foundational concepts

USAGE SUMMARY

"foundational concepts" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to key ideas or principles that form the basis or starting point for a larger concept or theory. Examples: 1. The course on modern physics covers a wide range of foundational concepts, including relativity and quantum mechanics. 2. In order to fully understand macroeconomics, one must first grasp the foundational concepts of supply and demand. 3. The company's success can be attributed to its adherence to strong foundational concepts, such as transparency and innovation. 4. The government's new education policy aims to strengthen students' understanding of foundational concepts in math and science. 5. The book presents a comprehensive overview of the foundational concepts of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Classic articles, legal cases, and foundational concepts.

Stanford University

Foundational Concepts in Neuroscience: A Brain-Mind Odyssey.

University of California, Berkeley

Berzelius had provided both the patronage and the foundational concepts for Mitscherlich's own career.

Britannica

They're foundational concepts on which companies have built greatness over many years.

Harvard Business Review

Although individual technologies change day by day, they are underpinned by foundational concepts and principles that have endured for decades.

The Guardian

This review will highlight the foundational concepts upon which this perspective is built.

Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Present foundational concepts in gas-field engineering that are frequently misunderstood between participants.

Practical Onshore Gas Field Engineering

"THE environmental movement's foundational concepts, its method for framing legislative proposals, and its very institutions are outmoded.

The Economist

Learn foundational concepts in genetics and gain new insight into the rapidly evolving field of genomics.

Harvard University

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of design thinking.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This course focuses on the foundational concepts that drive these applications.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a new subject, always start by explaining the "foundational concepts" to ensure a solid understanding before moving on to more complex topics.

Common error

Avoid assuming that your audience already understands the "foundational concepts". Even experts benefit from a refresher, and it ensures everyone is on the same page.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundational concepts" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "foundational" modifies the noun "concepts". Ludwig examples confirm its use in academic and scientific discourse to denote fundamental principles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

Science

32%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foundational concepts" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to highlight the essential ideas or principles underpinning a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is widely employed in academic, scientific, and news contexts. Given its prevalence and clear meaning, using "foundational concepts" is a strong way to establish a base understanding for any topic. When writing, start with these core ideas before delving into more complex material.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basic principles

Focuses on the simplicity and fundamental nature of the ideas.

core ideas

Emphasizes the centrality and importance of the concepts.

fundamental notions

Highlights the basic and essential understanding.

underlying principles

Stresses the role of these concepts as the base upon which something is built.

key elements

Focuses on the crucial components or parts of a concept.

essential ideas

Highlights the necessity and importance of the concepts.

basic tenets

Implies a set of beliefs or principles that are held as true.

cornerstone principles

Emphasizes the importance as a base on which something depends.

primary concepts

Highlights that concepts are first in order of importance.

introductory ideas

Emphasizes that concepts are introduced as a basic stage.

FAQs

How can I use "foundational concepts" in a sentence?

You can use "foundational concepts" to describe basic principles in any field. For example: "Understanding the "foundational concepts" of mathematics is crucial for success in physics".

What are some synonyms for "foundational concepts"?

Alternatives include "basic principles", "core ideas", or "fundamental notions". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When should I use "foundational concepts" instead of "basic knowledge"?

"Foundational concepts" refers specifically to the fundamental ideas upon which a subject is built. "Basic knowledge" is more general and can include facts and skills. You might need basic knowledge to grasp the "foundational concepts".

Are "foundational concepts" and "theoretical framework" the same?

No. "Foundational concepts" are the basic ideas needed to understand a subject. A "theoretical framework" is a structure that guides research, built upon those "foundational concepts" and related theories.