foundations were laid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foundations were laid" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to the act of physically constructing or setting the base or groundwork for a building or structure. Example: The construction crew arrived on site and immediately began digging and preparing the land. Within a week, the foundations were laid for the new office building.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Its foundations were laid a decade earlier.

The New Yorker

But again the foundations were laid before 1993.

The Economist

In the medieval period the foundations were laid for modern competing claims for control over Macedonia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This plan was furthered when foundations were laid for Angkor, a scheme based on a grid of reservoirs and canals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It rose in a field that had been planted with wheat earlier in the same year its foundations were laid.

The New York Times

It was there, like any home, that foundations were laid, memories were created and a legacy was built.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The foundations are laid, in other words, for continued success.

The Guardian - Sport

All the foundations are laid on steel rods so the cabins can be removed easily.

The Guardian - Travel

Australian fans will, however, want to see signs that there are foundations being laid, and players are being selected on form rather than reputation.

The Guardian - Sport

The LOC of an individual develops over time, with foundations being laid in childhood and adolescence.

IZA Journal of Migration

Initially, moral foundations are laid at home, in the family and situational context.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the historical development of an idea, movement or institution, use "foundations were laid" to emphasize the gradual and deliberate nature of its origins.

Common error

Avoid using "foundations were laid" when you need an active voice. For example, instead of "The foundations were laid by the construction crew", use "The construction crew laid the foundations" for a more direct and active sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foundations were laid" functions as a passive construction indicating that the groundwork or fundamental elements have been established for something. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment regarding its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "foundations were laid" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to describe the establishment of fundamental elements, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to communicate that a preliminary stage has been completed, setting the stage for subsequent developments. The register is generally neutral to professional, and it's frequently used in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. For variety, alternatives like "groundwork was established" or "basis was established" can be used. Remember to avoid using it in active voice constructions, and to be mindful of the intended emphasis when choosing this passive formulation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

groundwork was established

Replaces "foundations" with "groundwork" and uses "established" instead of "laid", emphasizing the act of setting up initial arrangements.

basis was established

Substitutes "foundations" with "basis", focusing on the underlying support or rationale that was created.

preparations were completed

Shifts the focus to the preparations that enabled future actions, rather than the foundational structures themselves.

stage was set

Emphasizes readiness and anticipation, suggesting that all elements are in place for a forthcoming event or development.

cornerstone was set

Highlights the initial and essential element that supports a larger structure or concept.

framework was created

Focuses on the structural or organizational elements that provide a basis for further development.

infrastructure was developed

Suggests the creation of essential support systems, especially in technical or organizational contexts.

seed was planted

Implies the beginning of growth or development, using a metaphor of planting for future prosperity.

path was paved

Suggests that obstacles were removed and progress was made easier for subsequent actions or developments.

platform was built

Emphasizes the construction of a base for launching new initiatives or supporting further development.

FAQs

How can I use "foundations were laid" in a sentence?

You can use "foundations were laid" to describe the initial stages of building something, either literally or figuratively. For example, "The "foundations were laid" for the new library last week", or "The "foundations were laid" for a lasting peace agreement".

What's the difference between "foundations were laid" and "groundwork was established"?

While both phrases imply the beginning of something, ""foundations were laid"" often refers to a physical structure or a very basic conceptual framework. "Groundwork was established" typically describes the preliminary steps taken to prepare for a project or initiative.

What can I say instead of "foundations were laid"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "groundwork was established", "basis was established", or "preparations were completed".

Is "foundations are laid" the same as "foundations were laid"?

No, "foundations are laid" (present tense) refers to a process that is currently happening, whereas ""foundations were laid"" (past tense) refers to a process that has already been completed.