strong pillar

USAGE SUMMARY

"strong pillar" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that is sturdy and reliable, like a political doctrine or a person who provides support and guidance. For example, "He has been a strong pillar of support for our family through difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Every Older Person Matters joins Every Child Matters as a strong pillar of Labour's good society.

The Guardian - Opinion

China is the region's only strong pillar, but economists warn of headwinds there, too, notably a possible real estate bubble.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, he served as a strong pillar of support for Hilbert's program to formalize mathematics (see formalism).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"RTL Group will remain a successful core business for Bertelsmann, and a strong pillar of our portfolio," Rabe said.

The Guardian

A woman I know, a strong pillar of the parish and a friend of the family, told me she feels "spiritually and emotionally raped".

The New York Times

"They've really been a strong pillar in the community for many, many years," said Chanute city manager J.D. Lester.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

They are therefore strong pillars.

The New York Times

This time, we have very strong pillars," she says.

The Guardian

This is also bad news for the United States, which sees Turkey as one of the few stable, strong pillars of Western values in the region.

The New York Times

This week they agreed on a corporate-tax cut.Yet just as the Frauenkirche needs strong pillars to support its dome, a grand coalition needs disciplined parties to support the government.

The Economist

And this week they agreed on how to reform Germany's federal system, and on a corporate-tax cut.Yet just as the Frauenkirche needs strong pillars to hold up its dome, a grand coalition needs disciplined parties to support the government.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strong pillar" to describe entities that provide substantial support or are fundamental to a system or organization. For instance, a person who consistently offers help, or a policy that forms the basis of a strategy.

Common error

While "strong pillar" is a vivid image, avoid using it too frequently in a single text. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "reliable support" or "solid foundation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong pillar" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "strong" modifies the noun "pillar". It is often used metaphorically to describe something or someone that provides significant support, strength, or stability. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing examples where the phrase acts as a descriptive element within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strong pillar" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe something or someone that provides substantial support or forms a fundamental part of a system. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase functions primarily as a noun phrase, carrying a metaphorical weight that suggests reliability and importance. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and encyclopedia articles, indicating its versatility. While "strong pillar" is appropriate for formal writing, overuse should be avoided to maintain the impact of the metaphor. Alternatives such as "reliable support" or "solid foundation" can be employed to diversify language while conveying a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solid foundation

Emphasizes the base or groundwork aspect.

firm anchor

Conveys stability and security.

reliable support

Focuses on the dependability and aid provided.

major support

Emphasizes the magnitude of assistance provided.

essential element

Stresses the crucial and indispensable nature.

stable influence

Highlights the steady and reliable impact.

key component

Highlights the importance of being a necessary part.

vital mainstay

Underscores the role of sustained support and importance.

chief backbone

Indicates the primary source of strength and structure.

core principle

Highlights a foundational belief or doctrine.

FAQs

How can I use "strong pillar" in a sentence?

You can use "strong pillar" to describe something or someone that provides essential support or stability. For example, "Education is a "strong pillar" of society", or "She was a "strong pillar" for her family during the crisis".

What phrases are similar to "strong pillar"?

Alternatives to "strong pillar" include "reliable support", "solid foundation", or "key component" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "strong pillar" in formal writing?

Yes, "strong pillar" is suitable for formal writing, as it is a clear and professional metaphor. However, consider your audience and the overall tone to ensure it fits appropriately. In more technical or scientific writing, a more literal term might be preferred.

What's the difference between "strong pillar" and "cornerstone"?

While both terms suggest importance, "cornerstone" typically refers to something that is essential and foundational, upon which everything else is built. "Strong pillar" implies more active support and resilience, suggesting something that actively holds up a structure.