Foundational text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Foundational text" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary or essential piece of writing that serves as a basis for a particular field, discipline, or belief system. Example: "The Constitution is often considered a foundational text of American democracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, almost three decades later, that song is a foundational text, a standard, and an afterthought.

The New York Times - Arts

The foundational text of Protestantism was a listicle nailed to a church door: Martin Luther's "95 Theses" posted at Wittenberg.

The Guardian - Books

The most cited usage is in "The Wealth of Nations," the foundational text of modern economics, first published in 1776.

The New York Times

The yoga sutras, written in Sanskrit before the time of Christ, are considered the practice's foundational text.

The New York Times

The publication became foundational text for developmental psychology classes across the United States.

University of California, Berkeley

Investigating the concepts and material realities of energy coursing through the arts: a foundational text.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Bowling Alone" (2000), the American Robert Putnam's lament for the sports leagues and quilting circles of yore, could be the movement's foundational text.

The New Yorker

Bernheimer's title recalls an episode from the Zohar, a foundational text of Jewish mysticism, in which Eve, still in Paradise, is charged with minding the son of Samael.

The New Yorker

Published in 1847, it is deeply embedded in the tradition of Serbian epic poetry and is a foundational text of Serbian cultural nationalism.

The New York Times

The foundational text of Chinese historiography is the Shiji ("Historical Records"), which was compiled by Sima Qian (c. 145 c. 86 bce).

Encyclopedia Britannica

He received a $2.4 million advance for the book, which went on to be a best seller and became a foundational text for Reagan critics.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a document that establishes the principles or serves as the groundwork for a particular field, idea, or system, use the phrase "foundational text" to underscore its importance.

Common error

While "foundational text" is appropriate for academic or formal writing, avoid using it in casual conversations or informal contexts. Simpler terms like "key source" or "basic reading" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundational text" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object, identifying a specific written work that is essential or foundational to a particular field or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foundational text" is a grammatically correct and widely used term to describe a primary or essential piece of writing that serves as a basis for a particular field, discipline, or belief system. According to Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for formal and academic contexts and commonly appears in news, academic, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like "fundamental text" or "core text" exist, "foundational text" specifically highlights the text's role in establishing a foundation. It is essential to use this phrase thoughtfully, avoiding overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives may suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fundamental text

Replaces "foundational" with "fundamental", emphasizing the basic and essential nature of the text.

Core text

Uses "core" to highlight the text's central and indispensable role.

Basic text

Emphasizes the elementary and underlying character of the text.

Cornerstone text

Draws an analogy to a cornerstone, indicating the text's crucial supportive function.

Pivotal text

Highlights the text's importance as a turning point or central element.

Seminal text

Indicates the text's influence as a creative origin for future developments.

Originating text

Focuses on the text as the source from which something else arises.

Groundwork text

Emphasizes the text's role in establishing a base or foundation.

Establishing text

Highlights the text's role in setting up or creating something new.

Inaugural text

Indicates the text's role as the first or earliest of its kind.

FAQs

How can I use "Foundational text" in a sentence?

You can use "foundational text" to describe a writing that serves as an essential basis for a field, discipline, or belief system. For example: "The Wealth of Nations is considered a foundational text of modern economics."

What are some alternatives to "Foundational text"?

Consider using alternatives such as "fundamental text", "core text", or "seminal text" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "Foundational text" formal or informal?

"Foundational text" leans towards the formal side. It's commonly found in academic, professional, and journalistic writing, rather than casual conversation.

What makes a text a "Foundational text"?

A text is considered a "foundational text" when it introduces core concepts, shapes subsequent thinking, and serves as a key reference point within a particular field or area of study.