lay the foundations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lay the foundations" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to the act of establishing the groundwork for something important or complex. For example, "The team is working hard to lay the foundations for success in the upcoming season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I want to lay the foundations," says Mr Aguilar.

The Economist

Maybe it will lay the foundations for a book.

The New York Times

"We would lay the foundations for a new economy".

The Guardian

An opportunity to lay the foundations for future peace.

The New York Times

We need to lay the foundations for our industry".

The Guardian

Secondly, the budget should lay the foundations for structural reform.

The Guardian - Business

A public confession could lay the foundations for reconciliation.

The Guardian

Five key reforms would lay the foundations for this: 1.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their specific aim was to lay the foundations for a coordinated, armed uprising against the Turks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But more importantly, we have started to lay the foundations for the future.

Independent

"Investments like these could help lay the foundations for future growth".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lay the foundations", ensure you clearly define what you are building upon those foundations. Specificity strengthens your statement and provides context for the action.

Common error

Avoid using "lay the foundations" in overly abstract or vague contexts where the specific outcome or subsequent development is unclear. Ensure there is a tangible connection between the foundations and the intended result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay the foundations" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of establishing a basis or groundwork for future development or success. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lay the foundations" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of establishing a fundamental basis for future development, growth, or success. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, from news and media to scientific research and encyclopedic entries. Its usage conveys a sense of strategic planning and deliberate action to ensure future stability and progress. While "lay the foundations" is generally suitable for neutral and formal settings, it's important to use it with specificity, ensuring a clear link between the initial steps and the intended outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Establish the groundwork

Focuses on the initial preparatory steps, emphasizing practicality and readiness.

Set the stage

Emphasizes creating a suitable environment or conditions for something to happen.

Build the framework

Highlights the creation of a structural support or basic structure.

Create the basis

Focuses on the fundamental principle or reason upon which something is built.

Pave the way

Implies clearing obstacles and making progress easier for future endeavors.

Prepare the infrastructure

Specifically refers to setting up the necessary systems and facilities.

Put in place the underpinnings

Emphasizes the hidden or less visible support that is essential for stability.

Form the substructure

Highlights the underlying part of a structure.

Originate the system

Focuses on starting the entire operational process or organization.

Develop the starting point

Emphasizes the beginning phase of a process or project.

FAQs

How can I use "lay the foundations" in a sentence?

You can use "lay the foundations" to describe the act of establishing a base for future success or development, for example: "The new policies will "lay the foundations" for economic growth".

What's a more formal way to say "lay the foundations"?

A more formal alternative to "lay the foundations" could be "establish the groundwork", which emphasizes preparation and readiness.

What are some synonyms for "lay the foundations"?

Some synonyms for "lay the foundations" include "establish the groundwork", "set the stage", or "build the framework".

Is it correct to say "laid the foundations"?

Yes, "laid the foundations" is the past tense form of the phrase and is grammatically correct. For example: "The previous administration "laid the foundations" for the current economic recovery".