a firm foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

"a firm foundation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a strong basis or foundation upon which something has been built (such as a building, business, or system). For example: "The family business was built upon a firm foundation, and has survived multiple economic downturns since its establishment in the 1960s."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I've had a firm foundation".

The New York Times

But we have established an institution on a firm foundation.

The New York Times - Arts

Patrick Duff, the bassist, provided a firm foundation.

The New York Times - Arts

Encouraging households to borrow more and more hardly builds a firm foundation for future growth.

The Economist

"That means spending more time on fewer subjects to give students a firm foundation.

The Guardian

Those residencies establish a firm foundation in a busy schedule of international touring.

The New York Times - Arts

The White House seems to think the deal has established a firm foundation for building a new fiscal house.

The New York Times

It is probably this sense of a firm foundation which has given his works their staying power.

The New Yorker

However cogent the links that bind premises to conclusions, the premises themselves will lack a firm foundation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We want the new treaty to work in stabilising the euro and putting it on a firm foundation.

The Economist

"The bill provides a firm foundation for empowering consumers and will benefit businesses that treat their customers fairly".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a firm foundation", ensure that the subsequent elements or actions logically build upon this base. For instance, "A firm foundation in mathematics is essential for success in engineering."

Common error

Avoid overstating the completeness of "a firm foundation". While it provides a strong starting point, acknowledge that ongoing learning and adaptation are still necessary. Don't suggest that "a firm foundation" guarantees absolute success without further effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm foundation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It often serves as a subject complement, an object of a preposition, or a direct object, denoting the basis or starting point upon which something is built. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a strong and reliable base.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm foundation" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a strong and reliable base or starting point. It's considered grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, ranging from scientific research to news articles and business reports. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. While versatile, it is essential to ensure that the phrase is used appropriately and that the subsequent elements logically build upon this base. Alternatives such as "a solid base" or "a strong footing" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid base

Emphasizes the stability and reliability of the underlying structure.

a strong footing

Suggests a secure position from which to advance or build upon.

a robust foundation

Highlights the strength and durability of the base.

a secure groundwork

Focuses on the preliminary work done to establish a safe and reliable starting point.

a sound basis

Implies a logical and well-reasoned foundation.

a reliable platform

Suggests a stable and dependable base for launching or supporting something.

a stable understructure

Highlights the supportive role of the underlying elements.

a steadfast substructure

Emphasizes the unwavering nature of the supporting base.

a resilient groundwork

Highlights the ability of the base to recover from challenges.

a dependable substructure

Stresses the trustworthiness of the underlying support.

FAQs

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

You can use "a firm foundation" to describe a strong starting point or basis for something. For example, "This course provides "a firm foundation" for advanced studies in the field".

What are some alternatives to "a firm foundation"?

Some alternatives include "a solid base", "a strong footing", or "a sound basis". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the firm foundation" instead of "a firm foundation"?

While grammatically possible, using "the firm foundation" implies you are referring to a specific, previously mentioned foundation. "A firm foundation" is more general and indicates any strong base.

What is the difference between "a firm foundation" and "a good foundation"?

"A firm foundation" suggests a stronger and more reliable base than "a good foundation". "Firm" implies solidity and stability, while "good" is more general.