groundwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “groundwork” is correct and usable in written English.
You can use “groundwork” when referring to important preparation that is done in order to make something happen or to make something else easier. For example, "The company laid the groundwork for the new project by preparing necessary documents and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All groundwork must now be funded and approved by the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism – including engagement with Muslim youth.

The Guardian

Related: Republican elite swarm New Hampshire as host of 2016 hopefuls take the stage The full-to-bursting roster of Republican presidential aspirants expanded again over the weekend after John Kasich, the governor of the crucial swing-state of Ohio, laid the groundwork for a run on the White House with an unusual attack on Wall Street.

The Guardian

She attributes her change of direction to the informal course she took at Foyer, which was run by the environmental regeneration charity Groundwork.

The Guardian

Cruz, making his first trip to New Hampshire this year, was using a two-day visit to the early voting state to lay the groundwork for an expected 2016 presidential campaign.

The Guardian

The Occupy movement laid the groundwork for a great debate.

The Guardian - Money

Recognise can lay the groundwork, make the case, engage the community – but ultimately progress or otherwise depends on politics.

The Guardian

Middleton wants to emulate the spirit of those pioneers who laid the groundwork for the profession.

The Guardian

A blonde wig, (for those not already blessed with hair as golden as the sun) a spot of lippy and a total lack of self-awareness provide the styling groundwork here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

From involved voters to the devoted followers who make up Ready for Warren, a grassroots group trying to lay the groundwork for her potential presidential bid, the "Run, Liz, run!" crowd is parsing the senator's every word.

The Guardian

In 1988, Mr Hume began a series of contacts with the Sinn Fein leader, Gerry Adams, laying the groundwork for the current peace process.

The Guardian

The pro-Kiev analyst Dmitry Tymchuk, a Ukrainian army and defence ministry veteran, wrote on Facebook on Monday that Russian intelligence services had created "agent networks" in Ukraine in 2010-13, laying the groundwork for the "saboteurs and co-ordinators from Russia".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "groundwork", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the groundwork is preparing for. This provides clarity and strengthens the overall meaning of your sentence.

Common error

Avoid attributing disproportionate success solely to the "groundwork". While essential, groundwork is just one component; acknowledge other contributing factors for a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "groundwork" is as a noun, typically used to describe the preliminary or foundational work that supports subsequent activities or developments. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, confirming its role in describing preparatory actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "groundwork" functions as a noun that denotes the essential preliminary work undertaken to facilitate future progress or success. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and widely used in written English. Its prevalence across contexts like News & Media and Formal & Business signifies its relevance in professional and informative discourse. When using the term, ensure that the context clearly indicates the purpose of the "groundwork" to avoid ambiguity. While crucial, avoid overstating its sole influence on outcomes. Semantically related phrases like "preparatory work" or "foundational steps" can offer stylistic variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preparatory work

Emphasizes the aspect of work done in preparation for something else.

foundational steps

Highlights the idea of steps that establish a solid foundation.

preliminary measures

Focuses on actions taken at the beginning of a process.

essential preparation

Stresses the necessity of the preparatory activities.

underlying basis

Highlights the fundamental nature of the groundwork.

initial phase

Refers to the starting period where groundwork is typically laid.

development stage

Indicates a period when foundations are being built.

basic framework

Emphasizes the structural aspect of the groundwork.

primary stage

Another way to specify a starting point of a process where groundwork is built.

Preparatory phase

Synonymous with the initial phase. Useful when referring to initial stages.

FAQs

How is "groundwork" typically used in a sentence?

The word "groundwork" is commonly used to describe the initial stages or preparatory work needed before a larger project or goal can be achieved. For example, "The team laid the "groundwork" for the expansion by conducting market research".

What are some synonyms for "groundwork"?

Alternatives to "groundwork" include "preparatory work", "foundational steps", or "preliminary measures". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "laying the groundworks"?

No, the correct form is "laying the groundwork". "Groundwork" is generally used as an uncountable noun, referring to the concept of preparation in general, rather than individual instances.

What's the difference between "groundwork" and "foundation"?

"Foundation" typically refers to a completed base or structure, while "groundwork" refers to the activities and preparations involved in creating that foundation. You lay the "groundwork" to build a solid foundation.