the bedrock of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the bedrock of" is commonly used and considered correct in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is fundamental, essential, or of utmost importance. Example: "Honesty is the bedrock of any strong relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lee was the bedrock of our family.

The New York Times

the bedrock of spiritual values.

The New Yorker

"It's the bedrock of Benazir's entire support.

The New Yorker

That's the bedrock of what we do".

The New York Times

The convention is the bedrock of that".

The Guardian

"Finance is the bedrock of this agreement.

The Guardian

Marriage is indeed the bedrock of civilization.

The New York Times - Magazine

Good research forms the bedrock of policymaking.

The Guardian

"That is the bedrock of their profitability".

The New York Times - Tech

Hope is the bedrock of this nation.

The New York Times

Honesty is the bedrock of good relationships.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the bedrock of", ensure that the noun following 'of' accurately reflects the core element you are describing. Vague or general nouns can dilute the phrase's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "the bedrock of" with overly abstract or intangible concepts that lack a clear foundation. This can weaken the phrase's impact and make your writing sound less precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the bedrock of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or adjectival modifier. It identifies or describes a fundamental element or basis of something. Ludwig confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the bedrock of" is a powerful phrase used to emphasize the fundamental and essential nature of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical function allows it to act as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or adjectival modifier. It appears most frequently in news and media, formal business, and academic contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure that the noun it modifies truly represents a core element and to avoid overuse with abstract concepts. By following these guidelines, you can effectively leverage "the bedrock of" to strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the foundation of

Emphasizes the base or support system on which something is built.

the basis of

Focuses on the underlying principles or facts that support something.

the cornerstone of

Highlights the critical and indispensable nature of something.

the heart of

Indicates the central or most important aspect of something.

the core of

Similar to 'the heart of', but emphasizes the essential and innermost part.

the underpinning of

Stresses the supporting structure or framework.

the groundwork for

Focuses on the preparatory or initial stages that make something possible.

the root of

Highlights the origin or cause from which something originates.

the linchpin of

Emphasizes the element that holds everything together.

the key to

Highlights the element that unlocks success or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "the bedrock of" in a sentence?

Use "the bedrock of" to highlight the fundamental and essential element of something. For example, "Trust is "the bedrock of" any successful collaboration".

What are some alternatives to "the bedrock of"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "the bedrock of" in formal writing?

Yes, "the bedrock of" is suitable for formal writing. As seen in the examples, it appears in reputable news outlets, academic papers and business contexts.

What's the difference between "the bedrock of" and "the cornerstone of"?

While both phrases emphasize importance, ""the bedrock of"" implies a deeper, more fundamental level of support, whereas "the cornerstone of" suggests a critical but perhaps more visible or prominent importance.