meaning of "a person or thing that is essential to the success of something." You can use it in almost any context where you're talking about something that is essential or necessary for success.
For example: "The new project manager was the linchpin of the whole operation; once she was gone, the rest of the team fell apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet cutting public spending to avoid that contraction has become a linchpin of both George Osborne's and the IMF's policies.

The Guardian

The speech, like the campaign of which it is a linchpin, was positively Manichean: competence versus chaos, wise saving versus "deeply irresponsible" expenditure, Tory security versus Labour disaster.

The Guardian - Opinion

Often, handwriting evidence is not even admitted and is rarely, if ever, the linchpin on which a case rests.

The Guardian

One focus will be on building research skills, the linchpin of every good biography.

The Guardian

These unsung workers are the linchpin of our entire world economy.

The Economist

"My phone was taken away, the hospital phone was removed from my room and even the scissors I used for art were taken".This is what the court has decided to allow to continue, and it was Cassandra's broken promise to seek treatment after being allowed to return home that was the linchpin of the state's case for her immaturity.

The Economist

The Nazis did catch her (thinking she was a small cog, not the linchpin of the rescue scheme) but did not find the files, secreted in a friend's armpit.

The Economist

Most worrying for the president, three months into his tenure, he does not have a grip on the oil ministry, the linchpin of the system he detests.Here, Mr Rafsanjani, a grandee who retains much influence over the ministry, has been helped by parliament, which also gets on badly with the new president.

The Economist

This camp fears that the next king might conspire with Mr Thaksin to launch a radical overhaul of the monarchy.Mr Prem's likely successor as a linchpin of Thai politics, Prawit Wongsuwan, is a mentor to Mr Prayuth who is now serving as defence minister.

The Economist

This is chiefly thanks to its central-bank governor, Mugur Isarescu, who is the country's most-respected public figure and was a linchpin of a $27 billion IMF-led bail-out in 2009.

The Economist

Russia sees the union as a linchpin of its "zone of privileged interest", its economic alternative to the European Union.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "linchpin" when you want to emphasize the essential nature of someone or something to the overall success or stability of a system or organization. It adds a sense of critical importance to the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "linchpin" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact. Opt for more common synonyms like "key factor" or "essential element" to maintain variety and readability.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "linchpin" is as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting something or someone that is crucial or indispensable. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, confirming its role as a central element.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "linchpin" is a noun that signifies something crucial or indispensable. It is frequently used in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts to emphasize the critical importance of a particular element within a larger system. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically sound and widely understood. While synonyms like "cornerstone" and "keystone" exist, "linchpin" carries a slightly more active connotation of holding things together. Remember to avoid overusing the word to maintain its impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cornerstone

Emphasizes the foundational and indispensable aspect.

keystone

Highlights the central role in holding everything together.

essential element

Focuses on the necessity of the component.

critical component

Stresses the importance and impact on the overall system.

vital part

Indicates the life-sustaining role.

key factor

Points out the significant influence on the outcome.

mainstay

Suggests a reliable and constant source of support.

anchor

Implies stability and security provided.

backbone

Represents strength and structural support.

crucial element

Highlights the critical and decisive nature.

FAQs

How can I use "linchpin" in a sentence?

You can use "linchpin" to describe a person or thing that is essential to the success of something. For example, "The CEO was the "linchpin" of the company's success."

What are some alternatives to the word "linchpin"?

Some alternatives to "linchpin" include "cornerstone", "keystone", and "mainstay". Choose the word that best fits the context of your writing.

Is "linchpin" a formal word?

"Linchpin" is a fairly formal word, suitable for professional or academic writing. In more informal contexts, you might prefer a simpler synonym like "key" or "essential".

What is the difference between "linchpin" and "keystone"?

While both words refer to essential elements, "linchpin" often implies a more active role in holding things together, whereas "keystone" typically refers to the element that supports an entire structure. Both "linchpin" and "keystone" are vital, but their functions differ slightly.