a foundation upon which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a foundation upon which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fundamental basis or support for an idea, argument, or structure. Example: "The research provides a foundation upon which future studies can build to explore this phenomenon further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the great traditions of the West, the book is a foundation upon which mighty edifices of knowledge are constructed.

The New York Times - Arts

To pass up this opportunity to embrace clean forms of energy deprives future Americans of a foundation upon which they could build a cleaner and more stable world.

The New York Times

But the Finance Committee's bill should be viewed as the least that Congress should do — a foundation upon which to build, not the final structure.

The New York Times

They would use the US's second-largest city as a foundation upon which to sell themselves to the world, seeking not only to be LA's football franchise but Asia's, Central and South America's and Europe's NFL team as well.

The Guardian - Sport

President Clinton said in a statement that the new standards would "serve as a foundation upon which our nation can continue to meet the profound challenge of climate change".

The New York Times

"He gave us a foundation upon which I will build, upon which I will make a new start to include those who have not yet fully enjoyed the benefits of the progress we have made," he said.

The New York Times

No matter who you're talking to, when you ask people about what home means to them, you're generally met with the same answers – it's a place to relax and feel safe, it's about family, making memories and a foundation upon which to build your life.

The Guardian

This understanding can form a foundation upon which categorization methods can then build.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Our results were intended to serve as a foundation upon which future research and operations can be built.

Security Informatics

Without an identity, people do not know who they are and as a result, do not have a foundation upon which they can rely upon to make decisions.

Language Testing in Asia

Microsoft has set forth a stringent list of hardware requirements to help unify the user experience, but those only provide a foundation upon which Asus could build.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a foundation upon which" to introduce a fundamental principle or concept that supports further development or reasoning. This phrase is particularly effective in academic, scientific, and formal writing to establish a clear and solid basis for subsequent arguments or actions.

Common error

Avoid using "a foundation upon which" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "a basis for" or "a starting point" are often more appropriate and sound less pretentious in everyday communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a foundation upon which" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically introducing a relative clause that modifies a preceding noun. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English, providing a fundamental base for an idea, argument, or structure. Examples confirm its role in establishing a base for further development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a foundation upon which" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression across various domains. Ludwig AI confirms its function in providing a fundamental basis or support, fitting seamlessly into formal and scientific contexts. While prevalent in news and media, as well as scientific literature, its usage should be tempered in informal communications, where simpler alternatives such as "a basis for" or "a starting point for" might be more appropriate. Its primary role is to establish a clear, solid basis for further arguments or actions, making it a valuable asset in structured and academic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basis upon which

Replaces "foundation" with "basis", emphasizing the underlying support or reason.

a groundwork for

Substitutes "foundation" with "groundwork", highlighting the preliminary work or preparation involved.

a starting point for

Focuses on the beginning or initiation aspect, replacing "foundation" with "starting point".

a cornerstone for

Emphasizes the essential and indispensable nature of the base, using "cornerstone" instead of "foundation".

a springboard for

Highlights the idea of launching or propelling forward, substituting "foundation" with "springboard".

a platform for

Suggests a raised level or stage for development, using "platform" instead of "foundation".

a launching pad for

Similar to "springboard", but more directly implies initiation or commencement.

a substructure for

Focuses on the underlying support system, replacing "foundation" with "substructure".

a bedrock for

Implies a solid and unshakeable base, using "bedrock" instead of "foundation".

an infrastructure for

Highlights the basic physical and organizational structures needed, using "infrastructure" instead of "foundation".

FAQs

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

Use "a foundation upon which" to introduce a core idea or principle that supports further development. For example, "This research provides "a foundation upon which" future studies can build."

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

You can use alternatives like "a basis upon which", "a groundwork for", or "a starting point for" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a foundation on which" or "a foundation upon which"?

"A foundation upon which" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the support provided. While both are grammatically correct, ""a foundation upon which"" often appears in more formal or academic writing.

What's the difference between "a foundation upon which" and "a basis for"?

"A foundation upon which" often suggests a more structured and developed support, while "a basis for" can refer to a more general or abstract reason or justification. The former is more architectural in nature.