bedrock upon which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bedrock upon which" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a foundation, basis, or fundamental principle on which something else is built or relies upon. For example: "The Constitution of the United States is the bedrock upon which our democracy stands." In this sentence, "bedrock upon which" is used to emphasize the significance and importance of the Constitution as the foundation of the country's government and laws.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

CCR was graced with Greg for 39 years and he was the bedrock upon which CCR was built.

The New York Times

Public opinion is not merely sometimes our only hope — it is the bedrock upon which a democratic system rests.

The New York Times - Books

"The Golf is the bedrock upon which our company is built," Jonathan Browning, head of Volkswagen of America, said in a brief interview here, after the vehicle's introduction.

The New York Times

Even today grade school students across the state are taught the Alamo's legend of doomed sacrifice and valor, as a sort of spiritual bedrock upon which Texas was born and built.

The New York Times - Books

In recent years the role of hypothermia as the bedrock upon which techniques of organ preservation are based, has received renewed attention due to its importance in the procurement, storage and resuscitation of less-than-optimal donor organs.

Cryobiology

"It is the combined knowledge of these groups and individuals, uniquely gained through groundwork and making mistakes then learning, that will provide a strong bedrock upon which the BBC can roll out its year of code," said Emma Mulqueeny, founder of Rewired State.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

America has a history intertwined with violence, it is one of the bedrocks upon which America was built and expanded, and until we come to terms with this history and continued obsession, we will continue to be among the world's most violent societies.

Huffington Post

In a letter to alumni yesterday, he wrote: "Everything we do will be in the service of journalism; to act otherwise would contravene the bedrock principles upon which the school was built.

The New York Times

Every worldview is built on a first premise -- the bedrock assumption upon which all else rides.

Huffington Post

Higher education joins a litany of other once sacrosanct, bedrock institutions upon which the promise of America is anchored.

Huffington Post

Its challenge--to do so without ever having to address the bedrock axioms upon which it all rests--long standing assumptions and premises which underlie the existing system and support its practices.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bedrock upon which" to emphasize the foundational and essential nature of something. It adds a layer of significance beyond simpler terms like "basis" or "foundation".

Common error

Avoid using "bedrock upon which" in overly simple or informal contexts where a more straightforward term like "basis" or "foundation" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bedrock upon which" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the foundational support or essential basis for something. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it emphasizes the critical role of a particular element.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bedrock upon which" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a fundamental foundation or basis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, especially in news, scientific, and formal writing, where emphasis on the essential nature of something is desired. While alternatives like "foundation on which" or "basis for" exist, "bedrock upon which" adds a distinctive weight and significance. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants its formality to avoid sounding pretentious. This phrase is a common way to illustrate how something fundamental enables or supports other things, ideas, and relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation on which

Replaces "bedrock" with the more common "foundation", maintaining the core meaning of a base or support.

basis on which

Substitutes "bedrock" with "basis", focusing on the underlying principle or reason.

groundwork for

Instead of 'bedrock', this use groundwork and 'for' instead of upon, but maintaining the meaning of creating a base.

underlying principle of

Emphasizes the fundamental rule or idea that supports something.

fundamental to

Highlights the essential and indispensable nature of the base.

core of

Uses "core" to denote the most important or essential part, differing slightly in emphasis.

base supporting

Focuses on the function of the base in directly supporting something else.

cornerstone of

Metaphorically refers to the indispensable element on which everything depends.

infrastructure for

Highlights the supporting systems and structures that enable something to function.

the heart of

Uses "heart" to describe the most central and vital part of something.

FAQs

What does "bedrock upon which" mean?

The phrase "bedrock upon which" refers to a fundamental or foundational element that serves as the basis for something else. It suggests a strong and unwavering support system.

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

You can use "bedrock upon which" to describe the essential foundation of an idea, system, or relationship. For example, "Trust is the "bedrock upon which" any successful partnership is built."

What are some alternatives to "bedrock upon which"?

Some alternatives include "foundation on which", "basis for", and "underlying principle of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "bedrock upon which" a formal or informal expression?

"Bedrock upon which" leans towards a more formal register. While not overly stiff, it's best suited for academic, professional, or serious writing rather than casual conversation.