a good foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the basis or groundwork for something, such as a project, relationship, or concept. Example: "Having a good foundation in mathematics is essential for success in engineering courses."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Foundation: Be sure to start with a good foundation.

WikiHow

There's a good foundation for a program.

The New York Times

"It's a good foundation to build on," he said.

The New York Times

SAND is not a good foundation for a house, and it certainly wasn't a good foundation for a housing boom.

The New York Times

We've built a good foundation here to win games with.

The New York Times - Sports

But it is a good foundation, he says.

The New York Times

It's a good foundation, it just needs… more.

The Guardian - Tech

Mutual global interests, it seems to me, are still a good foundation for finding collaborative solutions".

The New York Times

But we're not done yet, we're still progressing and building on a good foundation".

The New York Times - Sports

The house needs repairs, but he called it a good foundation for a larger family.

The New York Times

He's a natural all-around athlete with a good foundation of fundamentals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a good foundation", ensure that the subsequent elements or actions logically build upon this base. Clarity in establishing this connection strengthens your argument or narrative.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the strength or completeness of the "good foundation". An overestimation can lead to credibility issues if the subsequent development doesn't align with the initial promise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good foundation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object. It describes the essential groundwork or basis upon which something is built or developed. Ludwig AI examples showcase its role in various contexts, from academic success to personal development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

29%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good foundation" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance of a solid starting point. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and very common, appearing frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the subsequent elements logically build upon this base and avoid overstating its quality. Consider alternatives such as "a solid base" or "a strong groundwork" for variety. Ultimately, understanding and utilizing "a good foundation" effectively enhances clarity and credibility in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid base

Replaces "foundation" with "base", implying a firm and reliable starting point.

a strong groundwork

Substitutes "foundation" with "groundwork", emphasizing the initial preparatory work.

a firm footing

Emphasizes stability and security, suggesting a confident starting position.

a sound basis

Replaces "foundation" with "basis", focusing on the fundamental principles or facts.

a reliable platform

Implies a stable and dependable structure for further development.

a secure starting point

Highlights safety and confidence in the initial stage of a process.

a promising beginning

Focuses on the positive potential and future prospects.

a well-established starting point

Replaces "good" with "well-established", focusing on previous work.

a robust infrastructure

Replaces foundation with infrastructure, suggesting something big is coming.

a substantial head start

Focuses on the advantage gained from a strong initial position.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good foundation" to describe the essential groundwork needed for success in various fields. For example, "A strong understanding of basic algebra is "a good foundation" for calculus".

What phrases are similar to "a good foundation"?

Alternatives include "a solid base", "a strong groundwork", or "a firm footing", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "good foundation" or "solid foundation"?

Both "good foundation" and "a solid foundation" are correct and widely used. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Solid" might emphasize strength and reliability more strongly.

What is the difference between "a good foundation" and "a good starting point"?

"A good foundation" implies a base upon which something is built, while "a good starting point" simply refers to an advantageous beginning. "A good foundation" suggests more structure and preparation.