a viable foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a viable foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that serves as a practical and effective basis for further development or action. Example: "The research provided a viable foundation for the new project, ensuring its success from the start."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But such self-denial could never offer a viable foundation for a new Europe.

The New York Times

In JIP, I explain why utilitarianism-the traditional standard-bearer in the IP field-has failed as a viable foundation.

University of California, Berkeley

Regulatory initiatives that followed from the aftermath of Enron, such as an increased focus on management incentives for fraudulent reporting and greater in-depth analysis of internal controls, may provide a viable foundation for reconsidering business risk methods and melding the best of traditional substantive audits with the best of business risk auditing.

Accounting, Organizations and Society

It was poetry, art, sound, and personal achievement all as one, an expanded presence of mind and mindfulness that transcended a wounded body to become a viable foundation for a life for individuals who at that point of violent accident, and thereafter, must have thought they did not have a future.

Huffington Post

Modest past investments by the U.S. Administration on Aging, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other agencies have established a viable foundation for scaling up this intervention.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

However, three of the five panel members concluded that the NSA spying programme "lacks a viable legal foundation" under the Patriot Act.

BBC

He defended Catholicism from the common charge that it was incompatible with American constitutionalism and, in fact, argued that it was the only spiritually viable foundation for American politics.

Stanford University

"It is my wish that the Helmut Newton Foundation be a viable and living institution, not a dead museum, that will financially exploit these archives," he noted late last year.

The New York Times - Arts

Suction bucket foundation is considered to be a viable type of wind turbine foundation.

Renewable Energy

Semi-deep foundations socketed in rocks are considered to be a viable option for the foundations in the presence of heavy load imposed by high-rise structures, due to the low settlement and high bearing capacity.

Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

comes at the expense of laying the foundation for a viable, long-term company".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a viable foundation" to describe a concept or system that is not only possible but also likely to succeed in the long term.

Common error

Avoid using "a viable foundation" when the foundation is theoretical or lacks sufficient evidence of its practicality. Ensure there's a clear pathway from the foundation to a successful outcome.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a viable foundation" is to act as a noun phrase that functions as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes something that serves as a basis for future development or action. Ludwig indicates that this is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a viable foundation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies a practical and effective basis for future development. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, and news-related domains. While relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase is seen in reputable sources like The New York Times and BBC. To enhance writing, ensure the context clearly illustrates how the foundation supports subsequent actions and avoid overstating the foundation's viability if it lacks sufficient supporting evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid basis

This alternative focuses on the strength and reliability of the base.

a firm footing

This alternative suggests a stable and secure starting point.

a sound framework

This alternative emphasizes the structural integrity and well-organized nature of the base.

a practical groundwork

This alternative highlights the pragmatic and actionable nature of the base.

a tenable starting point

This alternative focuses on the defensibility and reasonableness of the beginning.

a robust platform

This alternative emphasizes strength and capability to support further development.

a sustainable groundwork

This alternative focuses on the ability of the base to be maintained and continue.

a reliable framework

This alternative concentrates on the dependable nature of the structural support.

a credible basis

This alternative highlights the trustworthiness and believability of the underpinning.

a workable premise

This alternative underscores the functionality and feasibility of the foundational idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "a viable foundation" to describe a basis that is both practical and likely to succeed. For example, "This research provides "a viable foundation" for future studies."

What are some alternatives to "a viable foundation"?

Alternatives include "a solid basis", "a firm footing", or "a sound framework", depending on the specific context.

Is "viable foundation" formal or informal?

The phrase "a viable foundation" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, though it is more common in professional and academic writing. It is not typically used in informal conversation.

What does it mean for something to provide "a viable foundation"?

It means that it offers a practical and effective base upon which something else can be successfully built or developed. It suggests that the foundation is not only possible but also likely to lead to a positive outcome.