laying the groundwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "laying the groundwork" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when talking about setting a foundation for something in the future, such as a plan or a goal. For example, "We are currently laying the groundwork for our project that will begin next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Laying the groundwork.

The New York Times

"He's laying the groundwork for the future.

The New York Times

I'm laying the groundwork for real honesty.

The New Yorker

He is already laying the groundwork.

The New York Times

Mr Santos is laying the groundwork for possible peace talks.

The Economist

"We're moving forward and laying the groundwork," he said.

The New York Times

But he is laying the groundwork for such a guarantee.

The New York Times - Tech

"We are laying the groundwork now," Ms. Amato said.

The New York Times

He has been, as he said, still laying the groundwork.

The New York Times

At the time, the two countries were already laying the groundwork for the indirect negotiations.

The New Yorker

Ever so quietly, Ms. Giffords's political allies are laying the groundwork just in case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "laying the groundwork", ensure the context clearly indicates what future outcome you are preparing for. This adds clarity and purpose to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "laying the groundwork" without specifying the intended goal. Without context, the phrase becomes meaningless and weakens your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "laying the groundwork" functions as a verb phrase, often used idiomatically. It describes the action of preparing for a future event or outcome. Ludwig's examples show it commonly used in contexts where planning and preparation are key.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "laying the groundwork" is a versatile and frequently used idiomatic phrase that signifies preparation for a future endeavor. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears across various authoritative sources, most notably in news, academic, and encyclopedia contexts. While it is appropriate for formal writing, be sure to specify the future goal to prevent vagueness. Consider alternatives like "preparing the foundation" or "setting the stage" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preparing the foundation

Focuses on the preparatory aspect, emphasizing the creation of a base for future development.

setting the stage

Emphasizes creating conditions for an event or action to occur.

paving the way

Highlights removing obstacles to facilitate progress.

building the foundation

Stresses the act of constructing a base, similar to physical construction.

establishing the basis

Focuses on creating a fundamental principle or reason for something.

setting up the infrastructure

Refers to establishing essential systems and facilities.

formulating the strategy

Highlights the planning and development of a strategic approach.

charting the course

Emphasizes planning and directing a specific path or direction.

putting the pieces in place

Implies organizing and arranging elements to achieve a desired outcome.

developing the pre-requisites

Focuses on fulfilling necessary conditions before moving forward.

FAQs

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

You can use "laying the groundwork" to describe actions taken to prepare for a future event or project. For example, "The team is "laying the groundwork" for a successful product launch next quarter".

What are some alternatives to "laying the groundwork"?

Alternatives to "laying the groundwork" include "preparing the foundation", "setting the stage", and "paving the way". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, "laying the groundwork" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent usage across diverse, authoritative sources. Its usage is well-established across news, academic and business contexts.

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

"Laying the groundwork" and "building the foundation" are similar, but "laying the groundwork" can imply a broader range of preparatory actions, while "building the foundation" often suggests more concrete, structural preparations.