bedrock

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "bedrock" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the floor of the Earth's crust, or to something that is fundamental or basic. For example, "The new policy is built on the bedrock of safety and security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Antarctic ice sheet covering the continent's bedrock represents about 60 per cent of the world's fresh water.

The Guardian

In Penygraig, one woman casts her eyes towards the village's huge Labour club, and talks about the bedrock of the clientele: "Older men who don't listen to anything".

The Guardian

For 30 years it has been the bedrock of Manchester's cultural life, serving as a meeting point and drinking hole for the city's independent minds, as well as an arthouse cinema and gallery.

The Guardian

The good news is we'll bounce back from this.... America is the bedrock of the global economy for a reason... the safest and most reliable place to invest.

The Guardian

A couple of months ago, his brother Romeo followed suit, and because an unglimpsed child model forms the bedrock of my novel, this has maybe given it a bit of unexpected oomph.

The Guardian - Books

This is a truly historic community - the original inhabitants of Mumbai's seven islands, the fishing tribe that created the bedrock for the scattershot sprawl of today's metropolis.

The Guardian

These Welsh ideas included the bedrock principles of a federal union not a unitary state, a consistent though not uniform approach, a commitment to shared solidarity, and a shared understanding of the need to temper England's asymmetric role.

The Guardian - Opinion

These years were dilettante in comparison with the body of work that followed, but they provided a bedrock of experience that was compounded by technical experience gained in television, first as part of the famous BBC Tonight programme, under Donald Baverstock, then Alastair Milne.

The Guardian

The Telegraph's by the bosses of 573 SMEs, described as the "bedrock" of British industry.

The Guardian

New digital channels like BBC Knowledge, which will launch in June, and the vast text-and-vision encyclopaedia we've already made available on the Web are a crucial link between the bedrock radio and television of today and the sort of lives we'll all be living in a few years' time.

The Guardian

He chaired the committee which, in 1963, recommended the setting-up of the parole system, still the bedrock of the current system.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bedrock" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly establishes what is being supported or founded upon it. For instance, "Honesty is the bedrock of any successful relationship."

Common error

Avoid using "bedrock" to describe something that is merely important but not truly fundamental or foundational. Overusing it can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "bedrock" is as a noun, referring either to the solid rock beneath soil or other superficial material, or metaphorically, as the fundamental principle or basis of something. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

27%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "bedrock" is a versatile noun used to describe either the solid rock beneath the Earth's surface or, metaphorically, the fundamental basis or principle of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, emphasizing solidity and reliability. When using "bedrock", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being supported or founded upon it, and avoid overuse in superficial contexts. Alternatives such as "fundamental principle" or "basic foundation" can be used to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental principle

Emphasizes the essential nature of the principle as a basis for something else.

basic foundation

Highlights the supportive and foundational role of something.

cornerstone

Stresses the importance of something as the chief foundation on which something else is constructed.

underlying basis

Focuses on the less visible, yet crucial, support or reason for something.

essential component

Highlights that something is indispensable and vital to the whole.

core element

Refers to the central and most important part of something.

groundwork

Emphasizes the preliminary or preparatory work that serves as a basis for further development.

root cause

Identifies the fundamental reason that initiates a chain of events or phenomena.

key ingredient

Underscores something's importance as an essential element to achieve a desired outcome.

primary element

Highlights something as being first in order of importance or significance.

FAQs

How can I use "bedrock" in a sentence?

The term "bedrock" can be used literally to refer to solid rock beneath the ground, or metaphorically to describe a fundamental principle or basis. For example, "The Antarctic ice sheet covers the continent's "bedrock"" or "Trust is the "bedrock" of any strong relationship".

What is the difference between "bedrock" and "foundation"?

"Foundation" is a general term for the base upon which something is built, while "bedrock" implies a more solid, fundamental, and unyielding base. Using "bedrock" suggests something that is deeply rooted and reliable.

What can I say instead of "bedrock" when referring to a fundamental principle?

Alternatives include "fundamental principle", "basic foundation", or "cornerstone", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "bedrock" appropriate for formal or informal contexts?

"Bedrock" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it is a well-understood and widely used term. However, consider the audience and ensure that the context makes the meaning clear, especially when used metaphorically.