foundational source

USAGE SUMMARY

'foundational source' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a source that serves as a foundation for an argument, hypothesis, or new idea. For example: "My research paper is based on information taken from a foundational source in the field of sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Close loving relationships, which for most of us are a foundational source of meaning, have no standing in the Wallace fictional universe.

The New Yorker

It served as one of the most important avenues of transmission for Platonist ideas, and as a foundational source for the Scholastic movement and medieval science in general.

Yale University

Its provenance continues to act as its foundational source of confidence.

Forbes

Therefore, the classical foundationalist's acquaintance or direct awareness cannot serve as a foundational source of knowledge or justified belief.

SEP

"I can teach the theory, but I just don't know how"—he flexed his fingers as he talked, showing off that foundational source of power—"to teach this". And there's that liminal relationship to the truth again.

Vice

Rather, I specifically sought the foundational source document used as the template for each school project called the "Facilities Master Plan," along with carefully detailed spreadsheets linked to it.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

An examination of roles established both for and by Muslim women relies on Islam's foundational sources.

Cornell University

The purpose of this study is to assess the relative merits of aspects labels or informal definitions of traditional nursing terminology systems as the foundational sources for target formal nursing terminology systems.

Journal of Biomedical Informatics

"There isn't unanimity in either of the foundational sources - the Koran and the Hadiths.

BBC

Yet each of these foundational sources is more ambiguous than we might at first think.

Huffington Post

This mixing, although small, provides the distribution of an important foundational food source for other, larger fish that call offshore oil and gas platforms home.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the origins or essential support of an idea, argument, or system, use "foundational source" to clearly indicate the importance and fundamental nature of that source. For example, in academic writing, clearly identifying the "foundational source" helps establish credibility and provides context.

Common error

Avoid assuming that every cited reference qualifies as a "foundational source". The term implies that the source is not just relevant, but critically important and formative to the discussed subject. Use the phrase judiciously to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundational source" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "foundational" modifies the noun "source". It signifies a source that is essential and fundamental to a concept, argument, or field of study. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is grammatically correct and appropriately used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

38%

News & Media

33%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foundational source" is a valid and useful term for identifying an essential reference point, as verified by Ludwig AI. It is particularly common in academic, news, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the source truly holds a fundamental role in the subject being discussed. Alternatives such as "fundamental source" or "primary source" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Being mindful of its precise meaning and context will enhance your clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental source

Replaces "foundational" with "fundamental", emphasizing the basic and essential nature of the source.

primary source

Focuses on the source being original and first-hand.

essential origin

Highlights the origin as being critical and indispensable.

basic foundation

Emphasizes the role as a base upon which something is built.

cornerstone resource

Presents the source as a key supporting element.

underlying basis

Emphasizes that the source is the base beneath the top.

founding element

Indicates the source is one of the first things used.

core component

Highlights that the source is a central part or aspect.

initial starting point

Focuses on the source being the location for beginning a journey or research.

integral foundation

Suggests that the base is an important part of the construction.

FAQs

How is "foundational source" used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "foundational source" refers to a seminal work or idea that significantly influences the development of a field or theory. It's a key reference point and demonstrates a strong understanding of the subject matter.

What are some alternatives to "foundational source"?

You can use alternatives like "fundamental source", "primary source", or "essential origin" depending on the specific context.

How does a "foundational source" differ from a general reference?

A "foundational source" is more than just a reference; it's a critical and formative work that underpins a theory or field. Unlike general references that provide supporting information, a "foundational source" shapes the fundamental concepts and directions of study.

Can a "foundational source" be outdated or disproven?

While a "foundational source" remains historically important, its theories or findings may be challenged or revised over time. Recognizing this evolution is crucial for a nuanced understanding of the subject. It is important to acknowledge any updates or modifications to the original "foundational source" in your analysis.