provide the groundwork

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide the groundwork" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the establishment of a foundation or basis for a project, idea, or argument. Example: "The initial research will provide the groundwork for our upcoming study on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

The initial encounters provide the groundwork for up to six hours of additional interviews.

The New York Times

"This research could provide the groundwork to a permanent cure that could save millions," Andrew S. asserted.

The New York Times - Magazine

Donna Leong, managing director of family wealth advisory in Asia at HSBC Private Bank, said that with many client families dealing with issues relating to generational transition, programs like these provide "the groundwork for ensuring that the legacies of the families are not only preserved but are adapted to future generations".

The New York Times

While Mr. Obama said the bill also should provide "the groundwork" for Congress to achieve additional deficit reduction next year through overhauls of the tax code and spending for fast-growing entitlement programs, chiefly Medicare, Congressional Democrats said the likely measure by itself would do nothing to put such efforts in motion.

The New York Times

Early social relationships provide the groundwork for the later development of self-determination.

SEP

These studies provide the groundwork for future improvements in device design.

Journal of Controlled Release

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Our international partners provided the groundwork for some people in Afghanistan to become unbelievably rich.

The Guardian

That she calls him "flirtatiously antisocial" provides the groundwork for other possibilities.

The New York Times

This was the programme, beginning in the 90s, that provided the groundwork for the international human gene sequencing project Sulston went on to spearhead.

The Guardian - Books

"Freud has had the greater effect on our understanding of behavior, aesthetic behavior in particular, but Darwin provides the groundwork for the understanding of Freud.

The New York Times

His mathematical proof that classic markets function as efficiently as Adam Smith had theorized provided the groundwork for his pupil Gérard Debreu to win a Nobel in 1983.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "provide the groundwork" when you want to emphasize that something is creating a necessary foundation for future development or action.

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice excessively with this phrase. Instead of saying "The groundwork was provided by..." try "...provided the groundwork" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide the groundwork" functions as a verb phrase that introduces the idea of creating a foundation or preliminary basis for future actions or developments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and readily used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "provide the groundwork" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that indicates establishing a foundation or basis for future endeavors. As verified by Ludwig AI, this phrase is frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts, suggesting its utility in both formal and neutral registers. When using this phrase, consider avoiding excessive passive voice to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "lay the foundation" or "establish the basis" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lay the foundation

This alternative focuses on the act of creating a base or starting point.

establish the basis

This alternative emphasizes the act of setting up a foundation.

create a foundation

This alternative suggests the construction of a firm basis.

set the stage

This idiom suggests preparing for an event or situation.

pave the way

This idiom emphasizes the act of making progress easier.

build a base

Focuses on the construction of a foundational structure.

form the basis

This alternative highlights the role of something as a starting point.

establish a platform

This emphasizes building a base for future actions.

develop the framework

Focuses on designing the overarching structure.

underpin the structure

This alternative focuses on supporting the foundation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "provide the groundwork" is used to indicate that something establishes a foundation or basis for future actions or developments. For example, "This research will "provide the groundwork" for further studies.".

What are some alternatives to "provide the groundwork"?

You can use alternatives like "lay the foundation", "establish the basis", or "pave the way" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "provide the groundwork" or "lay the groundwork"?

Both ""provide the groundwork"" and "lay the groundwork" are acceptable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey. "Lay the groundwork" may sound more idiomatic to some.

What is the difference between "provide the groundwork" and "provide the basis"?

While both phrases indicate establishing a foundation, ""provide the groundwork"" often implies preparing for a more extensive or complex undertaking. "Provide the basis" can refer to a simpler, more fundamental starting point.