groundwork for

USAGE SUMMARY

"groundwork for" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate the preparatory steps taken for a project or task. For example, "We laid the groundwork for a successful restoration project by gathering necessary supplies and finding a team of experienced workers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Jesse laid the groundwork for that".

The New York Times

"He's laying the groundwork for the future.

The New York Times

Elmer really laid the groundwork for me.

The New York Times

They laid the groundwork for Iraq's disintegration.

The New York Times

I'm laying the groundwork for real honesty.

The New Yorker

"We've laid the groundwork for victory.

The Guardian

These meetings prepared the groundwork for the strategy that followed.

The New York Times - Magazine

New York intends to lay the groundwork for seven casinos.

The New York Times - Sports

The groundwork for childhood literacy begins at birth.

The New York Times - Health

Mr Santos is laying the groundwork for possible peace talks.

The Economist

It could lay the groundwork for real and lasting prosperity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "groundwork for", ensure that the subsequent actions or outcomes are clearly linked to the preparatory steps you are describing. This clarifies the cause-and-effect relationship.

Common error

Avoid implying that laying the "groundwork for" something guarantees immediate success. The phrase indicates preparation, not a guaranteed outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "groundwork for" functions as a noun phrase often used after verbs like "lay", "provide", or "establish". It signifies the preliminary actions or foundation necessary for future developments or achievements. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "groundwork for" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the preparatory actions or foundation for something. Ludwig AI validates this, showing its prevalence across various sources, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the link between the preparatory steps and subsequent outcomes is clear. Alternatives like "foundation for" or "basis for" can be used depending on the specific context. Avoid using "groundwork for" to imply guaranteed immediate results; it signifies preparation, not a certainty. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "groundwork for" to convey the importance of initial steps in achieving a goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation for

Emphasizes the base or support upon which something is built, differing slightly by focusing on the structural aspect.

laying the foundation for

Emphasizes the action of establishing a base, differing slightly in its active construction imagery.

basis for

Highlights the underlying reason or justification, shifting the focus from preparation to rationale.

preparation for

Directly indicates the act of getting ready, differing by specifying the preparatory process itself.

prelude to

Suggests an introductory phase, shifting the emphasis to the initial stage of something more significant.

paving the way for

Suggests clearing obstacles for future progress, shifting the focus to facilitating future actions.

stepping stone to

Implies progress and advancement, differing by emphasizing a phase in a developmental sequence.

setup for

Highlights the arrangement or configuration made in advance, differing by focusing on the planned environment.

setting the stage for

Implies creating a setting or condition for something to occur, differing by focusing on creating an opportune environment.

preparatory measures for

Explicitly refers to the actions taken to prepare, differing by specifying the steps involved.

FAQs

How can I use "groundwork for" in a sentence?

You can use "groundwork for" to describe actions that prepare for a future event or development. For example, "The research laid the "groundwork for" new treatments."

What are some alternatives to "groundwork for"?

Alternatives include "foundation for", "basis for", or "preparation for" depending on the specific context.

Is "laying the groundwork" the same as "completing the task"?

No, "laying the groundwork" means preparing for a task, while "completing the task" means finishing it. The first is preparatory, the second is conclusive.

What's the difference between "groundwork for" and "rationale for"?

"Groundwork for" refers to preparatory actions, while "rationale for" refers to the underlying reasons or justifications. One prepares, the other explains.