at its foundations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its foundations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the basic principles or underlying structure of something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The theory is built at its foundations on the principles of equality and justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But is now, with the economy in such a fragile state, the time to dig at its foundations?

The Washington Post

Here, too, our system is being torn up at its foundations, yet there is only a mixed picture of improvement.

The Guardian

An army of young artists is undermining the greed-run system at its foundations, one page at a time".

The Guardian - Arts

But when Mr. Wang left Computer Associates two years ago for a private life with his wife and two young children on their North Shore estate, the company he had built with his relentless personality was shaking at its foundations.

The New York Times

That was a reminder that, as neatly as we above ground may have painted our walls and swept our floors, New York is, at its foundations, a dirty, musty and — most important — old place.

The New York Times

In his speech on Sunday night, Mr. Sharon promised to strike "the terror infrastructure" at its foundations because that was the only way to achieve a cease-fire and then, ultimately, peace.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at its foundations" when you want to emphasize the fundamental principles or underlying structure of a system, organization, or idea.

Common error

Avoid using "at its foundations" when referring to surface-level or temporary aspects of something. This phrase is best reserved for core elements and enduring principles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its foundations" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate where the fundamental basis or core structure of something lies. As Ludwig AI shows, it often describes abstract concepts such as systems, ideologies, or organizations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at its foundations" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase. It effectively emphasizes the fundamental principles or core structure of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, academic, and encyclopedia sources, showcasing its versatility. While alternatives like ""at its core"" or ""at its base"" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. When employing this phrase, ensure it refers to the core elements rather than superficial aspects for maximum impact. "At its foundations" is a powerful way to draw attention to the essential underpinnings of any system, concept, or organization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its base

This alternative emphasizes the fundamental level or starting point.

at its core

This alternative highlights the essential or most important part.

at its heart

This alternative conveys the central or innermost aspect.

in essence

This alternative focuses on the fundamental nature or quality.

fundamentally

This alternative emphasizes the basic or essential character.

at the root

This alternative suggests the origin or cause.

at its origin

This alternative refers to the point where something begins.

in principle

This alternative focuses on the basic rules or assumptions.

primarily

This alternative indicates the main or most important aspect.

underlying structure

This alternative emphasizes the hidden framework or organization.

FAQs

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

You can use "at its foundations" to describe the core principles or fundamental structure of something. For example, "The success of the company lies "at its foundations", which are built on integrity and innovation."

What's a good alternative to "at its foundations"?

Alternatives include "at its core", "at its base", or "in essence". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "at its foundation" or "at its foundations"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "at its foundations" is more common when referring to multiple underlying principles or a complex structure. "At its foundation" may be used when referring to a single, primary base.

What's the difference between "at its foundations" and "underlying principles"?

"Underlying principles" refers specifically to the guiding beliefs or theories, while ""at its foundations"" can encompass a broader range of fundamental elements, including structure, values, and origins.