at the foundation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the foundation of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the underlying basis or principle of something, often in discussions about ideas, beliefs, or systems. Example: "Trust is at the foundation of any successful relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And, at the foundation of both, is driving out inequality.

The Guardian

Of course, memory is at the foundation of humanity.

The Guardian - Tech

Morgan situates this influence at the foundation of his development.

The Guardian - Books

Mandatory disclosure sits at the foundation of modern securities regulation.

Columbia University

As I said, her technique is at the foundation of mine.

The New York Times - Magazine

A functioning independent judiciary is at the foundation of our democracy.

The New York Times

At the foundation of morality are moral emotions, which many experts believe are inborn.

The New York Times - Health

"It chips away at the foundation of equal justice for all in our society".

The New York Times

Either way, as Efron notes, "the Faustian bargain... has been at the foundation" of Israel.

The New York Times - Books

That sentiment lies at the foundation of what I say here.

The Guardian

Fresh herbs, both raw and cooked, lie at the foundation of Iranian cuisine.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the foundation of", ensure that the noun following 'of' clearly represents the core principle or element being discussed. For example, "Integrity is at the foundation of our business ethics."

Common error

Avoid using overly abstract or vague nouns with "at the foundation of". Instead of saying "at the foundation of understanding", specify what is being understood: "at the foundation of understanding quantum physics".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the foundation of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, indicating the underlying basis or principle. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts. For example, "A functioning independent judiciary is at the foundation of our democracy."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the foundation of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize the underlying basis or core principle of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, from news and media to academia and scientific research. While appropriate in both formal and informal settings, it’s more prevalent in formal writing, lending a serious tone. When using this phrase, ensure the accompanying noun is clear and concrete to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "at the core of", "fundamental to", and "based on", each offering a slightly different nuance. Be aware that while "at the foundation of" is correct, overuse can make writing sound repetitive; consider using synonyms for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental to

Stresses the essential and basic nature.

essential to

Highlights indispensability and necessity.

at the core of

Focuses on the central or most important part, rather than the base.

based on

Indicates a reliance or dependence on something.

basic to

Indicates a simple and necessary element.

grounded in

Implies a firm and established basis.

at the heart of

Emphasizes the emotional or essential nature, slightly more figurative.

built upon

Suggests a structure or system developed from a starting point.

at the root of

Suggests the origin or cause of something, often a problem.

underlying

Highlights the hidden or less obvious base.

FAQs

How can I use "at the foundation of" in a sentence?

Use "at the foundation of" to describe the core principle or basis upon which something is built or established. For instance, "Trust is "at the foundation of" any strong relationship".

What phrases are similar to "at the foundation of"?

Similar phrases include "at the core of", "fundamental to", and "based on". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "at the foundation of" or "at the base of"?

"At the foundation of" and "at the base of" are similar, but "at the foundation of" often implies a more abstract or conceptual basis, whereas "at the base of" can refer to a physical structure or literal base.

Can "at the foundation of" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "at the foundation of" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in formal writing and speech.