foundational values

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foundational values" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the core principles or beliefs that serve as the basis for a system, organization, or individual's actions and decisions. Example: "The company's foundational values include integrity, innovation, and respect for all individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

I'm talking about foundational values.

The New York Times

What are "our" foundational values?

University of California, Berkeley

Teachers know that plagiarism undermines the foundational values of higher education.

The Guardian

Commitment to certain foundational values is a theme that comes up a lot with Berkeley booksellers.

University of California, Berkeley

In "The Protestant Ethic," Max Weber pointed out that the foundational values of the nation were grounded in the virtue of work, work, work.

The New Yorker

Freedom, justice, and equality are our foundational values, even if they have been imperfectly applied, and they are exactly what have been denied to Palestinians for decades.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Reeves has seen that foundational value in action: "I think this community gives women a fair chance and is more welcoming than other regions in the U.S.," she says.

The Guardian

As embodied in the graduate field structure, academic freedom is a foundational value for the Graduate School, which is a centralized unit, formally independent of the various colleges of the university.

Cornell University

The complex nature of arithmetic and its foundational value for mathematics are well known by mathematicians and mathematics educators.

International Journal of STEM Education

Because the foundational value of IoT lies in bridging the physical-digital divide, attackers can now target operational technology (OT) to cause actual physical damage.

TechCrunch

However the foundational value of this interpretation is limited since, as proof objects, Curry-Howard \(\lambda\ -terms denote nothing but derivations in \lambda\ -terms) itself andenote yield a circular provability semanothingor the latter.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing organizational or national identity, clearly define which "foundational values" you are referencing to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify if you're referring to values like freedom, equality, or justice.

Common error

Avoid using "foundational values" as a vague, catch-all phrase. Instead, explicitly state the specific values you are referring to. For example, rather than saying "the project aligns with our foundational values", specify which values, such as 'collaboration', 'innovation', and 'sustainability', guide the project.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundational values" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify and categorize the most basic and essential beliefs or principles upon which something is developed or organized. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase accurately and effectively conveys the concept of core values.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foundational values" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies the core beliefs or principles underpinning a system or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for use in formal and neutral contexts, especially when clarity and explicitness are needed. Related phrases like "core values" or "fundamental principles" can be used as alternatives, depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly define which values you are referring to, as this ensures that the intended message is effectively communicated and avoids ambiguity. It is very common in News & Media, Academia and Formal & Business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core values

Focuses on the essential and central values of an entity.

fundamental principles

Emphasizes the basic rules or beliefs upon which something is based.

basic tenets

Highlights the core doctrines or principles of a belief system.

underlying beliefs

Stresses the beliefs that form the foundation for actions or decisions.

guiding principles

Suggests values that provide direction and influence behavior.

essential virtues

Focuses on the moral excellence and importance of these values.

bedrock values

Implies a strong, stable, and unchanging foundation of values.

key principles

Highlights the importance of these values as essential components.

ethical foundations

Emphasizes the moral and ethical basis of a system or organization.

moral compass

Refers to internal values guiding ethical decisions and behavior.

FAQs

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

"Foundational values" are often used to describe the core beliefs or principles that underpin a system, organization, or individual's behavior. For example, "The company's success is built upon its "core values" of integrity and customer service."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "foundational values"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "core values", "fundamental principles", or "guiding principles" to convey a similar meaning.

What is the difference between "foundational values" and "basic tenets"?

"Foundational values" generally refer to the fundamental beliefs that support a system or entity, while "basic tenets" more specifically implies the core doctrines or principles of a belief system or philosophy. The nuance lies in the scope; tenets are more associated with defined ideologies.

Are "foundational values" the same as "moral compass"?

While both terms relate to principles that guide behavior, "moral compass" typically refers to an individual's internal sense of right and wrong, whereas "foundational values" can apply to individuals, groups, or organizations and represent the broad, fundamental beliefs they uphold.