lay the groundwork for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lay the groundwork for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe the process of preparing for future events. For example, "The principles set forth in the recent negotiations will lay the groundwork for future peace talks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

New York intends to lay the groundwork for seven casinos.

The New York Times - Sports

It could lay the groundwork for real and lasting prosperity.

The New York Times

| Defense officials lay the groundwork for a cybersecurity bill.

The New York Times

Deprived childhoods lay the groundwork for future social ills.

The New York Times

Beta-amyloid is thought to lay the groundwork for dementia.

The New Yorker

That's what good family programming can lay the groundwork for".

The New York Times - Arts

A more complex task is to lay the groundwork for a much simpler constitution.

The Economist

Those clauses lay the groundwork for legal action if something goes wrong.

The New York Times - Arts

The string of recent cases, banks fear, could lay the groundwork for years of costly litigation.

The New York Times

It is time to lay the groundwork for effective global human exploration of space.

The New York Times

Their dual mission: persuasion and organization to lay the groundwork for a strong showing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lay the groundwork for" when you want to emphasize the preparatory actions needed for a future event or goal. For example, "Investing in education today will lay the groundwork for a more skilled workforce tomorrow."

Common error

A common mistake is confusing "lay", which requires an object, with "lie", which doesn't. "Lay" means to place something down, while "lie" means to recline or be in a horizontal position. Therefore, use "lay" when you are actively establishing something, for example: "The committee will lay the groundwork for the new policy." Not, "The committee will lie the groundwork..."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lay the groundwork for" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It signifies taking preparatory steps to enable a future action, event, or outcome. As Ludwig AI explains, it is used to describe the process of preparing for future events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lay the groundwork for" is a very common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe the process of preparing for future events. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. It is often used to highlight the preparatory actions needed for a future event or goal, and its primary function is to express the intentional creation of conditions that will facilitate or support a subsequent development. As the examples show, it's versatile, appearing in news, scientific publications, and business contexts, making it a valuable phrase for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pave the way for

Focuses on removing obstacles and making progress easier.

set the stage for

Emphasizes creating a favorable environment for something to happen.

prepare the foundation for

Highlights the creation of a basic structure or base.

establish a basis for

Stresses the creation of a firm and logical starting point.

create the conditions for

Focuses on making the circumstances suitable for something.

build the infrastructure for

Emphasizes the development of necessary systems and structures.

make preparations for

Highlights the act of getting ready for a future event.

set in motion

Emphasizes the initiation of a process or action.

initiate the process for

Focuses on beginning a series of actions towards a specific goal.

clear the path for

Highlights removing obstructions to enable future progress.

FAQs

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

Use "lay the groundwork for" to describe actions that prepare for a future event or outcome. For example, "These initial investments will "lay the groundwork for" long-term growth".

What can I say instead of "lay the groundwork for"?

You can use alternatives like "pave the way for", "set the stage for", or "prepare the foundation for" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "lay the groundwork for" and "lay the foundation for"?

While similar, ""lay the groundwork for"" often implies a broader range of preparatory actions, whereas "lay the foundation for" suggests building a more concrete base or structure. The nuance depends on the specific context.

Which is the correct phrase: "lay the groundwork for" or "lay the ground for"?

"Lay the groundwork for" is the correct and idiomatic phrase. "Lay the ground for" is less common and may not convey the intended meaning as effectively.