laid the groundwork

USAGE SUMMARY

"laid the groundwork" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the process of systematically setting up the basic framework for something. For example: "With the data they collected in their research, the team laid the groundwork for a successful marketing campaign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's laid the groundwork.

The New York Times

"Lou laid the groundwork," Mr. Humm said.

The New York Times

Jesse laid the groundwork for that".

The New York Times

We have laid the groundwork".

The New York Times

First, Smith laid the groundwork.

The New York Times

Gombau has laid the groundwork.

The Guardian - Sport

Elmer really laid the groundwork for me.

The New York Times

Houston laid the groundwork on its first.

The New York Times - Sports

They laid the groundwork for Iraq's disintegration.

The New York Times

"We've laid the groundwork for victory.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, it also laid the groundwork for the atomic bomb.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "laid the groundwork" when you want to emphasize the preparatory steps taken to ensure the success of a future endeavor. It implies a deliberate and strategic approach to building a foundation.

Common error

Avoid using "lay the groundwork" when referring to actions already completed. "Laid the groundwork" indicates that the preparatory work has already been done.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "laid the groundwork" is as a verbal phrase. It typically functions as a verb within a sentence, often followed by a prepositional phrase (e.g., "laid the groundwork for success"). Ludwig examples show it is used to describe a past action that has a present or future consequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "laid the groundwork" is a versatile and commonly used idiomatic phrase that describes the act of preparing a foundation or creating necessary conditions for future success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, from formal news reports to informal conversations. Related phrases, such as "laid the foundation" and "paved the way", offer similar meanings with slight nuances. When using the phrase, ensure you are referring to completed actions and consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate alternative. Common sources include The New York Times, The Guardian and Forbes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laid the foundation

Emphasizes building a literal or figurative base for something.

paved the way

Highlights making progress easier for what follows.

set the stage

Suggests creating the necessary conditions for an event or situation.

prepared the ground

Focuses on readying the circumstances for a specific outcome.

established the basis

Highlights creating a firm and rational underpinning.

built the framework

Implies constructing a structural support system.

created the conditions

Emphasizes bringing about the circumstances that enable something.

set up the infrastructure

Focuses on establishing essential systems and facilities.

initiated the process

Highlights starting a series of actions leading to a result.

formulated the plan

Implies developing a strategic approach for subsequent implementation.

FAQs

What does "laid the groundwork" mean?

The phrase "laid the groundwork" means to create the initial conditions or preparations that will allow something to happen or succeed in the future. It suggests a deliberate and strategic approach to building a foundation.

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

You can use "laid the groundwork" to describe how someone or something has prepared for a future event or achievement. For example, "The research team "laid the groundwork" for the new medical treatment through years of dedicated study."

What are some alternatives to "laid the groundwork"?

Alternatives to "laid the groundwork" include phrases like "laid the foundation", "paved the way", or "set the stage", depending on the specific context.

Is "laid the groundwork" formal or informal?

"Laid the groundwork" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's widely used in news articles, academic papers, and everyday conversation.