foundational truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foundational truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing fundamental principles or beliefs that serve as the basis for a system of thought or understanding. Example: "In philosophy, the concept of justice is often considered a foundational truth that guides ethical decision-making."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

In fact I and am and here are all pointing to the same essential truth, pointing to that which needs no foundation for its support, because it is the foundational truth.

Huffington Post

Oblique language and passive terminology cannot obscure a foundational truth of this era, one that we've become comfortable with not discussing: we are all anchored to a time and place, all connected to a nation or region or culture or religion, in conflict with another.

The New Yorker

Too much of our politics today ignores that foundational truth.

Huffington Post

Learning that foundational truth begins at home, modeled by moms and dads.

Huffington Post

That is a foundational truth that has served me well, to this day.

Huffington Post

We are becoming blind to a foundational truth: Only the glue of civility can bind together a democratic society.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

While most of my friends and colleagues (a heartless, cynical crew if ever there was one) took Armstrong's guilt as one of the foundational truths of modern cycling, I held out the hope that he was just actually, well, better.

The New Yorker

Such beliefs, as Gellman defines them, are the epistemic givens in a religious belief system — the assumed, foundational truths upon which all else is built.

SEP

However, he argues, since belief assessment only makes sense when one isn't certain that the belief in question is true, and since rock bottom religious beliefs are among the foundational truths — the basic, assumed truths — in an exclusivist's epistemic system, no assessment is necessary.

SEP

That's right, you can find evidence for the foundational truths taught by religion in virtually every double blind medical research study!

Huffington Post

Nomadism holds that there are no foundational truths, only shifting and contingent models that are as temporally relative as the conditions among individuals, communities, and environments that produces them.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foundational truth" when emphasizing that a particular truth serves as the basis or groundwork for a larger concept, argument, or system of belief. This highlights its importance as a starting point.

Common error

Avoid using "foundational truth" to describe simple or trivial facts. Reserve it for describing truly fundamental principles that have broad and lasting implications to avoid sounding hyperbolic or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundational truth" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "foundational" modifies the noun "truth". It is used to identify a principle or belief that is fundamental and essential.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foundational truth" is a phrase used to describe a fundamental and essential principle or belief that serves as the basis for a system of thought or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is uncommon, it finds its primary contexts in news, media, and scientific discourse. When writing, ensure you reserve "foundational truth" for truly significant contexts where a principle underpins a larger argument or system to avoid sounding hyperbolic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental truth

Replaces "foundational" with a synonym emphasizing the basic and essential nature of the truth.

core truth

Focuses on the central and most important aspect of the truth.

bedrock principle

Uses "bedrock" to convey the sense of a firm and unshakeable foundation.

basic principle

Shifts the focus from truth to the underlying principle.

cardinal principle

Emphasizes the importance of the truth as a guiding principle.

essential fact

Replaces "truth" with "fact", highlighting the objective and verifiable nature of the statement.

key tenet

Highlights the role of the truth as a central belief or doctrine.

underlying reality

Emphasizes the reality that supports and explains observable phenomena.

primary axiom

Positions the truth as a self-evident and fundamental assumption.

ultimate reality

Highlights the fact that the truth represents something genuine and final.

FAQs

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

You can use "foundational truth" to describe principles that underpin a system of thought, belief, or knowledge. For example, "The belief in equality is a "foundational truth" for modern democracy."

What are some alternatives to "foundational truth"?

Alternatives include "fundamental truth", "core principle", or "essential fact". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "foundational truth" and "basic truth"?

"Foundational truth" emphasizes the role of the truth as a base or groundwork, while "basic truth" simply means a simple or fundamental truth. "Foundational" implies a supporting role.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "foundational truth"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize the fundamental importance of a truth that serves as a basis for further understanding or action. It's often used in philosophical, ethical, or scientific discussions where underlying principles are crucial.