bedrock on which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bedrock on which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a fundamental basis or underlying principle for something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Trust is the bedrock on which our relationship is built."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The idea sticks, then ossifies and eventually melds into the unthinking bedrock on which the next one grows, and the one after, until you forget that there could ever have been an alternative.

The Times

Just as there is no theoretical limit to the demands that can be made in the name of any or all of these tasks, there is also no bedrock on which to stand as one undertakes either a critique of existing systems of punishment or the design of an ideal system.

SEP

The Miami-area U.S. House district Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo represents routinely floods as sea levels surge through the porous limestone bedrock on which the sprawling city, considered one of the world's most vulnerable to climate change, was built.

Huffington Post

That would fracture the bedrock on which the debt world has rested for decades.

The New York Times

It is a huge piece of carved bedrock on which the Incas poured libations.

Princeton University

It's the bedrock on which the language of film was constructed.

The Guardian - Books

Our altruistic impulse, they say, is no mere crown jewel of humanity; it is the bedrock on which we stand.

The New York Times - Science

A lawyer's broad duty to keep clients' confidences is the bedrock on which the justice system is built, they argue.

The New York Times

It is the bedrock on which we will build the model of financial equilibrium in subsequent lectures.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

To be frank, that was one of the bedrocks on which the two great Australian teams of the modern age were built.

The Guardian - Sport

Status, and the value placed on craftmanship, are the bedrocks on which haute couture and its billionaire-class price tags are built.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bedrock on which" to emphasize the fundamental and unshakeable nature of something that supports a larger structure or concept. For example, "Trust is the bedrock on which a successful partnership is built."

Common error

Avoid using "bedrock on which" in contexts where a literal foundation is meant. If you're describing a physical foundation, opt for more direct language like "foundation of" or "base of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bedrock on which" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun and indicating the foundational support for something else. It often acts as an adjective, describing the essential nature of the base. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly acceptable for formal and informal usage. For example, Ludwig contains sentences like "altruistic impulse... is the bedrock on which we stand."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

18%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bedrock on which" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the fundamental and stable nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. It functions to highlight the importance of the foundation upon which an idea, system, or structure is built. It is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, suggesting its broad applicability. While alternatives like "foundation upon which" or "cornerstone of" exist, "bedrock on which" is especially effective in conveying a sense of solidity and permanence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation upon which

Replaces "bedrock" with "foundation", emphasizing the supportive role.

basis upon which

Substitutes "bedrock" with "basis", highlighting the underlying reason or justification.

cornerstone of

Emphasizes the importance and indispensability of the element.

groundwork for

Uses a different metaphor, focusing on the initial stages of building something.

underlying principle of

Focuses on the fundamental rule or belief supporting something.

the core of

Emphasizes the central or most important part.

the base for

A simpler, more direct alternative using "base" instead of "bedrock".

the root of

Highlights the origin or source of something.

built upon

Focuses on the action of building or developing from a base.

hinges on

Uses a different metaphor, suggesting that something depends on a critical point.

FAQs

How can I use "bedrock on which" in a sentence?

The phrase "bedrock on which" is used to describe a fundamental principle, idea, or foundation that something else is based on. For example, "Mutual respect is the "bedrock on which" their friendship thrives."

What are some alternatives to "bedrock on which"?

You can use alternatives like "foundation upon which", "basis upon which", or "cornerstone of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "bedrock on which" or "foundation on which"?

Both "bedrock on which" and "foundation on which" are correct, but "bedrock" suggests a more solid, unshakeable base. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does the metaphor "bedrock on which" imply?

The metaphor "bedrock on which" implies that the element being described is a fundamental and essential part of something, similar to how bedrock provides a stable base for geological formations.