lay the foundations for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lay the foundations for" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when you are wanting to describe the process of establishing a foundation that will eventually lead to a desired outcome. For example: "The teachers began to lay the foundations for their students' future success by providing them with the resources to excel in their studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

They are an untapped resource that can lay the foundations for great success.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "pave the way for" or "set the stage for" may be more appropriate depending on whether you want to emphasize removing obstacles or creating anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "lay the foundations for" when the context implies immediate results or actions. This phrase is best suited for situations where the benefits or outcomes are expected to materialize over time, not instantaneously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay the foundations for" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of preparing or establishing a basis for future development or success. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lay the foundations for" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to describe the act of establishing a groundwork for future success or development. As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. It is a versatile phrase and choosing from semantically similar alternatives like "pave the way for" or "establish the basis for" can help refine your message. To use the phrase effectively, ensure the context clearly indicates the future development being prepared for, and avoid using it when immediate results are expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish the basis for

Focuses on establishing a base or starting point, implying a more concrete or structural beginning.

pave the way for

Suggests removing obstacles and making a clear path for future progress or development.

set the stage for

Implies creating the circumstances or conditions necessary for something to happen, often with a sense of anticipation.

prepare the ground for

Emphasizes the act of making something ready or suitable, often suggesting a more natural or organic process.

build a platform for

Emphasizes constructing a base or structure, suggesting a more deliberate and planned approach.

develop the framework for

Focuses on creating a structural frame, suggesting something that will determine the overall shape and functions.

create a precedent for

Highlights the act of setting an example or standard that will be followed in the future, often in a legal or formal context.

form the infrastructure for

Highlights the act of building an infrastructure, suggesting something strong, functional, and useful.

originate the beginnings of

Indicates a creation of something new, often implying a more creative or innovative process.

initiate the process of

Emphasizes starting a procedure or sequence of actions, suggesting a more active and dynamic approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "lay the foundations for" to describe the act of establishing a groundwork for future success or development. For instance, "Investing in education will "lay the foundations for" a more prosperous society".

What is a good alternative to "lay the foundations for"?

Depending on the context, suitable alternatives include "pave the way for", "set the stage for", or "establish the basis for". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "lay the foundations for" in formal writing?

Yes, "lay the foundations for" is appropriate for formal writing. As supported by Ludwig, it is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase in academic, business, and news contexts.

What does it mean to "lay the foundations for" something?

To "lay the foundations for" something means to create the initial conditions or groundwork that will allow it to develop or succeed in the future. It implies a preparatory phase that is essential for later progress.