forms the groundwork for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forms the groundwork for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the foundational elements or principles that support or lead to a particular outcome or development. Example: "The research conducted in this study forms the groundwork for future investigations into climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Indeed, such bibliometric analysis forms the groundwork for search engines such as Google.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Her research for "The Architecture of the Greenwich Village Waterfront" formed the groundwork for the later designation of several historic districts in Greenwich Village.

The New York Times

With Rebay encouraging him, Guggenheim began acquiring works by Kandinsky, Gris, Léger, Moholy-Nagy and others that would one day form the groundwork for the Guggenheim's famous collection.

The New York Times

The experience gained during our field study form the groundwork for giving recommendations on meliorating the socio-cultural challenges facing women entrepreneurs and on how mobile phones could assist to tackle them.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

These and other figures are highly encouraging for people looking to tap a rapidly growing market, and it follows that a stronger internal tech culture will also form the groundwork for Colombia's own aspirations in the field of innovation.

TechCrunch

Data from this and future studies regarding decreasing grip strength and the contribution of each finger are expected to form the groundwork for ergonomic hand tool design and development.

Applied Ergonomics

Such a study can form the groundwork for connecting functional and regulatory differences to the sequence variants that have accumulated over evolutionary time.

Genetics

The six-member committee was formed five years ago to lay the groundwork for an arts therapy program that would do more than surround children with painted rainbows and sunny skies.

The New York Times

But what I am arguing for goes deeper and forms the groundwork that sound policies must be built on.

Huffington Post

While laying the groundwork for forming the company, he spent hours devouring all things Balanchine at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.

The New York Times - Arts

An episode in May will take the form of a prequel, laying the groundwork for a spinoff that could make its debut as soon as the fall, the network said.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "forms the groundwork for", ensure that the subsequent development or outcome is clearly linked to the groundwork being established. This helps maintain clarity and strengthens the logical connection in your writing.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of the "groundwork". Ensure that the claimed foundational work genuinely supports the subsequent development, rather than being a minor or loosely related factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forms the groundwork for" functions as a connector, indicating that something is creating the necessary basis or foundation for a subsequent action, event, or development. As Ludwig highlights, it's used to link present actions to future possibilities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "forms the groundwork for" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to denote the establishment of a foundation or basis for future developments. Ludwig identifies it as appropriate for linking present actions to future possibilities, often found in professional and news contexts. While not as frequent as alternatives like "lays the foundation for", it serves effectively to highlight causal relationships. When using this phrase, ensure a clear connection between the groundwork and its anticipated outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is suitable for use in written English and offers viable alternatives to enhance clarity and variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lays the foundation for

This alternative emphasizes the act of establishing a base or starting point, similar to laying physical groundwork.

establishes the basis for

This phrase highlights the creation of a fundamental principle or reason upon which something is built.

provides the foundation for

Focuses on the act of supplying a necessary base, suggesting a contribution rather than a creation.

sets the stage for

This idiom refers to creating the circumstances that allow something to happen.

creates the preconditions for

This suggests making something possible by fulfilling necessary conditions.

paves the way for

This idiom refers to making progress easier or possible.

underlies the development of

This phrase emphasizes the fundamental support that enables development or growth.

builds the platform for

This alternative highlights constructing a base for launching future actions or developments.

serves as a springboard for

This emphasizes the impetus or initial boost provided by the groundwork.

opens the door for

This idiom implies creating an opportunity or possibility for something to occur.

FAQs

What does "forms the groundwork for" mean?

The phrase "forms the groundwork for" means to establish a foundation or basis that makes future developments or outcomes possible. It indicates that certain actions or principles are creating the conditions necessary for something else to occur.

How can I use "forms the groundwork for" in a sentence?

You can use "forms the groundwork for" to describe how an initial effort or set of ideas is creating a basis for future progress. For example: "This research "lays the foundation for" future studies."

What are some alternatives to "forms the groundwork for"?

Some alternatives to "forms the groundwork for" include "lays the foundation for", "establishes the basis for", and "provides the foundation for". These phrases all convey a similar meaning of creating a base or starting point.

Is it better to use "forms the groundwork for" or "lays the groundwork for"?

Both "forms the groundwork for" and "lays the groundwork for" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference. However, "lays the groundwork for" might be more common in everyday usage.