lack foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that does not have a solid basis or support, whether in an argument, theory, or structure. Example: "The proposal seems to lack foundation, as it does not provide sufficient evidence to support its claims."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I accept that there are valid criticisms of my conduct in this matter but for the second time in a week, I seem to be the subject of serious allegations which lack foundation.

The Guardian

In a statement, the office of the commission's president, Jos?uis Soberanes, said, "Many of the criticisms contained in this report, as well as other points, lack foundation because they propose actions and conducts that exceed the legal realm of this institution".

The New York Times

"I seem to be the subject of serious allegations which lack foundation," he said.. Members of the dominant Conservative Party opposed the direct censure of Mr. Murdoch, while members of the Liberal Democrat junior coalition partner joined the Labor opposition in supporting the censure.

The New York Times

As for the Levitical commandments typically cited as prohibiting homosexuality, the Hebrew is not as clear as some claim, and the historicizing rationales typically proposed for the injunctions - e.g., keeping up the birth rate, avoiding Canaanite practices -- lack foundation.

Huffington Post

Intravital holds considerable promise as a research tool but, like gastric tonometry, its universal application appears to lack foundation, for the present at least.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Furthermore, the civil institutions lack foundations and roots; they have limited historical experience.

Huffington Post

The charges lacked foundation, and the House of Lords refused to accept them; but by November, under threat of trial by a special court, Clarendon was forced to flee.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Letters are welcome via e-mail to [email protected] tradingSIR – It is deeply concerning that you would publish a report that is so lacking foundation and filled with innuendo.

The Economist

Mr Hoare, 68, says: "When we bought our house in 1983 we were aware it had subsidence and, following an engineering report, we had the necessary underpinning carried out as we found it lacked foundations.

The Guardian - Money

Whole hillsides contained residences, lacking foundations and that had not been constructed according to any building codes.

Huffington Post

The crassness comes with commentary weighed down by similes that lack a foundation in reality and sound like losing entries in a "Why I Want My Locutions to Sound Like Dennis Miller's" contest.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack foundation", ensure you specify what exactly lacks the foundation. This makes your statement more precise and impactful.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "lack foundation" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "isn't based on anything" or "has no proof" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack foundation" functions primarily as a predicate expressing that something is missing a solid base or support. Ludwig examples confirm its use to describe allegations or claims that aren't supported by evidence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lack foundation" is a grammatically correct way to express that something does not have a solid basis or support. Ludwig AI confirms this and indicates that this expression functions to criticize or dismiss something. While the phrase is most frequently found in news and scientific contexts and the Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's relatively rare overall. When using the phrase, make sure to specify what lacks the foundation to ensure clarity. Consider more informal alternatives like "lack a basis" or "unfounded" in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack a basis

This alternative emphasizes the absence of a fundamental base or support.

lack substance

This highlights the absence of meaningful content or validity.

be unfounded

This suggests that something is not based on facts or evidence.

be groundless

Similar to 'unfounded', this indicates a lack of rational or factual basis.

be without merit

This emphasizes the absence of value or worth in an argument or claim.

have no basis in fact

This directly points out the absence of factual support.

lack supporting evidence

This specifies that the deficiency lies in the absence of evidence.

be poorly supported

This indicates that the level of support is inadequate.

be built on sand

This is an idiomatic expression suggesting a weak or unstable base.

not hold water

This idiom indicates that an argument or idea is not valid or defensible.

FAQs

How to use "lack foundation" in a sentence?

You can use "lack foundation" to describe arguments, claims, or theories that do not have a solid basis in evidence or logic. For example, "The accusations "lack foundation" and should be dismissed."

What can I say instead of "lack foundation"?

You can use alternatives like "lack a basis", "unfounded", or "groundless" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lack foundation" or "lacks foundation"?

"Lack foundation" is used when referring to something plural, while "lacks foundation" is used for singular subjects. For example, "The claims "lack foundation"" versus "This claim "lacks foundation"".

What is the difference between "lack foundation" and "lack a foundation"?

"Lack foundation" implies a general absence of a solid base or support. "Lack a foundation" can emphasize the absence of a specific, identifiable foundation. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.