a foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

"a foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to an organization that provides financial support for a cause or activity. For example, "The charity established a foundation to raise funds for underprivileged children in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're missing a foundation.

The New York Times

A. They're missing a foundation.

The New York Times

We don't have a foundation.

The New York Times

"We were laying a foundation.

The New York Times

"This is a foundation piece.

Independent

It needs a foundation".

The Guardian

It's a foundation decision.

The Guardian

Is it a foundation?

The New York Times

You want to build a foundation".

The Economist

They are a foundation for political change.

The New York Times

And all while laying a foundation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a foundation" in your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a base for something physical or an underlying principle/organization. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "a foundation" vaguely. Specify what the foundation supports, whether it's a structure, an argument, or a cause. This will prevent ambiguity and enhance the reader's understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a foundation" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates its common use across various contexts, referring to both physical structures and abstract principles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a foundation" is a versatile noun phrase widely used to denote a fundamental base, principle, or organization. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and general-interest writing. When using "a foundation", ensure clarity by specifying what it supports. Be mindful of potential ambiguity and avoid vague usage. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and level of formality, you can effectively integrate "a foundation" into your writing to convey stability, support, or the establishment of something significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a base

Replaces "foundation" with a synonym emphasizing the underlying support.

a basis

Replaces "foundation" with a term indicating the starting point or rationale.

a groundwork

Substitutes "foundation" to highlight the initial stages of building something.

a bedrock

Emphasizes the solid and fundamental nature of the "foundation".

a cornerstone

Highlights the essential and indispensable nature of the "foundation".

a basics

Replaces "foundation" with a term emphasizing the fundamental elements or principles.

a fund

Focuses on the financial aspect, where "foundation" refers to a financial resource.

an establishment

Shifts the focus to the act of setting up or creating the "foundation".

a rationale

Emphasizes the underlying reason or justification serving as "a foundation".

a inception

Highlights the beginning or commencement of "a foundation".

FAQs

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

You can use "a foundation" to refer to a physical base, as in "The house has a strong foundation", or to a fundamental principle, as in "Honesty is "a foundation for" trust". Alternatively, it can refer to an organization: "She started "a foundation to" help underprivileged children".

What are some alternatives to "a foundation"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a base", "a groundwork", "a bedrock", or "an establishment".

When is it appropriate to use "a foundation"?

It's appropriate when you need to refer to something that serves as a starting point, support, or underlying principle for something else. It is also appropriate when referring to a specific type of organization that provides funding or support.

What is the difference between "a basis" and "a foundation"?

"A basis" generally refers to the underlying reason or justification for something, while "a foundation" implies a more structural or fundamental support. While similar, "a foundation" often suggests something more substantial and enduring.