lay the basis for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lay the basis for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to signify the creation of a foundation for something, often for something more complex or abstract. For example, "The report laid the basis for further negotiations between the two countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its success was to lay the basis for the long-awaited breakout.

Britannica

Fontenelle helped to lay the basis for empirical observation as the proper approach to scientific truth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The white paper, which has already been delayed, is to lay the basis for next year's Brexit immigration bill.

The Guardian

If London aggressively supports Washington, a resolution strong enough to lay the basis for action will be achievable.

The Guardian

First, it must lay the basis for a global regime and subsequent agreements that limit global temperature rise in accordance with the scientific evidence.

The Guardian

But they fear that it would lay the basis for still grander plans, which would give the United States a strategic advantage.

The New York Times

Identifying the genes, and when and where they operate, could lay the basis for someday devising gene therapy for the syndrome, Dr. Reeves said.

The New York Times - Science

Neurochemists have identified many brain proteins that help cells survive, make connections between cells and lay the basis for learning and memory, Dr. Nelson said.

The New York Times

Based on Comey's prepared remarks, his Senate testimony will lay the basis for this legal claim, without explicitly making the charge.

The New Yorker

That will lay the basis for Phase IV: the September-October debates, and the candidates' reactions to crises and job trends.

The New York Times

On Oct. 7th the President an nounced an Indo‐China peace initiative as a serious effort to lay the basis for a settlement of the conflict.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lay the basis for", ensure that the subsequent action or development is clearly linked to the foundation you are establishing. This provides clarity and strengthens the connection.

Common error

While "lay the basis for" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise verbs like 'establish', 'found', or 'institute' to enhance the sophistication of your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay the basis for" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It is used to describe the act of creating a necessary foundation or initial conditions that enable something else to happen or develop. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lay the basis for" is a versatile and frequently used idiomatic phrase that describes the act of establishing a foundation or creating the necessary conditions for future developments. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in news, science, and encyclopedia sources. While acceptable in both neutral and formal contexts, it's advisable to opt for stronger verbs in certain formal writing pieces. The provided writing guidance helps refine its application, and the related phrases and FAQs offer insightful alternatives and clarifications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish the groundwork for

Focuses more on the initial steps and preparations required.

set the stage for

Emphasizes creating a favorable environment for future events.

provide a foundation for

Highlights the act of giving something a fundamental base.

create a platform for

Implies building a structure or system to support further development.

pave the way for

Suggests removing obstacles and making progress easier.

form the underpinnings of

Emphasizes the core elements that support a larger structure.

build a framework for

Focuses on constructing a structured system or plan.

constitute the foundation of

Highlights that the alternative phrase is integral and necessary to construct the foundation of something.

form the cornerstone of

Suggests forming one of the fundamental elements for creating something.

prepare the breeding ground for

Highlights the importance of setting up the right environment for future development.

FAQs

How can I use "lay the basis for" in a sentence?

You can use "lay the basis for" to indicate that something is creating a foundation or necessary condition for something else. For example, "This research will "lay the basis for" future studies."

What are some alternatives to "lay the basis for"?

Some alternatives include "establish the groundwork for", "set the stage for", or "provide a foundation for depending on the context".

Is it more appropriate to say "lay the basis for" or "lay the foundation for"?

Both "lay the basis for" and "lay the foundation for" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context, but "lay the basis for" is often used in more abstract contexts, while "lay the foundation for" tends to be used for more physical or concrete instances.

What does "lay the basis for" mean?

"Lay the basis for" means to create the initial conditions or groundwork that will allow something else to develop or succeed. It implies establishing a necessary foundation or prerequisite.