a key foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the importance of a fundamental element or principle in a particular context, such as education, business, or philosophy. Example: "Critical thinking is a key foundation of effective problem-solving skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Ezra Pound's flawed "translations" of Chinese poetry, for example, became a key foundation for modernism.

The New Yorker

A base of clearly defined product information is a key foundation for an e-commerce system.

Electronic Commerce Research and Applications

We've got the greatest economy in the world, and the securities laws are a key foundation of it.

Stanford University

Delineating these mechanisms, a task that will require input from both the clinic and the laboratory, will provide a key foundation for the rational optimisation of psychological treatments.

European Neuropsychopharmacology

While Cyber-physical system (CPS) is considered as a key foundation for cyber manufacturing, many related frameworks and applications have been provided.

Journal of Manufacturing Systems

If that ends up leading to something bigger, then Democrats will feel as if this was a key foundation for it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

And yet such investment is the key foundation for a majority of the supposed benefits of the tax cuts.

The Guardian - Business

At this point, though, Mr. Obama is in knee-deep, so he's way past caring about "legal details" or minor nuisances like the separation of powers -- again, another key foundation of a democratic system.

Huffington Post

EclipseSCADA [17] is a key eclipse foundation project used commercially, the details of which have not been made public.

Journal of Cloud Computing

The missive concerns Sections 215 and 214 of the PATRIOT Act, a law passed in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that's been a key legal foundation for the government's collection of Americans' call record metadata, for example.

TechCrunch

The missive concerns Sections 215 and 214 of the PATRIOT Act, a law passed in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that's been a key legal foundation for the government's collection of Americans' call record metadata, for example.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "essential basis" or "fundamental pillar" to provide variety and nuance in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a key foundation" when the element in question is merely supportive or supplementary, not truly fundamental. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key foundation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies something as being of primary importance and fundamental to a particular concept or structure. Ludwig provides several examples showcasing this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

6%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key foundation" is a noun phrase used to underscore the fundamental importance of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, ranging from scientific and academic writing to news and general discussions. While it carries a neutral tone, it's crucial to avoid overusing the phrase and ensure that the element truly serves as a foundation. Alternative expressions such as ""a fundamental basis"" or ""a core principle"" can add variety to your writing while maintaining clarity. The phrase sees frequent use in both "News & Media" and "Science" domains and is generally accepted in formal and informal settings alike.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental basis

Replaces "key foundation" with synonyms to convey a similar meaning of being essential.

a core principle

Emphasizes the fundamental and guiding nature of the foundation.

a vital element

Highlights the importance and necessity of the element.

an essential component

Focuses on the role of the foundation as a necessary part of a larger system.

a basic building block

Illustrates the foundational aspect, likening it to construction.

a cornerstone

This is a more figurative way to describe a starting point or necessary part of something.

a bedrock

Similar to cornerstone, this describes a basic and fundamental idea or fact that supports your life or way of doing things.

a central tenet

Central tenet emphasizes the foundation is part of a belief or system of beliefs.

a critical underpinning

Highlights how one thing supports another, suggesting importance.

a primary requisite

Focuses on the required nature of the foundation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a key foundation" to highlight the fundamental importance of something. For example, "Trust is "a key foundation" for any successful relationship".

What phrases are similar to "a key foundation"?

Similar phrases include "a fundamental basis", "a core principle", or "an essential component", which all emphasize the importance of something.

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

Yes, "a key foundation" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when emphasizing the critical role of a particular element. However, consider the audience and context to ensure the language aligns with the tone. For example, you may use "a central tenet".

How does "a key foundation" differ from "an important aspect"?

"A key foundation" implies a necessary and fundamental element upon which other things depend, whereas "an important aspect" simply highlights something significant without necessarily being foundational. In other words, an important aspect may or may not be a foundation.