at a foundational level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a foundational level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to discuss the basic or underlying principles of a concept, idea, or system. Example: "At a foundational level, understanding human behavior requires knowledge of psychology and sociology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But times are changing at a foundational level".

Huffington Post

"At a foundational level, procrastination is caused because the person is in a disillusioned, unfocused, zombified, trance-state.

Huffington Post

At a foundational level, profits are an important instrument that afford us the freedom to create by covering our survival needs.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

On a foundational level, this makes sense: he's a producer first, a performer second.

Vice

In my own psyche, something has shifted on a foundational level.

Huffington Post

So now Nico spends his time leading the crusade to assure programmers and developers truly know their trade on a foundational level.

Huffington Post

The texts do not provide enough detail about "relation ranking" for us to determine beyond a doubt that later Mohist ethics is consequentialist at the foundational level.

SEP

However, it is not entirely clear that a view like Griffin's is genuinely monist at the foundational level: the question arises, what is constraining the desires that qualify as value conferring?

SEP

If we can be aware of similar relations, at the foundational level, between some propositions and facts with which we are acquainted, this might significantly extend the sorts of foundational beliefs satisfying strong internalist requirements.

SEP

At the foundational level, there is no competition between the member states and the European level; the basic unit for which both levels can claim legitimacy is the individual, her dignity and autonomy.

European Journal of Futures Research

It really makes you wonder whether, at some foundational level, Google lacks trust in both what AI technology can do and in its own creative abilities to breath new life into these emergent synthetic experiences.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a foundational level", ensure that the context clearly indicates you're discussing basic principles or fundamental aspects, not just a general overview.

Common error

Avoid using "at a foundational level" when discussing highly complex or nuanced situations. This phrase is best suited for explaining basic principles, not intricate details. Overusing it in complex scenarios can oversimplify the matter and mislead the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a foundational level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the perspective or depth of analysis. It indicates that something is being considered from its most basic, fundamental principles. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a foundational level" serves as an adverbial phrase indicating a focus on the most basic and fundamental aspects of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. Its primary function is to set the depth of analysis, signaling a discussion of core principles. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to formal register and appears more frequently in analytical contexts, like news, media, and science. Related phrases include "on a fundamental basis" and "at its most basic". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended depth of discussion to avoid oversimplifying complex topics. Despite being less frequent, its precise application contributes to clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a fundamental basis

Replaces "level" with "basis", emphasizing the underlying nature of something.

at a rudimentary stage

Substitutes "foundational" with "rudimentary" and "level" with "stage", indicating an early or basic point.

at its most basic

Uses a more concise phrasing to express the same concept of fundamental importance.

at the ground level

Emphasizes the basic, entry-level nature of something, using a spatial metaphor.

in essence

Focuses on the core or fundamental nature of something, removing the spatial element.

fundamentally speaking

Highlights the basic and essential aspects of a matter, placing emphasis through adverbial usage.

at the core

Highlights the central and most important aspect of something.

at the base

Emphasizes that something is at the starting point

in its simplest form

Indicates a focus on the unadorned, essential nature of something, reducing complexity.

at the heart of the matter

Emphasizes the most critical and essential point, often in a complex situation.

FAQs

What does "at a foundational level" mean?

The phrase "at a foundational level" refers to the most basic or fundamental aspects of something. It's used to describe the underlying principles or core components.

How can I use "at a foundational level" in a sentence?

You can use "at a foundational level" to introduce discussions about core principles. For example, "At a foundational level, understanding human behavior requires knowledge of psychology and sociology."

What are some alternatives to "at a foundational level"?

Alternatives include phrases like "on a fundamental basis", "at its most basic", or "at the core". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "at a foundational level" interchangeable with "at a basic level"?

While similar, "at a foundational level" often implies a slightly deeper understanding of the underlying principles, whereas "at a basic level" might refer to a more superficial understanding. Consider "at a basic level" when describing something very simple.