foundations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foundations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the underlying basis or groundwork of a concept, idea, or structure. Example: "The foundations of modern physics were laid by pioneers such as Newton and Einstein."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"My successor will inherit a business with very strong commercial foundations in place.

The Guardian

This, warn the old Tory chairmen of the shires, is "shaking the very foundations of the party".

The Guardian - Opinion

As long as your brand foundations are expressed, people will still know it's you.

The Guardian

But what if this slab of received thinking rests on shaky foundations?

The Guardian - Opinion

Its attack on the very foundations of democracy disenfranchises each of us, no matter what work sector, class, or "community" we come from, and whether we are on the left or on the right or somewhere in the centre.

The Guardian - Opinion

By owning shares in these firms, the Gates and Wellcome foundations are profiting from activity that's destroying the planet.

The Guardian

But they will be 10 days that could change all our lives, shaking the British state and its people to their very foundations.

The Guardian

Johnson's bass-line contributions to the Off the Wall album (1979) helped propel Jackson to superstardom, and his parts on Thriller (1982) laid down the exciting foundations for what became the biggest-selling LP of all time.

The Guardian - Music

It has shaken the economic world to it foundations.

The Guardian - Opinion

A little further on, are the foundations of a small structure.

The Guardian

Which, of course, puts more pressure on parents to help their kids create firm foundations – and admittedly you can't always prevent your kids making mistakes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "foundations" to emphasize the stability and long-term nature of something being built or established.

Common error

Avoid using "foundations" when a simpler term like "base" or "start" would suffice, especially in informal contexts. Overusing "foundations" can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "foundations" is as a noun. It refers to the underlying support or basis, whether literal (as in the "foundations" of a building) or figurative (as in the "foundations" of an argument). Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foundations" functions as a noun that denotes the essential base or support system of something, be it physical or abstract. It's commonly used in a variety of contexts, with high frequency in News & Media. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that its use is grammatically correct. When writing, remember that "foundations" should be used when emphasizing the fundamental and long-lasting nature of something and in this case some phrases like "underlying principles" or "cornerstones" can be effectively used as alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Underlying principles

Focuses on the conceptual basis rather than the physical structure.

Basic tenets

Highlights the core beliefs or doctrines that support a system or ideology.

Cornerstones

Emphasizes the essential and indispensable elements.

Groundwork

Refers to the preliminary work that prepares for later development.

Underpinnings

Highlights the structural support or justification.

Bedrock

Implies a solid and unshakeable base.

Basis

Indicates the fundamental reason or justification.

Infrastructure

Refers to the basic physical and organizational structures needed for a system to operate.

Substructure

Focuses on the part of a structure that is below ground level.

Base

A general term for the bottom support of something.

FAQs

How can I use "foundations" in a sentence?

You can use "foundations" to refer to the physical base of a structure, as in "The "foundations of the building" were made of concrete". It can also refer to the basic principles of an idea or organization, such as "The "foundations of democracy" are based on freedom and equality".

What phrases are similar to "foundations"?

Alternatives to "foundations" include "underlying principles", "basic tenets", or "cornerstones", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the word "foundations"?

It's appropriate to use "foundations" when discussing the fundamental elements that support something, whether it's a physical structure, a belief system, or an organization. It emphasizes the importance of a stable and reliable base.

What is the difference between "foundations" and "base"?

"Base" is a general term for the bottom support of something. "Foundations" implies a more engineered and carefully constructed support system, often for buildings or complex systems. While "the base of a statue" might be a simple block, "the foundations of a skyscraper" are a complex network of concrete and steel.