launchpad for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "launchpad for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a starting point or platform that enables further development or success in a particular area. Example: "The new program serves as a launchpad for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Books

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The app also acts as a launchpad for new artists.

The Guardian - Tech

The success gave Bernhard a launchpad for bigger things.

The Guardian

Over the years, the Edinburgh Festival has been the launchpad for many a celebrity comeback.

Independent

Militant groups there have used the peninsula as a launchpad for rocket-attacks on Israel.

The Economist

But its credibility as a launchpad for Oscar contenders may be on the wane.

The Guardian - Film

The stage he played has become, in its current configuration, a launchpad for major theatrical talent.

The Guardian - Books

The one you're doing now is a launchpad for the next.

The New York Times

A little over 500 years ago, Piel island was the launchpad for an invasion.

The Guardian - Travel

Trainwreck provided a convincing launchpad for its writer and star, Amy Schumer.

The Guardian - Film

It can help you hone your skills and be a launchpad for your own imaginative journeys.

The Guardian

Festival season has become a choice launchpad for any prestige movie with ambitions of awards glory.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "launchpad for", ensure that the connection between the 'launchpad' and the subsequent development or success is clear and direct.

Common error

Avoid using "launchpad for" when the connection to future success is tenuous or indirect. If the link is weak, consider using a more modest term like 'contributed to' or 'played a role in'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "launchpad for" primarily functions as a noun modifier, where "launchpad" acts as a noun and "for" introduces a prepositional phrase indicating the purpose or destination. This structure highlights the role of something as an initial platform or catalyst. The provided examples confirm this usage, showcasing its function in various contexts, which is in line with Ludwig AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Film

10%

Books

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Travel

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "launchpad for" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that describes something as a starting point or catalyst for further development or success. According to Ludwig AI the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employing it. While it is suitable for general and professional communication, one should avoid overstating the impact when using it. Alternatives like "springboard to" or "stepping stone toward" can be considered depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting point for

A more literal alternative, simply indicating the beginning of a process or journey.

springboard to

Suggests a more dynamic and upward movement, implying momentum and advancement beyond just a starting point.

stepping stone toward

Implies progress through a series of stages, where each step builds upon the previous one.

catalyst for

Highlights the accelerating or transformative effect that initiates a process or change.

foundation for

Emphasizes the underlying structure or basis that supports further development.

basis for

Similar to 'foundation', but can also imply a logical or rational justification.

gateway to

Indicates access or entry to a new phase, opportunity, or experience.

precursor to

Suggests that something comes before and paves the way for what follows.

vehicle for

Implies that something serves as a means or tool to achieve a particular outcome.

impetus for

Highlights the driving force or motivation that initiates an action or change.

FAQs

How can I use "launchpad for" in a sentence?

You can use "launchpad for" to describe a starting point that enables further development or success. For example, 'The film festival served as a "launchpad for" the director's career'.

What are some alternatives to "launchpad for"?

Alternatives include "springboard to", "stepping stone toward", or "catalyst for", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "launchpad to" instead of "launchpad for"?

While 'launchpad' can sometimes be followed by 'to', "launchpad for" is more commonly used to indicate that something serves as a starting point or foundation. Using 'to' might imply directionality rather than support.

What's the difference between "launchpad for" and "foundation for"?

"Launchpad for" often implies a more active or dynamic start, suggesting a boost or impetus. "Foundation for", on the other hand, suggests a more passive, underlying structure that supports future growth. For instance, 'Education provides the "foundation for" a successful career', while 'The competition was the "launchpad for" her singing career'.