a foundation for

USAGE SUMMARY

"a foundation for" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You could use it in a sentence such as, "This program provides a foundation for success in the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are a foundation for political change.

The New York Times

Education is a foundation for life".

Independent

These principles provide a foundation for negotiations.

The New York Times

This is not a foundation for confidence".

The New York Times

Create a foundation for underpaid waitresses.

The New York Times

It's a foundation for real misogyny.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's like building a foundation for a house".

The New York Times

"They very well may provide a foundation for ultimate integration".

The New York Times

"I'm looking forward to laying a foundation for the future.

The New York Times

Rutgers has not yet established a foundation for LeGrand.

The New York Times - Sports

Christianity, a foundation for Western civilization, needs a Renaissance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a foundation for" to emphasize that something provides essential support or basis for future developments or ideas. For instance, "Education is a foundation for success."

Common error

Avoid using "a foundation for" when you simply mean 'related to' or 'connected with'. "A foundation for" suggests a deeper, more fundamental relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a foundation for" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the purpose or basis upon which something else is built or established. Ludwig AI confirms it’s a correct and usable phrase, acting as a supportive element in sentences, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a foundation for" is a versatile phrase used to denote the essential support or basis for something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse fields—from science and news to formal business—underscore its reliability in written English. When choosing between it and similar phrases like "a basis for" or "a groundwork for", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. "A foundation for" is appropriate for highlighting fundamental relationships, ensuring that the writing is both accurate and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basis for

Similar in meaning, but implies a starting point or justification.

a groundwork for

Focuses on the preliminary work needed before building something more complex.

a starting point for

Highlights the beginning or initiation of something.

a springboard for

Suggests a source of momentum or impetus for further development.

a stepping stone for

Implies a stage or phase in a progression.

a cornerstone of

Emphasizes the essential and fundamental nature of something.

a prerequisite for

Highlights something required before something else can happen.

a building block for

Emphasizes that something is a fundamental component used to construct something larger.

a launchpad for

Similar to a springboard, implying a beginning that leads to significant advancement.

a precurser to

Implies something that comes before and indicates the approach of something or someone else.

FAQs

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

Use "a foundation for" to indicate that something provides essential support or basis for future developments. For example: "Critical thinking skills are "a foundation for" academic success."

What are some alternatives to "a foundation for"?

You can use alternatives such as "a basis for", "a groundwork for", or "a starting point for", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a foundation for" in formal writing?

Yes, "a foundation for" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing fundamental principles or underlying support structures.

How does "a foundation for" differ from "a base for"?

"A foundation for" often implies a more abstract or conceptual support, while "a base for" can refer to a literal, physical support. However, they can be used interchangeably in many contexts.