laying the foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "laying the foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the preparation of something for future growth or success. For example, "The company invested a lot of money in laying the foundation for their future success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You're laying the foundation.

The New York Times

He read intensively, however, laying the foundation of his learning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And we're laying the foundation for peace around the world".

The New York Times

We just marked the space and started laying the foundation.

The New York Times

This is part of laying the foundation for authentic conversation.

Harvard Business Review

Let us be very careful in laying the foundation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Laying the foundation for planning and preparing for coming year.

Cornell University

He must have been planning it for days, laying the foundation, giving us false clues".

The New Yorker

They were laying the foundation for the Freedom Tower and needed something to shore it up.

The New Yorker

But problems with laying the foundation delayed the project, and he lost millions.

The New York Times - Sports

This can be seen as laying the foundation for creating infrastructure to connect Asia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "laying the foundation" when you want to emphasize the importance of initial steps for long-term success. For example, "Laying the foundation with a solid business plan is crucial for startup success."

Common error

Avoid using "laying the foundation" for tasks that are ongoing or iterative. It is best suited for describing activities that are intended to create a base for future endeavors. Instead of saying "We are laying the foundation for continuous improvement", use "We are implementing a program for continuous improvement".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laying the foundation" functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a continuous verb tense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It signifies the action of establishing a base or initial steps for future development or success.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Science

17%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "laying the foundation" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies the preparatory actions taken to ensure future success or development. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is appropriate across various contexts, from formal writing to general discussions, emphasizing the importance of establishing a stable base. Common contexts include News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. When using the phrase, consider the scope of the "foundation" and ensure it aligns with the intended long-term goal, while avoiding its application to ongoing processes. Alternatives such as "establishing the basis" or "creating the groundwork" offer similar meanings with subtle contextual differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establishing the basis

Focuses more on establishing a fundamental principle or idea.

creating the groundwork

Emphasizes the initial work needed before further progress.

preparing the infrastructure

Highlights the creation of essential systems or facilities.

developing the framework

Focuses on creating a structural plan or system.

setting the stage

Suggests arranging elements to create a specific environment or situation.

building the substructure

Specifically refers to the construction of a base or support system.

setting up the structure

Highlights the organization and arrangement of elements.

paving the way

Indicates removing obstacles and making progress easier.

putting the building blocks in place

Emphasizes the initial components needed for something to grow.

devising the underpinnings

Focuses on the basic supports or causes of something.

FAQs

How can I use "laying the foundation" in a sentence?

You can use "laying the foundation" to describe the initial steps taken to ensure future success or growth. For example, "Investing in education is "laying the foundation" for a prosperous future."

What are some alternatives to "laying the foundation"?

Alternatives to "laying the foundation" include "establishing the basis", "creating the groundwork", or "preparing the infrastructure", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "laying the foundation" in formal writing?

Yes, "laying the foundation" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a common and well-understood idiom suitable for professional and academic contexts.

What's the difference between "laying the foundation" and "building the structure"?

"Laying the foundation" refers to the initial preparatory work, while "building the structure" implies the actual construction or development on top of that base. You can't start "building the structure" without first "laying the foundation".