at the very foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the very foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the fundamental basis or core principles of a concept, idea, or argument. Example: "Trust is at the very foundation of any successful relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

A word at the very foundation of the monarchy.

The Guardian

From the Code of Hammurabi to the UN Declaration of Human Rights, the concept is at the very foundation of all legislation designed to respect and protect the vulnerable.

The Guardian

The reason for this concentration of power was that, at the very foundation of the German kingdom, circumstances had long favoured those men whom birth, wealth, and military success had raised well above the ranks of the ordinary free members of their tribe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

ILAB president Norbert Donhofer, who came up with the idea for the pop-up fairs last year, said: "The purpose of ILAB's participation … is to spotlight rare books and bookselling while raising money for what is at the very foundation of all we do – literacy".

The Guardian - Books

Barr smiled; when the naked man appeared, his eyes widened and he mumbled, "Did he really show it?" In the nineteen-nineties, Barr, then a Republican congressman from Georgia, led the charge to impeach President Bill Clinton and argued on the House floor that "the flames of hedonism, the flames of narcissism, the flames of self-centered morality are licking at the very foundation of our society".

The New Yorker

"Both Your Majesty and Your Royal Highness were with us in 1956 at the very foundation of this university.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"These activities not only violate human rights, they put at risk the very foundation of civil liberties, freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of thought and conscience".

TechCrunch

Persisting in the 42-year-old occupation and the building of settlements gnaws at the very foundations of the Zionist dream.

The New York Times

The flames of hedonism, the flames of narcissism, the flames of self-centered morality are licking at the very foundations of our society: the family unit.

The New York Times

"Moves to end the head scarf ban are aimed at the very foundations of Ataturk's secular republic," Mr. Baykal said.

The New York Times

In striking at the very foundations of age-old wealth and privilege, advocates of land value taxation will doubtless be subject to accusations of idealism and naivety.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the very foundation" to stress the fundamental and indispensable nature of a concept or element. It adds emphasis beyond simply saying something is "fundamental".

Common error

Avoid using "at the very foundation" when a simpler phrase like "fundamental to" or "essential for" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the very foundation" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or clause. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to emphasize the fundamental or core nature of something. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage across various domains, highlighting its role in establishing the essential basis of concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the very foundation" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize the core or fundamental nature of something. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "at the heart of" or "essential to" exist, "at the very foundation" adds a layer of emphasis, underscoring the indispensable nature of the concept. When using this phrase, consider the context and avoid overuse in simple situations. Its strong presence in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times further solidifies its credibility and usefulness in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the bedrock

Changes the metaphor to a geological term, suggesting a firm, underlying base.

at the base of

Emphasizes the starting point or support structure.

at the cornerstone of

Uses a metaphorical term indicating critical importance.

at the heart of

Focuses on the central and most important aspect.

fundamental to

Uses a more formal adjective to describe essential importance.

essential to

Highlights the necessity of something.

at the root of

Highlights the origin or cause of something.

forming the basis of

Emphasizes the act of creating a foundation or starting point.

intrinsic to

Indicates something is inherently part of the nature of something else.

underlying

Focuses on something that is not immediately obvious but forms the basis.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the very foundation" to emphasize that something is the most basic and important part of something else. For example, "Trust is "at the very foundation" of any successful relationship".

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

Similar phrases include "at the base of", "at the heart of", and "essential to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "at the very foundation"?

While "foundation" implies a base, adding "at the very" emphasizes the critical and indispensable nature of that base. It's not inherently redundant, but use it judiciously for impact.

When should I avoid using "at the very foundation"?

Avoid using it in overly simplistic or informal contexts where a more straightforward phrase would be more appropriate. For instance, in casual conversation, "essential" might be preferable.