stone upon which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stone upon which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to refer to a foundational element or principle upon which something is built or established. Example: "Trust is the stone upon which our relationship is built."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

After 1945 the SNP helped to circulate petitions demanding a Scottish Parliament, but until the 1960s the movement for Scottish independence achieved little success and was sustained only by symbolic and insubstantial victories, such as the theft of the Stone of Scone the ancient stone upon which Scottish kings were crowned from Westminster Abbey in 1950.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The town is ringed by ancient walls; the bottom courses of these ramparts were built by the Hernici using cyclopean blocks of stone, upon which the Romans and then the medieval Italians built a complex superstructure of ramparts pierced by four town gates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For so long, Trott has been the epitome of reliability for England - the foundation stone upon which many of their best batting displays were built.

BBC

At the base of the monument is a stone brought from the vicinity of the Old North Bridge in Concord which is, according to an inscription, the stone upon which Davis's head fell when he was killed.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Greatly loved by the congregation in Exeter, he shone during his time as Acting Dean not only as a teacher and preacher but also as a leader, widening the vision of the Cathedral Council and College of Canons and thus laying the foundation stones upon which the present Dean has built.

Independent

To leave your mark does not mean you have to, metaphorically, erect huge stones upon which you can inscribe your name, knowing it will stand for thousands of years.

Huffington Post

Unknowingly, Indiana starts the machine with the stones, upon which Kerner, Ubermann, and the Nazi troops invade the place and announce their intention to use the machine to become gods.

Wikipedia

The real city, built of wood and mud and dung and brick as well as stone, huddled beneath the walls of the mighty red-stone plinth upon which the royal residences stood.

The New Yorker

It may have meant "stone upon stone," which describes the rocky slope that the prison is built upon..

The New Yorker

It may have meant "stone upon stone," which describes the rocky slope that the prison is built upon.

The New Yorker

It was dismantled stone by stone, which, along with the windows, were labelled and stored.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stone upon which", ensure the context clearly establishes the metaphorical or literal foundation being described. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the solidity or historical significance of that foundation.

Common error

Avoid using "stone upon which" in overly simple sentences where more straightforward vocabulary would suffice. Overusing figurative language can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stone upon which" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a foundation or basis. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it is frequently used to describe something essential on which other things are built, both literally and metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stone upon which" is a prepositional phrase used to denote a foundational element, often carrying connotations of strength and historical significance. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable in English. It's most commonly found in news, encyclopedic, and wiki contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure it clearly emphasizes the solidity or historical weight of the foundation. Alternative phrases such as "foundation upon which" or "cornerstone of" can be used to similar effect. Avoid overuse in simplistic contexts to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation upon which

Direct synonym, emphasizing the structural or conceptual base.

basis upon which

Focuses on the logical or rational groundwork.

groundwork for

Highlights preliminary work that supports future development.

base on which

Emphasizes a physical or conceptual foundation.

platform for

Suggests a raised level or opportunity for advancement.

starting point for

Indicates the origin or beginning of something.

cornerstone of

Highlights an essential and fundamental element.

underlying principle of

Stresses the core idea or rule that governs something.

point of departure for

Implies a beginning from which further actions or ideas evolve.

precondition for

Specifies a necessary requirement for something to occur.

FAQs

How can I use "stone upon which" in a sentence?

The phrase "stone upon which" typically indicates a foundation or base. For example, "Tradition is the stone upon which their culture is built".

What are some alternatives to using "stone upon which"?

You can use alternatives like "foundation upon which", "basis upon which", or "cornerstone of" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "stone upon which" and "foundation upon which"?

While similar, "stone upon which" might imply a more historical or physical basis, whereas "foundation upon which" can be more abstract, referring to any fundamental principle.

What is the connotation of "stone upon which"?

The phrase "stone upon which" often carries a connotation of permanence, strength, and historical significance due to the association of stone with enduring structures and traditions.