foundation of fact

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foundation of fact" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the basis or underlying truths that support a particular argument, theory, or conclusion. Example: "The foundation of fact for her argument was well-researched and supported by credible sources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Witnesses may relate fictional scenarios to support their arguments, but they must draw on a foundation of fact.

The New York Times

Any story based on "the fantastic, the unreal, the imaginative," he understood, needed "a foundation of fact".

The New Yorker

But the Times article was built on a solid foundation of fact, and Richard Stevenson, the editor directing coverage of the election, said, "We don't want to fall into the trap of false equivalency".

The New York Times

The idea of their imagining him as Superman in flight was built on a foundation of fact, with Mr. Fo's fantastical details added on, one at a time, so that the absurdity seemed to be a natural consequence of the truth.

The New York Times

Taken together, Disney's foundation of fact and Coleridge's semblance of truth suggest a good starting place for any Unified Theory of the Plausibility of Supernatural Beings: the more closely such creatures hew to the real world, the more likely we are to deem them believable.

The New Yorker

For the system to function, there has to be a solid foundation of fact.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Its provocative argument rested on a solid foundation of facts, and a close, scholarly study of several generations of innovation and decline in the disk-drive industry.

The New York Times

As a professor at the University of Padua, Vesalius encouraged younger scientists to accept traditional anatomy only after verifying it themselves, and this more critical and questioning attitude broke Galen's authority and placed anatomy on a firm foundation of observed fact and demonstration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The modern historical profession owes its birth, to a large degree, to the belief among late-19th-century historians -- most notably the great German scholar Leopold von Ranke -- that new scientific methods could liberate the study of history from opinion and prejudice, and put scholarship squarely on a foundation of unimpeachable fact.

The New York Times - Books

NELL, he says, is just getting under way, and its growing knowledge base of facts and relations is intended as a foundation for improving machine intelligence.

The New York Times - Science

As a matter of fact, the foundation is working with the Consumer Electronics Association to help create standards for measuring sleep and setting standards for sleep data collection.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When constructing an argument, ensure you can clearly identify the "foundation of fact" upon which your claims rest. This strengthens your credibility and persuasiveness.

Common error

Avoid presenting opinions or assumptions as if they are built on a "foundation of fact" when verifiable evidence is lacking. This can undermine your authority and damage trust with your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundation of fact" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a complement or object within a sentence. It identifies the underlying basis or supporting evidence upon which an argument, theory, or narrative is built. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase is used to describe the basis of a claim.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "foundation of fact" is a noun phrase used to describe the underlying verifiable basis for an argument or idea. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in neutral to formal contexts, especially in news, science and encyclopedia sources. To ensure strong and persuasive writing, make sure your claims are rooted in a solid "foundation of fact". Consider alternatives like "basis of truth" or "groundwork of evidence" to refine your message. Be cautious of presenting unsubstantiated claims as built on a "foundation of fact", as this can erode credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basis of truth

Emphasizes the element of truth as the groundwork instead of the broader concept of "fact".

groundwork of evidence

Focuses on the evidential support rather than the factual basis, highlighting the supporting proof.

factual underpinning

Highlights the supporting structure of facts, shifting the emphasis to the structural support.

verifiable basis

Emphasizes the verifiability of the foundation, focusing on the ability to confirm the facts.

empirical basis

Specifically points to evidence gained through observation or experiment as the foundation.

factual groundwork

Inverts the structure of the original phrase, slightly altering the flow but maintaining the core meaning.

core of reality

Shifts focus to the realness of the core elements, rather than the factual accuracy of the base.

basis of reality

Similar to "core of reality" but broader, highlighting the realness of something's fundamental basis.

true foundation

Emphasizes the truth aspect of the foundation, potentially implying a contrast to a false or assumed foundation.

substructure of fact

Focuses on the underlying structural elements that are factual, emphasizing the components rather than the base itself.

FAQs

How can I use "foundation of fact" in a sentence?

You can use "foundation of fact" to describe the basis of an argument or idea. For example: "The success of the project rests on a solid "foundation of fact"."

What is an alternative to using "foundation of fact"?

Alternatives include "basis of truth", "groundwork of evidence", or "factual underpinning", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "foundation of fact" or "foundation of opinion"?

"Foundation of fact" is used when the basis is verifiable and objective, while "foundation of opinion" suggests the basis is subjective and personal. The choice depends on the nature of the claim you are making.

What distinguishes "foundation of fact" from "matter of fact"?

"Foundation of fact" refers to the underlying basis for a claim or argument, whereas "matter of fact" describes something that is undeniably true and not open to debate. A "matter of fact" can serve as a "foundation of fact".