foundational document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foundational document" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary or essential document that serves as a basis for a particular system, organization, or set of principles. Example: "The constitution is often considered a foundational document for the governance of the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This 1912 report, like its Congolese predecessor, is a foundational document of human rights.

The Guardian - Books

"The Accidental Billionaires" also serves as the foundational document for the new movie "The Social Network".

The New York Times

It seems to me that all of us should begin as our foundational document with the Constitution".

The New Yorker

The social environment in which our foundational document was written was greatly different than it is today.

The Guardian - Film

Her self-defense, in the form of a letter to her bishop, is a foundational document of feminist history.

The New Yorker

But it is far from clear what message is being sent by, for instance, reading aloud the nation's foundational document.

The New York Times

Why is Magna Carta today recognized as the foundational document of English constitutional law and the symbol of liberty and freedom throughout the English-speaking world?

The Guardian

Charles Krauthammer writes: If Barack Obama succeeds, his joint address to Congress will be seen as historic — indeed as the foundational document of Obamaism.

The New Yorker

And because the foundational document is often ambiguous and contradictory -- retributive one minute, intoxicatingly poetic the next -- it is, like the Bible, ripe for legalistic interpretation.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead there's roughly $250bn, reported Steyer-Taylor researchers in a 2014 white paper (pdf) that became a foundational document for the new initiative.

The Guardian

A transcript of Welch's presentation to the group was published as "The Blue Book" (1959), and it became the Society's foundational document.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "foundational document", ensure the context clearly establishes what system, organization, or set of principles it provides a basis for. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "foundational document" when a simpler term like "important document" or "key text" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact. Be specific about the document's role and significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundational document" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object, used to identify a document that serves as the basis for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correct usage is well-documented.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

29%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foundational document" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that identifies a crucial document forming the basis of a system, organization, or set of principles. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is primarily employed in news and media, academia, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what it underpins, avoiding overuse in vague situations. Alternatives such as "cornerstone document" or "fundamental text" can offer nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cornerstone document

Emphasizes the idea that the document serves as an essential basis for something larger.

fundamental text

Highlights the basic or essential nature of the written work.

seminal writing

Focuses on the document's influence and importance in shaping later developments.

basic charter

Implies a formal document that establishes the principles or rules of an organization or entity.

key document

Highlights the importance of the document without necessarily implying it's a foundation.

essential record

Focuses on the documentary aspect and its importance.

governing document

Implies that the document has the power to direct or control.

principal source

Highlights its role as a primary point of origin or information.

inaugural writing

Focuses on the document as initiating or marking the beginning of something.

primary text

Simply denotes the text as the main one among others.

FAQs

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

You can use "foundational document" to describe a document that establishes the basis for something. For example: "The Constitution is the "foundational document" of the United States government."

What are some alternatives to "foundational document"?

Alternatives include "cornerstone document", "fundamental text", or "seminal writing", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "foundational document" a formal or informal term?

"Foundational document" is generally considered a formal term suitable for academic, legal, and professional contexts. Simpler terms might be more appropriate for informal settings.

What makes a document "foundational"?

A document is considered "foundational" if it establishes the fundamental principles, rules, or guidelines that a system, organization, or field of study is built upon. It is a key reference point for understanding and interpreting subsequent developments.