key foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key foundation" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It refers to an essential or fundamental aspect of something. Example: "Effective communication is a key foundation for any successful relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Ezra Pound's flawed "translations" of Chinese poetry, for example, became a key foundation for modernism.

The New Yorker

A base of clearly defined product information is a key foundation for an e-commerce system.

Electronic Commerce Research and Applications

And yet such investment is the key foundation for a majority of the supposed benefits of the tax cuts.

The Guardian - Business

We've got the greatest economy in the world, and the securities laws are a key foundation of it.

Stanford University

For all the hype around Colin Kaepernick last year, the key foundation of this team's success under Harbaugh had always been its formidable defense.

The Guardian - Sport

Delineating these mechanisms, a task that will require input from both the clinic and the laboratory, will provide a key foundation for the rational optimisation of psychological treatments.

European Neuropsychopharmacology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are one of the key foundations of smart grids.

Journal of Network and Computer Applications

How will Cuba's ruling party and its dictates fare when two of its key foundations — the hostility of the United States, on which it has blamed so many problems; and the presence of Fidel — are no more?

The New Yorker

Several key foundations contributed to the conference, including the Wallace Global Fund, which has divested from fossil fuels and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, which announced their divestment plans the day after the march.

Yale University

Such novel insights gained from basic research provide key foundations for future design of therapeutic strategies – enabling antibody access to the brain may be key to cancer immunotherapy and to the use of vaccines against neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

Trends in Molecular Medicine

This is one of the key foundations of the model as we know it now.

Functional Linguistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "key foundation", ensure it accurately represents an indispensable element or principle. Consider whether a more specific term might enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "key foundation" as a generic phrase for any basic element. Instead, reserve it for elements that are truly fundamental and critical to the subject being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key foundation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig highlights its use in contexts emphasizing essential or fundamental elements. It often identifies something indispensable for achieving a particular outcome or maintaining stability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key foundation" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that signifies an essential or fundamental element. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively highlights the indispensable nature of something. It is versatile enough for neutral communication, and you often encounter the phrase in news, science and business contexts. When employing "key foundation", ensure it truly represents an indispensable element and consider specific alternatives like "essential basis" or "cornerstone principle" for nuanced meaning. Avoid overusing it as a generic descriptor for any basic element.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

essential basis

Replaces 'foundation' with 'basis,' emphasizing the underlying support.

primary groundwork

Uses 'groundwork' to highlight the preparatory aspect of a foundation.

fundamental component

Substitutes 'foundation' with 'component,' focusing on its role as a part of a larger system.

cornerstone principle

Employs 'cornerstone' to indicate a vital and indispensable element.

basic tenet

Replaces the phrase with 'tenet', to indicate an specific aspect of a belief.

crucial element

Focuses on the importance of the element, using 'crucial' to amplify its significance.

vital ingredient

Presents the foundation as an 'ingredient,' essential for the success of something.

main building block

Uses 'building block' to convey the idea of constructing something from the ground up.

central aspect

Focuses on the core nature of the foundation, highlighting its centrality.

underlying framework

Emphasizes the structural support provided by the foundation.

FAQs

How to use "key foundation" in a sentence?

You can use "key foundation" to describe something essential for success or stability. For instance, "Trust is a "key foundation" for any relationship" or "Strong reading skills are a "key foundation" for academic success".

What can I say instead of "key foundation"?

You can use alternatives like "essential basis", "fundamental component", or "cornerstone principle" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "key foundation" or "major foundation"?

Both ""key foundation"" and "major foundation" can be correct, but ""key foundation"" emphasizes the essential and indispensable nature of the foundation more strongly.

What's the difference between "key foundation" and "important factor"?

"Key foundation" suggests a bedrock element upon which other things are built, while "important factor" simply indicates something that has a significant effect. A "key foundation" is more fundamental and foundational.