at its foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the basic underlying principles or core aspects of something. Example: "At its foundation, the theory emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication in team dynamics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

At its foundation, it is a rejection of the current reality.

University of California, Berkeley

At its foundation, it is important to establish that no one department owns any project completely.

Duke University

At its foundation, it's just a fancied up PayPal, allowing users to send one another money via e-mail address (as long as both users have Serve accounts).

TechCrunch

The first known name of the city is Byzantium (, Byzántion), the name given to it at its foundation by Megarean colonists around 660 BC.

Wikipedia

He said it "attacks the federal government at its foundation, the patriotic myths upon which its legitimacy lies.

Wikipedia

It needs a plan that does not have at its foundation the influence of huge power lobbyists.

Forbes

"It actually enables a bigger vision, which is yes, at its foundation search, but using access to content as a way to derive insights which are latent in textual content.

TechCrunch

At its foundation, collaborative software enables conversation.

The New York Times

At its foundation is physical well-being.

Harvard Business Review

Certainly, few could have foreseen its success at its foundation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although the texture of its expression may vary, this ideology--at its foundation--gives shape to a worldview shared by strange bedfellows: the Christian Right and the Salafists of the Islamic State.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at its foundation", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly defines the fundamental principle or aspect being referenced. For example, "At its foundation, any successful marketing campaign requires a deep understanding of the target audience."

Common error

Avoid using "at its foundation" when referring to superficial elements or secondary aspects. Ensure you are highlighting the core, underlying principle, not just a contributing factor. For example, it's more accurate to say "At its foundation, democracy relies on the principle of free and fair elections" rather than "At its foundation, democracy involves political campaigns."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its foundation" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a clause or sentence. It introduces the fundamental principle or essential basis upon which something is established or operates. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at its foundation" serves to emphasize the fundamental principle or essential basis of a concept or system. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage across various authoritative sources, including News & Media and Academia. While alternatives like "at its core" or "at its base" exist, selecting the most fitting depends on the specific nuance one wishes to convey. Effective use involves identifying the true underlying principle, and avoiding application to merely contributing factors. In essence, "at its foundation" directs attention to the very bedrock upon which something is built.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its core

Replaces "foundation" with "core", highlighting the innermost and most essential part.

at its base

Uses "base" instead of "foundation", suggesting the supporting structure or starting point.

fundamentally

Expresses the idea adverbially, focusing on the basic or essential nature.

in essence

Highlights the intrinsic nature or quality of something.

at its heart

Emphasizes the central or vital part of something.

in its simplest form

Focuses on the basic and uncomplicated version of something.

at the root of

Indicates the origin or cause of something.

primarily

Highlights the main or most important aspect.

essentially

Similar to "in essence", emphasizing the fundamental nature.

basically

Indicates the underlying or fundamental nature in a simple way.

FAQs

How can I use "at its foundation" in a sentence?

You can use "at its foundation" to introduce the core principle, essential element, or basic nature of something. For example, "At its foundation, the legal system aims to ensure justice for all citizens."

What phrases are similar to "at its foundation"?

Alternatives include "at its core", "at its base", or "fundamentally". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "at its base" instead of "at its foundation"?

Yes, "at its base" is a valid alternative to "at its foundation". While both refer to the underlying principles, "at its base" might suggest a more structural or supportive element.

What's the difference between "at its foundation" and "at its heart"?

"At its foundation" refers to the basic principles or core structure, while "at its heart" emphasizes the central or most vital element. The former is about what something is built upon, and the latter is about what drives it.