foundational works

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foundational works" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to essential or fundamental pieces of literature, research, or art that serve as a basis for further development or understanding in a particular field. Example: "The foundational works of classical literature continue to influence modern writers and thinkers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Foundational works, they remind you of LeWitt's admiration for Bach.

The New York Times - Arts

This article and book are cited as the foundational works of cyberculture studies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Crónica general, a history of Spain, and the General estoria, an attempted universal history from the Creation onward, were foundational works of Spanish historiography.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was a coffeehouse argument among several fellow scientists that spurred Isaac Newton to write his "Principia Mathematica," one of the foundational works of modern science.

The New York Times

MET CHAMBER ENSEMBLE Three illustrious musicians — the soprano Anja Silja, the violinist Gil Shaham, and the pianist Yefim Bronfman — join James Levine and his group on their latest foray into the foundational works of the Second Viennese School, including Webern's Concerto for Nine Instruments, Berg's Chamber Concerto, and Schoenberg's "Pierrot Lunaire".

The New Yorker

Mr. Sekine's "Phase-Mother Earth" (1968), a cylinder of soil 9 feet tall and 7 feet in diameter that was displayed alongside the site of its extraction, was recreated for the Blum & Poe exhibition but is, sadly, absent here; it's one of the foundational works of Mono-ha, and a distant cousin of Land Art.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

A year later, she published "Woman in the Nineteenth Century," a foundational work of feminist history.

The New Yorker

Stonebraker was best known for his foundational work in the development and actualization of computer databases.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He understood, however, that the visual splendor of contemporary games doesn't diminish his foundational work.

The New Yorker

But Mailer always regarded "The White Negro" as the foundational work in his canon.

The New Yorker

"We have already made a good deal of progress on a lot of the foundational work".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a body of influential literature, research, or art, use "foundational works" to underscore their significance as a groundwork for subsequent developments.

Common error

Avoid using "foundational works" loosely for merely introductory material. Ensure the works genuinely established a basis for further advancements within their field.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundational works" primarily functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It typically acts as the subject or object, identifying essential texts or research that form the basis of a field of study.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "foundational works" is a noun phrase used to describe fundamental texts or research that have greatly influenced a particular field. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Appearing most often in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, its purpose is to highlight the significance of these works as the basis for future understanding or development. While alternatives like "seminal works" or "cornerstone works" exist, "foundational works" specifically underlines the groundwork these pieces provide. Therefore, when using "foundational works", ensure that the referenced material genuinely establishes a base for subsequent progress within its domain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental works

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

cornerstone works

Emphasizes the importance of these works as the basis for further development, like a cornerstone in a building.

seminal works

Highlights the influence and groundbreaking nature of the works, suggesting they have had a significant impact on their field.

essential works

Focuses on the necessity of these works for understanding a particular subject or discipline.

groundbreaking works

Highlights the innovative and pioneering aspect of these works.

pioneering works

Similar to "groundbreaking works", but emphasizes the initial and exploratory nature of these works.

primary works

Focuses on the direct and original nature of these works, suggesting they are the first source of information.

basic works

Stresses the elemental and introductory nature of the works.

core texts

Refers specifically to written materials that are central to a curriculum or field of study.

key publications

Highlights the importance and influence of these works in a formal or academic context.

FAQs

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

"Foundational works" are typically used to describe essential texts or pieces of research that have significantly influenced a field. For example: "Understanding these "fundamental works" is crucial for anyone entering the field of quantum physics."

What are some alternatives to "foundational works"?

You can use alternatives such as "seminal works", "cornerstone works", or "essential works" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes "foundational works" from simply "important works"?

"Foundational works" specifically establish a groundwork upon which subsequent work is built. "Important works", while significant, might not necessarily serve as a direct basis for later developments. Therefore, the term "foundational works" indicates a greater contribution to the development of a subject.

Is it correct to use "foundational works" when referring to a single piece of work?

While "foundational works" is plural, you can use "foundational work" to refer to a single piece. Alternatively, you could use the phrase "a "seminal work"" or "a "cornerstone work"" to describe a single, highly influential piece.