foundation upon which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foundation upon which" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a base or foundation on which something else is built or established. For example: "This company was built on a strong foundation upon which we can continue to grow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Traditional schools can be a great foundation upon which to add parental and other academic resources.

The New York Times

To do less would diminish us and undermine the foundation upon which we stand".

The Guardian - Opinion

There is no common cultural foundation upon which to create a formal grand plan.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are the foundation upon which the edifice of North Korean cultural orthodoxy has been raised.

The Guardian

Scientific education must therefore be the foundation upon which our future rests.

The Guardian

I believe these reforms are the foundation upon which we must build our new Labor party.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a solid foundation upon which to build the next great energy transition.

The New York Times

The historical heritage is, of course, the foundation upon which the current situation rests.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The foundation upon which Frege and Russell had hoped to build mathematics had, it seemed, collapsed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This is the foundation upon which European portraiture is based," Mr. Christiansen noted.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Theoretical methods provide the foundation upon which such sensors can be devised.

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "foundation upon which", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly articulates what is being built or established on that foundation. This provides clarity and strengthens the sentence's overall impact.

Common error

Avoid using "foundation upon which" when a simpler phrasing like "foundation for" or "basis of" would suffice. Overly complex language can dilute your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundation upon which" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or clause by specifying the base or origin for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and serves to establish a clear relationship between a base and what is built upon it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foundation upon which" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate the base or starting point for something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, ensure that the subsequent clause clearly defines what is being built upon the foundation. While it's an accepted and versatile phrase, be mindful of potential redundancy and consider simpler alternatives like "basis for" or "foundation of" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

built upon

Shortens the original phrase and keeps the core meaning and grammatical structure, by implying that something is constructed or established on a particular base

basis on which

Replaces "foundation" with "basis", slightly altering the emphasis but maintaining the core meaning of a fundamental starting point.

groundwork for

"Groundwork" suggests preparatory work that serves as a foundation, differing slightly in that it implies active preparation.

platform for

"Platform" implies a raised level or stage, suggesting a base for action or development.

cornerstone of

"Cornerstone" highlights the essential and indispensable nature of the foundation, adding a sense of importance.

bedrock of

"Bedrock" suggests a solid, unshakeable foundation, emphasizing stability and resilience.

underlying principle of

Shifts focus to the abstract concept or rule that forms the basis, rather than a physical foundation.

fundamental to

Highlights the essential and intrinsic nature of the foundational element.

dependent on

Indicates reliance on a base, emphasizing how much a thing is conditioned by another.

resting on

Implies support from a base, by conveying a sense of physical support for a thing.

FAQs

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

Use "foundation upon which" to indicate the basis or starting point for something else, as in, "The legal system is the "basis on which" a just society is built."

What phrases are similar to "foundation upon which"?

Alternatives include "basis on which", "groundwork for", and "platform for". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a simpler alternative to "foundation upon which"?

Yes, consider using "basis for" or "foundation of" for a more concise phrasing.

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

While similar, "foundation upon which" often implies a more structured or substantial base, whereas ""basis on which"" can refer to a more abstract or conceptual starting point.