groundwork has been laid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'groundwork has been laid' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to signify that important preparation has already taken place. For example, "We've laid the groundwork for a successful project. Now we can proceed with the execution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Unfortunately, not all the groundwork has been laid.

The New York Times

Retailers say the groundwork has been laid with individualized coupons, which are resoundingly popular.

The New York Times

But Mr Kato's big moment came too soon not enough groundwork has been laid.

The Economist

If nothing else, the groundwork has been laid for the budget battle to come.

The New York Times

The project is still at an early stage, but much groundwork has been laid.

The New York Times - Science

So, despite their worries, many experts agree that the groundwork has been laid for improvements.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The groundwork had been laid, and Kaplan knew that she had found the right plaintiff.

The New Yorker

By the end of the 17th century, however, the groundwork had been laid for new developments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"A lot of groundwork had been laid for what we hoped would be a very productive session.

The New York Times - Sports

Eustache, something of a cinematic dandy, understood that the groundwork had been laid — there was no need to redo it.

The New Yorker

When Green Mountain's growth disappointed on Wednesday, the groundwork had been laid for momentum to reverse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "groundwork has been laid" to clearly communicate that the initial, often unseen, work necessary for future success is complete. This helps set expectations and provides context for upcoming phases of a project or endeavor.

Common error

Avoid using "groundwork has been laid" when only preliminary steps have been taken. The phrase implies a significant foundational effort, not just a cursory start. Ensure the actual groundwork is substantial before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "groundwork has been laid" functions as a declarative statement indicating that the necessary preparatory steps have been completed for a subsequent activity or project. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correct grammatical status.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "groundwork has been laid" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates preparatory work has been completed. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its function is to declare the completion of essential preliminary steps. The phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in news and media, scientific documents, and formal business communications. While widely accepted, it is crucial to ensure that the preparatory work is substantial to avoid overstatement. Related phrases include "preparations have been made" and "foundation has been established", offering nuanced alternatives for similar meanings. Its consistent usage across authoritative sources underscores its reliability and appropriateness in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preparations have been made

Focuses on the act of making preparations rather than the establishment of a foundation.

foundation has been established

Highlights the establishment of a solid base or beginning.

stage has been set

Emphasizes the setting up of a situation or environment for something to occur.

path has been cleared

Suggests obstacles have been removed to allow progress.

scene is set

Similar to 'stage has been set' but more concise and vivid.

infrastructure is ready

Specifically refers to the readiness of essential systems and facilities.

conditions are ripe

Implies that circumstances are favorable and suitable for development.

base is in place

Indicates that a fundamental component or starting point is secured.

framework is complete

Emphasizes the completion of a structural or conceptual framework.

preliminaries are done

Highlights the completion of preliminary actions or formalities.

FAQs

How can I use "groundwork has been laid" in a sentence?

You can use "groundwork has been laid" to indicate that preliminary work is complete, such as "The "groundwork has been laid" for the new building, and construction will begin next week".

What are some alternatives to "groundwork has been laid"?

Alternatives include "preparations have been made", "foundation has been established", or "stage has been set", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the groundworks have been laid"?

No, "groundwork" is generally used as a non-count noun, so the correct phrasing is "the "groundwork has been laid"".

What is the difference between "groundwork has been laid" and "foundation has been laid"?

"Groundwork" generally refers to preliminary activities or preparations, while "foundation" implies a solid, structural base. While similar, "foundation has been laid" often indicates a more substantial and permanent base.