groundwork on which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "groundwork on which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the foundational basis or underlying support for an idea, argument, or project. Example: "The research provided the groundwork on which the new policy was developed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Without the intellectual groundwork on which Turing's work rested, von Neumann could not have constructed the physical computer described in the review.

The New York Times - Books

But government can help lay the groundwork on which the private sector can better generate jobs, growth, and innovation.

Forbes

The discovery phase entails physical inspections, technology research, user surveys, and brainstorming sessions to build the groundwork on which the design phase operates.

Designing A Wireless Network

Although several of our identified risk factors are demographic in nature and cannot be modified prior to surgery, they nevertheless form the groundwork on which risk calculations and further analyses can be made.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Even if the scholastic doctrine of signs was presented in a so to speak "light version" by authors like Domingo de Soto[63] and Franciscus Toletus, the rudiments of medieval semiotics transmitted through their writings, provided the groundwork on which a great number of 17th-century logicians were developing a highly elaborated sign theory (Meier-Oeser 1997, 171 335).

SEP

Cells that stop dividing (post-mitotic) and differentiate into neurons early in cortical development are important in laying the groundwork on which other developing neurons can be guided to their proper destination.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The Bundestag's motion approving the restricted import of stem cells now serves as a basis on which to establish legislative groundwork that regulates the import.

Science Magazine

Business historians have recently come to appreciate the role that data-led analysis played in the success of the oil business in America -- starting with Rockefeller's Standard Oil, the company that built much of the groundwork and infrastructure on which not just the energy business but the broader North American economy relies.

Huffington Post

Understanding cause effect relationships lays the groundwork from which one can reason about one factor if observing the other factor.

Animal Cognition

Nevertheless, we do think that this study provides groundwork upon which more detailed studies can be developed.

BMC Medical Education

Cadbury's charity partner Groundwork, which runs the events, has put on everything from family sports days to competitive bike mending workshops and from mock gameshows to football matches for blind people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "groundwork on which" to clearly indicate the foundational elements or preparatory work that enables further development or understanding in a particular field.

Common error

Avoid using "groundwork on which" in situations where a simpler phrase like "because of" or "based on" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "groundwork on which" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to modify a noun or clause. It indicates the foundational basis or preparatory stage upon which something else is built or developed. As Ludwig AI shows, it often appears in academic and professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "groundwork on which" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote the foundational basis or preparatory work for something. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, it is mostly used in formal contexts, specifically in science, news and encyclopedias. While not exceedingly common, it serves the purpose of highlighting the importance of prior work. Alternatives include phrases like "foundation upon which" or "basis on which", but care should be taken to avoid overuse in simple contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation upon which

Replaces "groundwork" with "foundation", emphasizing a structural base.

basis on which

Substitutes "groundwork" with "basis", highlighting the underlying reason or justification.

the platform on which

Uses "platform" instead of "groundwork", suggesting a stage for development.

the framework on which

Focuses on the structural support and guiding principles.

the infrastructure on which

Replaces "groundwork" with "infrastructure", referring to the basic systems and facilities.

the underpinnings on which

Emphasizes the supporting elements beneath the surface.

the structure on which

Highlights the arrangement and organization serving as a base.

the footing on which

Stresses the stability and support for building upon.

the principles on which

Emphasizes the fundamental beliefs or rules serving as a base.

the assumptions on which

Focuses on the presuppositions that something is based on.

FAQs

How can I use "groundwork on which" in a sentence?

You can use "groundwork on which" to indicate the foundational basis for something. For example, "This study provides the "groundwork on which" future studies can build."

What are some alternatives to "groundwork on which"?

Alternatives include phrases like "foundation upon which", "basis on which", or "framework on which", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "groundwork on which" and "basis for"?

"Groundwork on which" often implies preparatory work or foundational elements, whereas "basis for" simply indicates a reason or justification. The former suggests more extensive preparation.

When is it appropriate to use "groundwork on which" in formal writing?

It's appropriate to use "groundwork on which" in academic or professional writing when you need to emphasize the underlying preparatory or foundational work that supports a subsequent development or idea. However, assess if a simpler phrase would be more appropriate.