laid the foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

"laid the foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing how the groundwork has been established for something. Example Sentence: Her early research efforts laid the foundation for the modern study of cellular biology.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They've laid the foundation".

The New York Times

"They laid the foundation," Zambrano said.

The New York Times - Sports

This apprenticeship laid the foundation of John's subsequent achievements.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In so doing Baer laid the foundation for comparative embryology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lee laid the foundation for Davis's confidence early.

The New York Times

But we have laid the foundation for success".

The Guardian - Tech

Its success laid the foundation for an empire.

The Guardian - Music

Ms. Bhutto laid the foundation stone in 1996.

The New York Times

We've laid the foundation in this game to build something".

The New York Times - Sports

"The important thing is that we have laid the foundation".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

'Intrepreneurship' Laid The Foundation Of Sidewalk.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "laid the foundation" when you want to emphasize the creation of a solid base for future development or success. Be specific about what the foundation is for.

Common error

Avoid using "laid the foundation" when the context requires highlighting ongoing development or a work in progress. This phrase indicates a completed preparatory stage, not continuous effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laid the foundation" functions as a verb phrase indicating the establishment of a preliminary or essential base. This is evidenced by Ludwig examples, which consistently show it preceding outcomes or developments built upon that base.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "laid the foundation" is a correct and usable phrase in English that signifies establishing a basis for future development. Ludwig examples show its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. The phrase is grammatically sound, with a neutral formality, and serves to highlight the creation of fundamental conditions. When writing, ensure the context appropriately reflects a preparatory stage, and avoid using it to describe ongoing processes. The related phrases, writing guidance, and linguistic analysis presented here provide a comprehensive understanding of "laid the foundation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

established the groundwork

Focuses more on the preparatory steps taken.

created the basis

Highlights the creation of a fundamental element.

set the cornerstone

Emphasizes the initial and essential element of construction.

built the framework

Stresses the construction of a structural support.

prepared the infrastructure

Indicates readiness and provision of essential services.

paved the way

Implies making progress easier for what follows.

initiated the process

Highlights the commencement of a series of actions.

originated the concept

Focuses on the beginning of an idea or principle.

forged the beginnings

Emphasizes the effort in creating initial stages.

instigated the creation

Highlights the act of starting or causing something to begin.

FAQs

How can I use "laid the foundation" in a sentence?

Use "laid the foundation" to indicate that a necessary base or groundwork has been established for something. For example, "Her research "laid the foundation" for modern medicine".

What's an alternative to saying "laid the foundation"?

Alternatives include "established the groundwork", "created the basis", or "set the cornerstone". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lay the foundation" or "laid the foundation"?

"Lay the foundation" is the infinitive form, used when referring to the act in general. "Laid the foundation" is the past tense, used to describe an action that has already occurred.

What is the difference between "laid the foundation" and "built the framework"?

"Laid the foundation" emphasizes the initial groundwork, while "built the framework" suggests constructing a supportive structure. The former is about creating a base, the latter about creating a structure.