mainstay of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mainstay of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is a fundamental or essential part of a system, organization, or situation. Example: "The mainstay of our economy is the agricultural sector, which provides jobs and sustains local communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The mainstay of Roy Hodgson's defence.

BBC

The book became a mainstay of Basic Books.

The New York Times

This is the mainstay of Wegener's business.

The Guardian

Poland is the mainstay of euro-enthusiasm.

The Guardian

Agriculture is the mainstay of our economy.

The Guardian

It's a mainstay of my record collection.

The Guardian - Music

Then, cinemas were the mainstay of communities.

The Guardian - Film

Tourism is a mainstay of Madagascar's economy.

The New York Times

Suddenly they've become a mainstay of global big-screen excellence.

The Guardian - Film

Isn't adultery a mainstay of the bourgeois novel?

The New York Times - Books

Bebop has been the mainstay of Ms. Jordan's long career.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mainstay of", ensure that the noun following "of" is a general category or concept rather than a specific item. For example, "Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy", not "This farm is the mainstay of the economy".

Common error

Avoid using "mainstay of" to describe specific, individual items or people. The phrase is best used for general concepts, industries, or practices that are fundamentally important to a larger system. Saying "John is the mainstay of the team" is less appropriate than "Teamwork is the mainstay of the team".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mainstay of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun to indicate that the noun is a fundamental and essential element. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically sound and widely recognized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

30%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mainstay of" is a grammatically correct and widely used prepositional phrase that serves to emphasize the fundamental and essential nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is considered proper. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. Alternative phrases such as "cornerstone of" or "backbone of" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, ensure it refers to a general category or concept rather than a specific instance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cornerstone of

Implies a foundational element, suggesting something upon which everything else is built.

backbone of

Suggests a supporting structure that provides strength and stability.

linchpin of

Highlights the crucial element that holds everything together.

bedrock of

Similar to cornerstone, but with an emphasis on the solidity and unshakeable nature of the foundation.

centerpiece of

Focuses on the central and most important feature.

heart of

Emphasizes the vital core or essence of something.

staple of

Indicates something that is regularly used or consumed and is a basic part of something.

pillar of

Suggests a strong and supportive element that upholds a structure or system.

anchor of

Implies a reliable and secure base that provides stability.

foundation of

A basic principle, idea, or fact that supports something.

FAQs

How can I use "mainstay of" in a sentence?

Use "mainstay of" to describe something that is a fundamental or essential part of something else. For example, "Agriculture is the "mainstay of" the economy".

What are some alternatives to "mainstay of"?

You can use alternatives like "cornerstone of", "backbone of", or "linchpin of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "mainstay to" instead of "mainstay of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "mainstay" is "of". "Mainstay to" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "mainstay of" and "foundation of"?

"Mainstay of" emphasizes essential ongoing support, while "foundation of" emphasizes the base upon which something is built. They can often be used interchangeably but the specific nuance depends on the context.