a concrete foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a concrete foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the base or underlying support structure of a building or any metaphorical context where a solid basis is required. Example: "Before we can begin construction, we need to ensure that a concrete foundation is laid properly to support the entire structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The initial challenge was building a concrete foundation and a concrete entrance path.

The New York Times

It's to be built of densely packed bales of straw, fixed to a concrete foundation.

The New Yorker

She sits on a concrete foundation, sobbing, her red boots lined up neatly to her right.

The New York Times

Finally, right about harvest season, a brick-and-concrete base was built upon a concrete foundation.

The New York Times

"It's an industrial aesthetic, with a rusting tower or a concrete foundation," he adds.

The New York Times

They helped to put down a concrete foundation; then we put in stained wooden decking, all black, around the pool.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

But the administration held that the heavy machine required a basement with a thick concrete foundation and that the school had no appropriate site.

The New York Times

Ivan Locke — played by Tom Hardy, the only character seen onscreen — is a construction site foreman who is preparing for the largest job of his career, as the next morning he is to oversee the pouring of a massive concrete foundation for a skyscraper.

Los Angeles Times

A recent research effort has resulted in a new embedded connection for a CFT column anchored into a reinforced concrete foundation.

Engineering Structures

Larger sheds will require a permanent concrete foundation much like a house.

WikiHow

My father and I lazily agreed, too tired from the day's work of clearing ground around his new house -- pushing over trees with a front-end loader, stacking lumber, exploring an old concrete foundation as a possible workshop.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a concrete foundation" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly establishes the connection to a physical foundation, maintaining the image of strength and stability.

Common error

Avoid using "a concrete foundation" in purely abstract or figurative contexts where the imagery of a physical base doesn't resonate. Instead, opt for terms like "solid basis" or "firm grounding" for more nuanced meanings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a concrete foundation" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the physical base upon which a structure is built, or metaphorically, the underlying support for an idea or system. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a concrete foundation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, most commonly found in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to denote a robust, dependable base, whether in construction or as a metaphor. While widely applicable, exercise caution to ensure the context aligns with the phrase's imagery of strength and stability, avoiding purely abstract usages. Alternatives like "a solid foundation" or "a firm basis" may offer greater nuance in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid foundation

Replaces "concrete" with "solid", emphasizing strength and reliability.

a firm basis

Shifts the focus from a physical structure to a more general concept of a stable base.

a sturdy base

Similar to "solid foundation", but uses "sturdy" to convey robustness.

a well-built foundation

Highlights the quality of construction of the foundation.

a reliable footing

Uses "footing" as a synonym for foundation, implying stability.

a stable groundwork

Emphasizes the preparation and essential support provided.

a secure underpinning

Highlights the role of supporting something from below.

a substantial substructure

Uses more technical terms to describe the foundational element.

a lasting base

Emphasizes the long-term stability and durability.

an established platform

Metaphorically uses "platform" to suggest a base for growth or action.

FAQs

How can I use "a concrete foundation" in a sentence?

You can use "a concrete foundation" to describe the base of a building, as in "The house was built on a concrete foundation", or metaphorically, such as "Honesty is a concrete foundation for any relationship".

What are some synonyms for "a concrete foundation"?

Alternatives include "a solid foundation", "a firm basis", or "a sturdy base" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify "concrete" when referring to a foundation?

No, the adjective "concrete" emphasizes the material and its inherent strength. If the material is not relevant, simply using "a foundation" may suffice.

In what contexts is "a concrete foundation" most appropriate?

"A concrete foundation" is most suitable when discussing construction, engineering, or any situation where physical stability and durability are important. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the underlying principles or facts upon which something is built, but only if that meaning makes immediate sense.