provide the groundwork for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "provide the groundwork for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the foundational elements or basis for a project, idea, or argument. Example: "The research conducted in this study will provide the groundwork for future investigations into climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The findings of the current study provide the groundwork for additional research with this broader scope and research design.

International Journal of STEM Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 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

When using "provide the groundwork for", ensure the subsequent action or development is clearly defined. This helps the reader understand what is being enabled or facilitated by the groundwork.

Common error

Avoid using "provide the groundwork for" without specifying what the groundwork leads to. A vague connection weakens the sentence and leaves the reader unclear about the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "provide the groundwork for" functions as a verb phrase that introduces a cause-and-effect relationship. It signifies enabling or facilitating a subsequent action, event, or development. As per Ludwig's AI, it indicates that something is establishing a basis for future possibilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "provide the groundwork for" serves as a common way to describe the act of creating a foundation or basis for future developments. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Primarily found in scientific, news and media, and formal business contexts, it indicates that some development is establishing the conditions for subsequent actions. Alternatives like "lay the foundation for" or "establish the basis for" offer similar meanings, emphasizing the role of current efforts in enabling future outcomes. This comprehensive analysis ensures clarity and effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lay the foundation for

Emphasizes the act of establishing a firm and stable base.

establish the basis for

Highlights the creation of a fundamental principle or reason.

pave the way for

Suggests clearing obstacles and making progress easier for what follows.

set the stage for

Implies creating a suitable environment or setting for a particular event or development.

create the platform for

Focuses on building a structure that supports further action or development.

form the infrastructure for

Highlights the creation of basic systems and facilities needed for something to function.

supply the underpinnings for

Stresses the provision of fundamental support or justification.

underlie

A more concise, single-word option indicating a foundational or causal relationship.

serve as a springboard for

Conveys the idea of providing an initial impetus or boost for future progress.

act as a catalyst for

Implies accelerating or triggering a subsequent process or development.

FAQs

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

You can use "provide the groundwork for" to indicate that something is creating a basis for future action or development. For instance, "This research will provide the groundwork for new treatments."

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

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

Is it better to use "provide the groundwork for" or "lay the foundation for"?

Both "provide the groundwork for" and "lay the foundation for" are appropriate, but "lay the foundation for" might imply a more stable and robust base, while "provide the groundwork for" is a more general expression of enabling some development.

What's the difference between "provide the groundwork for" and "contribute to"?

"Provide the groundwork for" suggests creating a basis or foundation, whereas "contribute to" indicates adding to something that already exists. The former is about enabling future developments, while the latter is about directly impacting current progress.