foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

"foundation" is a perfectly acceptable and widely used word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the basis on which something is built, such as a belief, a plan, or an institution. For example: "The foundation of our democracy is a respected and active voting system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Opinion

Lifestyle

Arts

TV & Radio

Tech

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The report has been produced by the Commonwealth Fund, a Washington-based foundation which is respected around the world for its analysis of the performance of different countries' health systems.

The Guardian

A local school is using rooms in the building during the week (providing income) and a charitable foundation is running children's activities.

The Guardian - Books

But there's always been a grey area about what's entirely devolved, with enough ambiguity for the party to cast popular votes, which also fitted with its instincts, against student fees and foundation hospitals south of the border.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Ultimately we are looking to build up a solid foundation of expertise among commissioners so they commissioning can be done expertly and consistently," she says.

The Guardian

Recently, UNDP introduced legal aid for justice, an initiative designed to provide comprehensive support to legal aid systems across different regions, using the UN principles and guidelines on access to legal aid in criminal justice systems as its foundation.

The Guardian

While I wouldn't recommend buying a foundation from Poundland (bit green), or its makeup brushes (you can do better at an art shop) there are several products you can happily invest in.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Joan: The Bogart Foundation.

The New York Times

Fortunately, the Bloomberg Foundation agreed to cover the costs of defending Uruguay.

The Guardian

Dutton said he had talked to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and with the biotechnology and vaccine company CSL "about work that we might be able to partner in and we'll have something further to say about that in due course".

The Guardian

For 37 years he led the Industrial Areas Foundation, a network of faith- and community-based organisations centred on the US.

The Guardian

David Hopkins – senior advisory manager: charities and grant making, at CAF philanthropy services David heads up the Charities and Grant-Making Solutions team at the Charities Aid Foundation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "foundation" in your writing, clearly define the specific aspect you are referring to – whether it's a physical base, an organization, or an underlying principle. This will help ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "foundation" without specifying what it supports. For example, instead of saying "The foundation is important", clarify what that foundation supports: "The foundation of their success is hard work."

Linguistic Context

The word "foundation" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the basis or groundwork of something, whether physical, conceptual, or organizational. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where "foundation" acts as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Books

11%

Opinion

7%

Less common in

Lifestyle

4%

Arts

4%

TV & Radio

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "foundation" is a versatile noun commonly used to denote the basis, support, or establishment of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using "foundation", ensure clarity by specifying what it supports to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "groundwork", "basis", and "cornerstone" can be used depending on the context. While "foundation" generally maintains a neutral register, its precise meaning and application should be carefully considered to enhance effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

groundwork

Emphasizes the preparatory work or initial stages that support further development.

basis

Highlights the underlying principle or reason on which something is based.

cornerstone

Suggests a fundamental element that is essential for the integrity and stability of something.

underpinning

Focuses on the supporting structure or principles that lie beneath the surface.

base

Refers to the bottom or supporting part of something, both literally and figuratively.

bedrock

Implies a solid, fundamental layer or principle that provides unwavering support.

infrastructure

Refers to the basic physical and organizational structures needed for a society or enterprise to operate.

establishment

Highlights the act of setting up or founding something.

institution

Focuses on an established organization or corporation dedicated to a particular cause or purpose.

inception

Emphasizes the beginning or starting point of something.

FAQs

How can I use "foundation" in a sentence?

You can use "foundation" to refer to the basis of something, such as in "The foundation of their argument was flawed" or to refer to an organization, as in "She donated to the local foundation".

What can I say instead of "foundation"?

You can use alternatives like "groundwork", "basis", or "cornerstone" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "foundation" and "institution"?

"Foundation" often refers to the underlying principles or support structure, while "institution" typically refers to an established organization. For example, the foundation of democracy is free speech, while a university is an "institution".

Is it correct to use "foundation" to describe a belief system?

Yes, it is correct. You can use "foundation" to describe a set of beliefs or principles on which something is based. For example, "The foundation of his philosophy is based on existentialism".