foundation on which

USAGE SUMMARY

'foundation on which' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is acting as a support or basis for something else. For example, "Education is the foundation on which a successful future is built".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are the foundation on which all else must stand.

The Economist

It is the foundation on which our prosperity is built.

The New York Times

There's a solid foundation on which they were built.

The Guardian

It's the foundation on which we can build a better society.

Independent

That provides a foundation on which many other towering misconceptions can be constructed.

The Economist

This basic idea provides a foundation on which modern theories about economic recovery are built.

The New York Times - Magazine

Soil is the foundation on which the house of terrestrial biodiversity is built.

The New York Times

Consequently, the foundation on which to reconstruct his oeuvre is very narrow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even the Crains have acknowledged that this is a skewed foundation on which to base policy.

The New York Times

But it remains the foundation on which the rest is built.

The Economist

Soil is the foundation on which the house of terrestrial biodiversity _____ built.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foundation on which" when emphasizing that something serves as a crucial base or starting point for further development or construction, whether literal or figurative. For example, "Trust is the foundation on which any successful relationship is built."

Common error

Avoid using "foundation on which" in contexts where a simpler preposition like "on" or "upon" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious. Consider whether the 'foundation' aspect is truly central to the meaning you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundation on which" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. It specifies the basis or support upon which something is built or established. Ludwig examples illustrate how it connects an abstract concept with its underlying principle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

27%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foundation on which" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote something acting as a crucial base. According to Ludwig, this phrase is used to emphasize the fundamental nature of the base upon which something else depends. While versatile across contexts, it's generally more appropriate for formal and neutral writing styles. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "basis upon which" or "base on which", while avoiding overuse in simplistic situations to maintain clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

base on which

A more concise way to express the same relationship of support.

basis upon which

Changes the preposition but maintains the core meaning of a base or starting point.

groundwork for which

Replaces "foundation" with "groundwork", emphasizing the preparatory nature of the base.

bedrock for

Replaces "foundation" with "bedrock", highlighting the solid and unshakeable character of the base.

premise upon which

Emphasizes the assumption or starting point of an argument or idea.

platform for which

Implies the meaning of being the mean to start something

core from which

Highlights the central and essential nature of the supporting element.

cornerstone of

Emphasizes the importance of the element as a key supporting feature.

underlying principle of

Shifts the focus to the guiding idea rather than a physical base.

structure wherein

Frames the support as a encompassing structure

FAQs

How can I use "foundation on which" in a sentence?

You can use "foundation on which" to describe something that acts as the basis for something else. For example, "A strong education is the "foundation on which" a successful career is built."

What are some alternatives to "foundation on which"?

Alternatives include "basis upon which", "groundwork for which", or simply "base on which". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "foundation on which" formal or informal?

"Foundation on which" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In informal contexts, you might opt for simpler alternatives like "based on" or "relying on".

What's the difference between "foundation on which" and "based on"?

"Foundation on which" emphasizes the foundational aspect more strongly than "based on". While both indicate a dependency, "foundation on which" suggests a more integral and crucial relationship.