firm foundation for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "firm foundation for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the basis or groundwork for something, such as an idea, project, or relationship. Example: "Education provides a firm foundation for a successful career."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They just sat down and chatted, which isn't a particularly firm foundation for a psychological system.

The New Yorker

Encouraging households to borrow more and more hardly builds a firm foundation for future growth.

The Economist

For the first time in German history, however, it provided a firm foundation for democratic development.

Britannica

Such thermal AE features provide a firm foundation for analysing and monitoring the AE features of grinding burn.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

The White House seems to think the deal has established a firm foundation for building a new fiscal house.

The New York Times

By the time humans came around, evolution had forged a pretty firm foundation for a moral sense.

The New York Times

"The bill provides a firm foundation for empowering consumers and will benefit businesses that treat their customers fairly".

Independent

In other words, Descartes busied himself with metaphysics only in order to provide a firm foundation for physics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Only a rules-based EU framework can provide a firm foundation for both bilateral and union-wide relations with Russia.

The Guardian - Opinion

This bequest laid a firm foundation for the subsequent acquisition of numerous important new electronic resources at the library.

Stanford University

The notion of differential privacy has provided a firm foundation for the formal study of privacy guarantees.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "firm foundation for", ensure that the subsequent structure or concept you are building upon it is logically connected and benefits from the stability the foundation provides. For example, a "firm foundation for" democracy might be a robust legal system and an educated populace.

Common error

Avoid using "firm foundation for" in contexts where the 'foundation' is too abstract or lacks concrete supporting elements. For instance, saying 'a firm foundation for hope' might be less effective than specifying the concrete actions or beliefs that provide this foundation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "firm foundation for" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a complement to a verb or preposition. It describes something that serves as a stable and reliable base upon which something else is built, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

29%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "firm foundation for" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a stable and reliable base for something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable across diverse contexts. Its high frequency across sources like Science, News & Media, and Academia underscores its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure that the subsequent concept logically benefits from the stability provided. Alternatives such as "solid basis for" or "strong groundwork for" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. Remember to use this phrase only if the 'foundation' is truly concrete and supportive. Overall, "firm foundation for" is a useful tool for clearly conveying the importance of a strong base in various discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Solid basis for

Emphasizes the fundamental and reliable nature of the base.

Strong groundwork for

Highlights the preparatory and developmental aspect of the foundation.

Stable platform for

Suggests a secure and reliable base for further development or action.

Secure footing for

Implies safety and confidence in the initial steps or position.

Reliable starting point for

Focuses on the dependability of the initial stage or position.

Resilient bedrock for

Highlights the strength and durability of the underlying base.

Dependable substructure for

Emphasizes the reliable and supportive nature of the underlying framework.

Sound underpinnings for

Suggests a solid and well-constructed base.

Lasting infrastructure for

Highlights the enduring and supportive nature of the established framework.

Unshakeable groundwork for

Stresses the stability and dependability of the initial arrangements.

FAQs

How can I use "firm foundation for" in a sentence?

You can use "firm foundation for" to describe something that provides a stable and reliable base for future development or success. For example, "A good education provides a "firm foundation for" a successful career".

What are some alternatives to "firm foundation for"?

Some alternatives include "solid basis for", "strong groundwork for", or "stable platform for", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "firm foundation for" or "strong foundation for"?

Both "firm foundation for" and "strong foundation for" are acceptable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Firm" emphasizes stability and reliability, while "strong" highlights robustness and resilience. They are largely interchangeable in many contexts.

Can "firm foundation for" be used in abstract contexts?

Yes, "firm foundation for" can be used in abstract contexts, but it's more effective when the elements contributing to the foundation are clear. For example, "mutual respect is a "firm foundation for" a lasting relationship".