enlarge the foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enlarge the foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the physical act of making a foundation larger, often in construction or architectural contexts. Example: "To support the additional weight of the new structure, we need to enlarge the foundation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

To repair the dam, workers will enlarge the plunge pool downstream, to reduce erosion near the foundation.

The New Yorker

Significantly, the law applies to alterations that enlarge the area of an existing building and require new or reinforced foundations.

The New York Times

You can enlarge the font.

The New Yorker

Leaders should enlarge the circle of stakeholders.

Harvard Business Review

Click here to enlarge the image.

The Guardian

So they could easily enlarge the kitchen.

The New York Times

"We want to enlarge the pie".

The New York Times - Arts

Click to enlarge the image.

Duke University

They enlarge the image.

Huffington Post

(Click to enlarge the regional map).

Huffington Post

Click to enlarge the image below.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific terms like "widen", "deepen", or "reinforce" for clarity if you mean a specific action rather than simply making it bigger.

Common error

Avoid using "enlarge the foundation" loosely in contexts where a more precise term would be better. For example, instead of saying "We need to enlarge the foundation of our marketing strategy", consider using "strengthen", "expand", or "redevelop" depending on the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enlarge the foundation" functions as a verb phrase where "enlarge" is the verb and "the foundation" is the direct object. It typically describes the action of making a base or support structure larger.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "enlarge the foundation" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of expanding a base or support structure. While Ludwig indicates that the phrase is valid, it's currently uncommon, with minimal examples available. It can be used literally in construction or metaphorically in other contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding the type of expansion intended (physical or conceptual) and consider more precise alternatives like "expand", "strengthen", or "reinforce" for nuanced meanings. The register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, but careful consideration should be given to the specific intent to avoid overuse or ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expand the base

Focuses on physical expansion of the base, similar to enlarging the foundation.

broaden the groundwork

Implies making the initial preparations or base wider in scope.

widen the footing

Specifically refers to increasing the width of the supporting base.

extend the substructure

Suggests lengthening or prolonging the underlying structure.

deepen the roots

Metaphorically relates to strengthening the base by making it more profound.

reinforce the base

Emphasizes strengthening the existing base rather than just making it bigger.

strengthen the support

Highlights improving the robustness of the foundational support.

develop the underlying structure

Suggests a more comprehensive and gradual improvement of the base.

augment the infrastructure

Implies adding to or improving the existing infrastructural base.

build upon the existing framework

Focuses on adding to and extending the current framework.

FAQs

How can I use "enlarge the foundation" in a sentence?

You can use "enlarge the foundation" to describe physically expanding the base of a structure or metaphorically to mean strengthening the base of an idea or organization. Example: "To support the new wing, we need to enlarge the foundation." Or, "We must enlarge the foundation of our customer base to ensure long-term stability."

What's a more formal way to say "enlarge the foundation"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "expand the base", "augment the infrastructure", or "develop the underlying structure". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance depending on the context. For example, to "expand the base" emphasizes physical growth, while to "develop the underlying structure" suggests a more comprehensive approach.

What are some synonyms for "enlarge the foundation" that emphasize strengthening rather than size?

If you want to emphasize strengthening the base, you could use phrases like "reinforce the base", "strengthen the support", or "deepen the roots". To "reinforce the base" suggests making an existing base stronger, while to "deepen the roots" implies establishing a more profound and secure foundation.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "enlarge the foundation"?

The phrase "enlarge the foundation" is most appropriate in contexts relating to construction, architecture, or engineering when discussing physical structures. It can also be used metaphorically in business or organizational contexts to describe improving or expanding the underlying base or framework of something.