substantial pillar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial pillar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that serves as a significant support or foundation for an idea, argument, or structure. Example: "The substantial pillar of our strategy is based on thorough market research and customer feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

His company pointed out that it had invested over $15 billion in South Africa since 1999.Mining is one very substantial pillar of South Africa's economy, but Mr Mbeki's government has had a sour relationship with mining firms for several years, as land rights were expropriated and as royalty payments are slowly introduced.

The Economist

When his historic 27 year run as a late night host comes to an end with his final episode of the Late Show tonight, the many musicians who played his stage will remain a substantial pillar of Letterman's legacy.

Vice

Do you ever find yourself in those life-moments when you reminisce to the first time you saw or heard an artist who now occupies a substantial pillar of your musical mainframe?

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Although Mr. Trump now distances himself from his casino business, for most of his life in the public eye, casinos were a significant pillar of his wealth, with a substantial inheritance from his wealthy father and his real estate holdings making up the rest.

The New York Times

They are therefore strong pillars.

The New York Times

Lutyen's initial design consisted of a large ceremonial pillar with a substantial archway on either side, each archway supporting a soldier lying on a sarcophagus.

Wikipedia

My third point is this: we all wish to see substantial sections of the third pillar brought under the Community umbrella.

EU Parlament

The smallish rear glass and thick rear roof pillars do make for substantial blind spots.

The New York Times

Typically, its walls, pillars and window frames are more substantial than those of a conventional conservatory.

The Guardian - Money

In the 1970s, studies in many settings found that community-based provision of family planning was acceptable to a substantial proportion of couples, making expanding contraceptive access a major pillar of family planning programming.

Global health, science and practice

He noted that Fox has two pillars: postseason baseball in the fall (which provided a substantial lift this season) and "Idol" in the winter and spring.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial pillar", ensure that the noun being modified truly serves as a significant and indispensable support or foundation. It's best used when emphasizing the importance and reliability of that support.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial pillar" to describe elements that are only moderately important or supportive. Reserve it for situations where the support is undeniably crucial and significant to prevent weakening the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial pillar" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "pillar". According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe something that acts as a significant and reliable support. The examples provided demonstrate its use in various contexts to emphasize the importance of the noun it modifies.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantial pillar" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English used to describe something that acts as a significant support or foundation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively emphasizes the importance and reliability of the element being described. While relatively rare in frequency, it appears in diverse contexts like news, science, and general knowledge. The phrase is best reserved for elements that are undeniably crucial to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "significant foundation" or "major cornerstone" may be considered based on specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant foundation

Emphasizes the foundational aspect more strongly.

major cornerstone

Highlights the importance of being a key element.

critical support

Focuses on the supportive role.

essential element

Indicates that something is indispensable.

vital component

Highlights the importance of a part within a larger system.

key underpinning

Stresses the supporting structure.

fundamental aspect

Highlights the basic and crucial nature.

chief mainstay

Focuses on the reliable and principal support.

primary basis

Emphasizes the underlying foundation.

core principle

Highlights the fundamental belief or idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial pillar" to describe something that serves as a significant support or foundation. For example, "Mining is one very "substantial pillar" of South Africa's economy." or "The musicians will remain a "substantial pillar" of Letterman's legacy".

What are some alternatives to "substantial pillar"?

Alternatives include "significant foundation", "major cornerstone", or "critical support" depending on the context.

Is "substantial pillar" formal or informal?

"Substantial pillar" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. The formality often depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What does it mean when something is described as a "substantial pillar"?

Describing something as a "substantial pillar" means it is a significant and reliable source of support, strength, or stability. It implies that without this "substantial pillar", the structure or idea would be significantly weakened or unable to stand.