Without foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Without foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks a basis, justification, or support, often in arguments or claims. Example: "The accusations made against him were without foundation, as there was no evidence to support them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Goldman says only that any allegations of oil price manipulation are "without foundation".

Forbes

Fantino's lawyer said the allegations are "without foundation".

Vice

They were without foundation.

The New Yorker

This allegation is without foundation".

Independent

They are without foundation".

The Guardian

This fear is not without foundation.

The Economist

They are completely and utterly without foundation.

Independent

Such worries are not entirely without foundation.

The Economist

This charge wasn't entirely without foundation.

The New Yorker

Richardson's reservations were not without foundation.

The New York Times

They are false and totally without foundation.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without foundation" to firmly reject claims or allegations when you have evidence or strong reasoning to prove they are baseless.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "without foundation" may sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "untrue" or "baseless" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without foundation" primarily functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of basis, validity, or support. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

28%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "without foundation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a lack of basis or support for a claim or idea. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It frequently appears in news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "baseless" and "unfounded" exist, "without foundation" offers a more assertive tone, suitable for scenarios where a strong rejection is required. Be mindful of its formality and opt for simpler terms in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Baseless

Single word expressing the same lack of factual support.

Unfounded

Similar to baseless, indicating a lack of foundation in fact.

Groundless

Implies a lack of legitimate reasons or cause.

Unsupported

Highlights the absence of evidence or backing.

Without merit

Focuses on the lack of value or worth.

Lacking substance

Emphasizes the absence of concrete or meaningful content.

Devoid of truth

Strongly suggests falsehood or inaccuracy.

Pure fabrication

Highlights that something is invented or concocted.

Simply untrue

Directly denies the truthfulness of a statement.

False assertion

Highlights that a statement is incorrect or misleading.

FAQs

How can I use "without foundation" in a sentence?

The phrase "without foundation" is used to describe something that lacks any factual basis or support. For example: "The rumors about the company's financial troubles are "without foundation"."

What are some alternatives to "without foundation"?

Some alternatives to "without foundation" include "baseless", "unfounded", or "groundless". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "without foundation" or "baseless"?

"Without foundation" and "baseless" are similar, but "without foundation" can sound more formal. "Baseless" is often preferred in everyday language, while "without foundation" is more common in formal writing or legal contexts.

Can "without foundation" be used to describe feelings or only facts?

While primarily used to describe claims or allegations that lack factual support, "without foundation" can also be used to describe fears or worries that are not based on reality. For example: "His fears about the project failing were "without foundation"."