fragile foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fragile foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, relationship, or system that is weak or unstable and may easily break or fail. Example: "The company's growth was built on a fragile foundation, making it vulnerable to market fluctuations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But such hopes rest on a fragile foundation.

The New York Times

But what a fragile foundation on which to write history.

The Guardian - Books

However, as Mr Thain clearly realises, this is a fragile foundation.

The Economist

Buildings of stone and steel rest on the fragile foundation of human emotions and confused desires.

The New York Times - Books

Any political party relies, in the end, on a fragile foundation that balances performance and faith.

The New Yorker

A recent report by the International Crisis Group, a global research organization, warned that the cease-fire had a fragile foundation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

This vitality has fragile foundations.

The New York Times

For this "recovery" has fragile foundations.

The Economist

The gigantic edifice of his intellect rested on fragile foundations.

The New York Times

Yet this brave democracy had perilously fragile foundations.

The Guardian

Build too weighty a project on those fragile foundations and it will crumble.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fragile foundation", consider what specific factors contribute to its instability and address them directly in your writing.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the fragility without providing concrete evidence. Clearly explain why the foundation is fragile to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fragile foundation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "fragile" modifies the noun "foundation". It is used to describe a base or starting point that is weak, unstable, or easily compromised. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in diverse contexts, from political agreements to personal relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fragile foundation" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something unstable or easily compromised. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide context as to why the foundation is fragile, avoiding mere overstatement. Alternatives such as "shaky groundwork" or "tenuous basis" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively convey the precarious nature of a given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shaky groundwork

Emphasizes the unstable nature of the initial preparation or basis.

tenuous basis

Highlights the weak or unsubstantial nature of the supporting evidence or reason.

precarious footing

Suggests a situation where balance is easily lost or disrupted.

unstable base

Directly indicates the lack of stability in the underlying structure.

flimsy structure

Conveys the idea of a poorly constructed or easily damaged framework.

weak substructure

Focuses on the insufficient strength of the foundational layer.

delicate framework

Implies a need for careful handling due to the fragile nature of the system.

brittle support

Highlights the potential for sudden breakage or failure under pressure.

insecure infrastructure

Indicates vulnerabilities in the essential supporting systems.

uncertain platform

Suggests a lack of reliability or predictability in the established base.

FAQs

How can I use "fragile foundation" in a sentence?

You can use "fragile foundation" to describe anything that is unstable or easily disrupted. For example, "The peace treaty was built on a "fragile foundation" of mutual trust.".

What are some synonyms for "fragile foundation"?

Alternatives include "shaky groundwork", "tenuous basis", or "precarious footing", each emphasizing a slightly different aspect of instability.

When is it appropriate to use "fragile foundation"?

Use "fragile foundation" when you want to emphasize the vulnerability or instability of something. It's suitable when discussing relationships, economies, political situations, or any system prone to collapse.

What makes a foundation "fragile"?

A foundation might be considered "fragile" due to a lack of resources, trust, stability, or comprehensive planning. The specific reasons should be articulated to support the claim.