a foundation of

USAGE SUMMARY

"a foundation of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about something that is based upon or established upon a particular thing, such as a belief or principle. For example, "This organization has been founded upon a foundation of integrity and trust".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is a foundation of Balanchine.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a foundation of respect.

The Guardian

1. Build a foundation of self-knowledge.

Harvard Business Review

Base this on a foundation of honesty.

Stanford University

But the kingdom rested on a foundation of lies.

The New Yorker

And herbal infusions are a foundation of his practice.

The New York Times

Global sustainability must become a foundation of society.

The New York Times

Tuning rests on a foundation of informed common sense.

Database Tuning

Assessing stream condition is a foundation of adaptive management.

Journal of Great Lakes Research

But beneath any jollity there is a foundation of fury.

The Guardian - Books

So they come from a foundation of openness to possibility".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms such as "a basis for" or "a cornerstone of" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "a foundation to" instead of "a foundation of". "Foundation to" implies direction or purpose, while "foundation of" correctly indicates the base or underlying principle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a foundation of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun. It indicates the underlying basis, principle, or core element upon which something is built or established. As seen in Ludwig AI, this phrase conveys the idea of essential support or a starting point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a foundation of" is a versatile prepositional phrase that signifies the essential basis or underlying principle of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It is most frequently found in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts. For effective writing, remember to use it when you want to emphasize the crucial role of a particular element in supporting something else, and consider alternatives like "a basis for" or "a cornerstone of" to avoid repetition. Be mindful not to confuse it with "foundation to", which is generally incorrect. By understanding its function and purpose, you can confidently use "a foundation of" to add depth and clarity to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a cornerstone of

This alternative suggests a key component that supports the whole structure, implying a critical importance.

a fundamental of

Highlights the essential and basic nature of something, emphasizing its core importance.

a bedrock of

Highlights the fundamental and solid nature of the base, stressing reliability and strength.

an underpinning of

Stresses a hidden support that sustains something from below, suggesting a less visible but crucial role.

a basis for

Focuses on the idea of providing a reason or justification for something, indicating a logical starting point.

an essential element of

Points out a necessary component without which something cannot exist, indicating indispensability.

a groundwork for

Emphasizes the preparatory work laid out before building something more complex, suggesting a stage of initial planning.

a principle of

Refers to a basic rule or belief that guides something, emphasizing a guiding philosophy.

a starting point for

Indicates an initial stage or beginning for further development, focusing on the chronological aspect.

a source of

Focuses on where something originates, indicating the root or origin of something else.

FAQs

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

You can use "a foundation of" to describe the basis upon which something is built or established. For example, "The company's success is built on "a foundation of" trust and integrity."

What can I say instead of "a foundation of"?

You can use alternatives like "a basis for", "a cornerstone of", or "a bedrock of" depending on the specific context.

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

No, "foundation to" is generally incorrect in this context. "A foundation of" is the correct phrase to indicate that something is based upon or built upon something else.

What's the difference between "a foundation of" and "the foundation of"?

"A foundation of" usually refers to a general principle or element, while "the foundation of" refers to a specific, already identified foundation. For example, "A foundation of respect is essential for any relationship" versus "The foundation of the building was damaged in the earthquake."