lynchpin

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "lynchpin" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to a person or thing that serves as the key factor in an enterprise or situation. For example, "John was the lynchpin of the team as he was the only one with experience in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Christie's venue, local comedy lynchpin The Stand, had three shows that fit the bill.

The Guardian

The prosaicism of the gesture is the symbolic lynchpin of the whole erotic enterprise; it both the thing that grosses out some readers, and the thing that enchants many more.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nine months ago, however, the 60-year-old was accused of being the lynchpin in a nefarious Chinese plot to steal America's nuclear secrets, and has been holed up in solitary confinement ever since.

The Economist

Police have been hunting for the man they consider the lynchpin of JI, known as Hambali, for several years now.The Semarang raid, in which four suspects were arrested, proves that the police are capable of hunting down JI cells.

The Economist

For two years, President Enrique Peña Nieto's government has argued that the tests are the lynchpin of the constitutional reform, because they will eventually weed out bad teachers from Mexico's woefully underperforming schools.

The Economist

"The best thing that can happen is for Syria to stabilise under someone you can hold accountable".But a growing caucus now says that as the lynchpin of the axis which links Iran with Hizbullah, the Lebanese Shias' party-cum-militia, the threat posed by the current regime in Syria surpasses that of the jihadists.

The Economist

Sotheby's clearly hopes that Severini's importance as the lynchpin of Futurism will give him the same appeal.

The Economist

The lynchpin of his campaign has been a faith, almost messianic, in his personal excellence.

The Economist

It is the defence that has kept Villa out of more serious trouble, conceding fewer goals than all teams outside the Champions League places, but lynchpin Ron Vlaar is injured, too.

Independent

The lynchpin number four has "jarred" his back and had to sit out this morning's practice at Seddon Park, where England will take on New Zealand in the second of three Twenty20s tomorrow.

Independent

"Ian is the lynchpin in the dream team we are determined to secure," said Ahmed Hussein of the ADTA.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lynchpin" when you want to emphasize the central and indispensable role of something or someone within a system or organization. It conveys a sense of critical importance and stability.

Common error

Avoid using "lynchpin" for something that is merely important but not fundamentally essential. A supporting element, while valuable, is not necessarily the "lynchpin" if the system can function without it.

Linguistic Context

The term "lynchpin" functions primarily as a noun, identifying a person or thing crucial for holding elements together or maintaining stability within a system. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "lynchpin" is a noun that signifies a crucial element within a system, essential for maintaining stability and functionality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. With 60 real-world examples analyzed, the term appears most often in news and media contexts, indicating its relevance in describing key figures, strategies, or components in various scenarios. While "lynchpin" is often interchangeable with terms like "key component" or "essential element", its specific nuance highlights its role in holding things together. To ensure proper usage, remember that a true "lynchpin" is not merely important, but fundamentally indispensable to the system's operation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key component

Emphasizes the role as a necessary part of a larger system.

essential element

Highlights the indispensability of the element.

critical factor

Focuses on the importance in determining an outcome.

cornerstone

Implies a foundational and crucial element.

backbone

Suggests strength and support.

mainstay

Highlights reliability and long-term support.

indispensable asset

Focuses on the value and necessity of the person or thing.

central figure

Specifically refers to a person who is the focus of importance.

vital resource

Highlights the importance as a necessary supply or support.

pivotal point

Emphasizes the turning point or crucial aspect.

FAQs

How to use "lynchpin" in a sentence?

You can use "lynchpin" to describe something essential, as in "The quarterback is the "lynchpin" of the team's offense".

What can I say instead of "lynchpin"?

You can use alternatives like "key component", "essential element", or "critical factor" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lynchpin" or "linchpin"?

"Lynchpin" is the correct and more widely accepted spelling. "Linchpin" is also used, but less frequently.

What's the difference between "lynchpin" and "cornerstone"?

"Lynchpin" refers to something that holds different parts together, while "cornerstone" signifies the foundation upon which something is built. Though similar, a "cornerstone" is more about initial construction, and a "lynchpin" maintains ongoing stability.