in its foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in its foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the basic underlying principles or structure of something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The theory is built in its foundation on the principles of equality and justice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Though this critique was religious rather than scientific in its foundation, it influenced the astronomer Johannes Kepler, whose studies of planetary movements underlie modern astronomy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"That would be definitive," said DeFazio".Hillary has come out against it, and it's so defective in its foundation, with the investor-state dispute resolution, with the lack of enforceable labor and environmental regulations.

The Washington Post

So it applies to macroscopic systems that are in equilibrium, and how to go from one equilibrium state to another equilibrium state, and it's entirely empirical in its foundation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

TechCrunch sometimes reminds me of the Great Wall of China, in that the bones of the people who built it are still embedded in its foundation.

TechCrunch

Aitken took that concept further in his house, by embedding nine geological microphones in its foundation.

The New York Times

Some of the $500 million will come from $400 million in its foundation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Poland, he said, remains strong in its foundations, an opinion shared by many economists and business executives.

The New York Times

The civilizing principle is energetic but essentially comical, solid-looking on the outside but fragile in its foundations, reducible to rubble by rhinoceroses.

The New Yorker

RBMA Radio got it because its radio-style programming runs around the clock and is global in its foundations and outlook.

The Guardian - Music

It was tempting to believe that, in spite of everything, this really was a genuinely socialist state somewhere in its foundations.

The Guardian - Film

It's been labelled the reggae revival, but the throwback sounds on Protoje's excellent album Ancient Future, the ska vibes of Answer to Your Name being a case in point, demonstrate that reggae is always rooted in its foundations.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in its foundation" when you want to emphasize the fundamental principles or base upon which something is built or established. It is often used metaphorically to describe the core elements of an idea, system, or organization.

Common error

Avoid using "in its foundation" solely for literal, physical foundations (like a building's). While technically correct, the phrase is more impactful when used to describe abstract or conceptual underpinnings. For physical structures, consider more direct language like "the building's foundation" or "the base of the structure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in its foundation" acts as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to specify where something is rooted or based. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes the fundamental principles or structure upon which something is built.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

22%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in its foundation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that emphasizes the underlying principles or structure upon which something is based. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness across various contexts. While it appears most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific and academic writing, its application extends to other domains where highlighting the fundamental nature of something is crucial. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "at its core" or "fundamental to it" to convey similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its base

Replaces "foundation" with a synonym, implying a basic or underlying level.

at its core

Focuses on the central or most important part of something.

inherent in it

Indicates that something is naturally or essentially part of something else.

fundamental to it

Emphasizes the essential or basic nature of something.

intrinsic to its nature

Highlights that something is an essential or natural part of something's character.

at its heart

Similar to "at its core", but with a slightly more emotional or conceptual emphasis.

in its groundwork

Focuses on the initial stages or planning of something.

underlying it

Highlights the support or basis for something, often unseen.

part of its structure

Indicates that something is integrated into the framework or arrangement of something.

built into it

Suggests that something was deliberately included as a key element.

FAQs

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

You can use "in its foundation" to describe the core principles or structure upon which something is based. For example, "The legal system is rooted "in its foundation" on the principles of fairness and equality."

What are some alternatives to using "in its foundation"?

Alternatives to "in its foundation" include "at its core", "at its base", or "fundamental to it", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "in its foundation" or "on its foundation"?

"In its foundation" is generally preferred when referring to abstract concepts or principles. "On its foundation" might be used when discussing something physically built on a base, but even then, "in" is often more appropriate for conveying the underlying nature.

What is the difference between "in its foundation" and "in its essence"?

"In its foundation" refers to the underlying principles or structure, while "in its essence" refers to the intrinsic or fundamental nature of something. The former focuses on what something is built upon, the latter on what it inherently is.