prepare the groundwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prepare the groundwork" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the initial steps or foundational work needed for a project or plan. Example: "Before we can launch the new marketing campaign, we need to prepare the groundwork by conducting market research and identifying our target audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"This may have been a test to prepare the groundwork".

The New York Times

"If you want to attack, you have to prepare the groundwork, and you have to be prepared to show the evidence," Clawson said.

The New Yorker

But, Mr. Bush said, "I think it's up to us to prepare the groundwork for an administration that will be ready to function on Day One".

The New York Times

It was against the background of this farcical development that the Office for Budget Responsibility and the Treasury had to prepare the groundwork for last week's autumn statement.

The Guardian

Let me also prepare the groundwork for what I hope will be full and frank reader comments, by acknowledging that this issue is controversial.

The New York Times - Health

Celia W. Dugger (NYT) NORTH KOREA, U.S.: TALKS TODAY American and North Korean negotiators will meet in Berlin today to try to prepare the groundwork for the first high-level visit by North Korean officials to the United States.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

These meetings prepared the groundwork for the strategy that followed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Instead, we have destabilized Iraq and prepared the groundwork for a terrorist recruiting and training program.

The New York Times

He prepared the groundwork for the Camp David accords (1978) and the Egypt-Israel peace treaty of the following year.

The Guardian

An advocate of fiscal austerity, he is also credited with preparing the groundwork for Belgium to join the euro, the single currency, in 1999.

The New York Times

When the plot was uncovered, many of its leaders fled abroad, mainly to Paris, where they prepared the groundwork for a future revolution against Abdülhamid.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prepare the groundwork", ensure the context clearly indicates what future action or goal the groundwork is being laid for. This provides clarity and purpose to the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "prepare the groundwork" when the action is already inherently foundational. For example, saying 'We must prepare the groundwork by starting the project' is redundant. Focus on the specific preparatory actions instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prepare the groundwork" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action taken to establish a foundation or create necessary conditions for future events or activities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prepare the groundwork" is a grammatically correct and usable verb phrase that signifies taking actions to establish a foundation or create necessary conditions for future success. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and the examples provided come from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While it is not exceedingly common, it finds its place in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, clarity about the intended future action is key. Alternatives such as "lay the foundation" or "set the stage" can provide similar meanings. Avoid using the phrase when the preparatory action is already inherently foundational to maintain conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish the foundation

Focuses on creating a base or starting point, emphasizing the initial setup.

lay the foundation

Similar to 'establish the foundation', but emphasizes the act of placing or setting something down.

set the stage

Implies arranging the circumstances or environment for an event or action.

pave the way

Suggests clearing obstacles or making a path easier for something to proceed.

create the preconditions

Highlights the creation of necessary conditions that must exist before something else can occur.

build the infrastructure

Emphasizes constructing the basic systems and facilities needed for operation.

develop the basis

Focuses on the gradual growth and refinement of an initial concept or idea.

formulate the strategy

Highlights planning and devising a method to achieve a specific goal.

arrange the preliminaries

Involves organizing and managing the initial actions or events before a main activity.

initiate the process

Implies starting or beginning a series of actions or steps.

FAQs

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

You can use "prepare the groundwork" to describe actions taken to make future success more likely, such as, "The research team worked to prepare the groundwork for future clinical trials".

What phrases are similar to "prepare the groundwork"?

Alternatives include "lay the foundation", "set the stage", or "pave the way", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "prepare the groundwork" and then list obvious first steps?

Yes, it can be. Instead of stating "prepare the groundwork by beginning", specify the particular actions you're undertaking to lay that foundation without restating the obvious.

What is the difference between "prepare the groundwork" and "set the scene"?

"Prepare the groundwork" suggests creating a foundation for a project or plan, while "set the scene" focuses on creating the right environment or context for an event or narrative.