setting the foundation for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "setting the foundation for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the establishment of a basis or groundwork for something, such as a project, idea, or relationship. Example: "The initial research is crucial for setting the foundation for our future studies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

I am still thankful to them for setting the foundation for my future career.

The New Yorker

The nation's founders, the decision said, intended federal judges' decisions to become precedent, with each case setting the foundation for later law.

The New York Times

And among India's youngest population, the gender ratio is still getting worse, perhaps setting the foundation for new generations of violent crime and attacks on women, experts say.

The New York Times

By pioneering economywide carbon regulations, California is setting the foundation for a financially sustainable clean tech sector that will someday drive the California economy.

The New York Times

A range of high-resolution 3D images and animations can be projected, setting the foundation for widely accessible volumetric 3D displays.

Nature

The results confirmed the appropriate design of this transducer, setting the foundation for a low mechanical quality factor and satisfying amplitude.

Results in Physics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

In fact, regulators could be setting the foundations for a power supply crisis in Britain, critics say.

The New York Times

I don't think we'll be immortal by 2050, but we'll be setting the foundations for immortality.

The Guardian

The timing in both instances was excruciatingly bad for Showalter, and the absence of credit for setting the foundations for both championships was sometimes exasperating.

The New York Times - Sports

The government has already curbed the power of the constitutional court and will seize authority whenever else it can, setting the foundations for a long stay in power.

The Economist

This pilot work sets the foundation for future analyses in a variety of settings and professional groups, each of which will provide opportunities for validation and reliability procedures.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "setting the foundation for", ensure the subsequent actions or outcomes are clearly linked to the established base. This provides context and strengthens the connection between the preparation and the result.

Common error

Avoid using "setting the foundation for" when the action only contributes marginally to the final outcome. Ensure the 'foundation' truly plays a crucial role in subsequent developments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting the foundation for" acts as a transitive verbal phrase. It connects an action (setting) with its direct object (foundation) to indicate preparing the basis for something, often a future event or development. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

4%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "setting the foundation for" is a versatile phrase used to describe the act of creating a basis for future developments. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. It is prevalent in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure a clear link between the groundwork and the expected outcomes. Alternatives such as "laying the groundwork for" or "establishing the basis for" can be used to diversify your writing while maintaining a similar meaning. However, be mindful of overstating the phrase and ensure that the 'foundation' plays a genuinely crucial role in later events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laying the groundwork for

Emphasizes preparation and initial steps to enable future success.

establishing the basis for

Focuses on creating a fundamental principle or idea as a starting point.

paving the way for

Suggests removing obstacles and making it easier for something to happen.

preparing the ground for

Highlights the act of making something ready for a future event or development.

creating a platform for

Implies building a structure or system to support future activities.

setting the stage for

Uses a theatrical metaphor to describe preparing for an event or development.

building a base for

Focuses on constructing a solid starting point for future growth or expansion.

formulating the framework for

Highlights the development of a structured system or plan.

developing a rationale for

Focuses on creating a logical justification or reason for something.

underpinning the structure for

Suggests providing support and stability to a larger entity.

FAQs

How can I use "setting the foundation for" in a sentence?

You can use "setting the foundation for" to describe actions that establish a basis for future developments. For example, "Investing in early childhood education is crucial for setting the foundation for lifelong learning".

What are some alternatives to "setting the foundation for"?

Alternatives include "laying the groundwork for", "establishing the basis for", or "paving the way for" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "setting the foundation for" or "laying the foundation for"?

Both "setting the foundation for" and "laying the foundation for" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on stylistic preference, although "setting" might imply a more active role in the foundational process.

What does "setting the foundation for" imply?

"Setting the foundation for" implies creating a base or groundwork that is essential for future success or development. It suggests a deliberate effort to establish a solid starting point.