it was founded on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was founded on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the basis or underlying principles of an organization, idea, or belief. Example: "The organization was founded on the principles of equality and justice for all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If Israel opts for apartheid, as the settlers wish, Israel will betray the beliefs it was founded on, become a pariah state and provoke the Arab population to an understandable rebellion.

The New York Times

For all its austere formalism, though, it was founded on Bernd Becher's nostalgia for the fast-disappearing industrial landscape of his native Ruhr which gathered pace during Germany's postwar economic boom.

The Guardian - Arts

It was founded on a dream, its roots in the pan-Africanism of WEB Dubois – an African-American scholar, author of Souls of Black Folk, and founding president of the still running National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was founded on May 14 , 1997 with its name and emblem representing the five founding airlines (see the five airlines in the history section).

Wikipedia

Sixty years after it was founded, on a colonial system unrivalled in its savagery, the African giant was thriving on slaughter elsewhere.

The Economist

"Because, according to the accused, it was founded on the basis of Judaism and its success was due to the fact it tried to keep religion alive".

The New York Times

Like America, it was founded on lofty ideals and like America its had to jettison some of its ideals in order to survive.

Vice

It was founded on a sense of fear, fear of the bad Old World, from which people found refuge.

The New York Times

Yes, it was founded on hippy ideals.

The Guardian - Music

It was founded on the basis that everyone deserves the same treatment.

Independent

It was founded on the site of a former Mayan settlement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was founded on", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what "it" refers to before using the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "it was founded on" when a more specific verb would provide greater clarity. Instead of saying "The company was founded on innovation", consider "The company prioritized innovation from its inception."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was founded on" functions as a passive construction indicating the basis or underlying principle upon which something is established. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically sound and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was founded on" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to denote the underlying principles or basis of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and wiki articles. While alternatives like "it was based on" or "it originated from" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, clarity is key, ensuring the subject is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Overall, "it was founded on" serves as a valuable tool for explaining the fundamental origins and core values of diverse entities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was based on

Focuses on the basis or groundwork upon which something is established, rather than the initial establishment.

it originated from

Emphasizes the starting point or source from which something began or developed.

it is rooted in

Highlights the deep-seated origins or fundamental principles that underpin something.

its foundation lies in

Directly refers to the base or groundwork, suggesting a core element.

it draws its principles from

Focuses on where the guiding ideas or rules are sourced.

it is predicated on

Highlights the assumption or condition upon which something is based.

it stems from

Highlights the origin or cause of something, often implying a natural development.

it is built upon

Emphasizes the progressive construction or development from an initial base.

it is grounded in

Stresses the firm basis or solid support upon which something is established.

it is derived from

Indicates that something is obtained or developed from a source.

FAQs

What does "it was founded on" mean?

The phrase "it was founded on" means that something was established or based on a particular principle, idea, or foundation. It emphasizes the core basis upon which something was created.

What are some alternatives to "it was founded on"?

You can use alternatives like "it was based on", "it originated from", or "it is rooted in" to express a similar meaning.

How can I use "it was founded on" in a sentence?

You can use "it was founded on" to describe the underlying principles of an organization, belief system, or idea. For example: "The university "it was founded on" the principles of academic freedom and intellectual curiosity."

Is there a difference between "it was founded on" and "it was based on"?

While both phrases are similar, "it was founded on" typically refers to the initial establishment and core principles, whereas "it was based on" can refer to a broader range of supporting elements or considerations. The distinction is subtle but can affect the nuance of your writing.