springboard for

USAGE SUMMARY

"springboard for" is a perfectly valid and common phrase used in written English.
It can mean a stepping stone or starting point for a particular activity or project. For example, "The conference was the perfect springboard for developing new strategies and partnerships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Trivia should be a springboard for conversation.

The New Yorker

DRIP is hardly a springboard for reform.

The Economist

"It becomes a springboard for your marketing".

The New York Times - Sports

And is art a springboard for fame?

The New York Times

"It's more a springboard for future development.

The New York Times

It is the springboard for further development.

The Guardian - Music

Tradition was the springboard for his innovation.

The New York Times

Inspiration is the springboard for creativity.

Harvard Business Review

It was just a springboard for my book.

The New Yorker

membership as a springboard for wider economic change.

The New York Times

Sometimes mere form serves as a springboard for an encounter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "springboard for" to emphasize that something is not just a starting point, but also provides upward momentum or potential for advancement.

Common error

While "springboard for" is acceptable, overuse in formal contexts can make your writing sound less sophisticated. Opt for alternatives like "foundation for" or "basis for" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "springboard for" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or noun phrase. It indicates that something serves as a catalyst or starting point, providing the initial impetus for further development or action. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "springboard for" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that signifies a starting point or catalyst for something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples from news, science, and business sources. While its register is generally neutral, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "foundation for" in highly formal writing. Remember that "springboard for" emphasizes momentum and potential, setting it apart from phrases that simply denote a base or origin.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

starting point for

Directly indicates the initial stage or beginning.

catalyst for

Focuses more on the initiating action rather than the foundational aspect.

launchpad for

Suggests a more dynamic and accelerated beginning.

impetus for

Highlights the driving force or motivation behind something.

basis for

Emphasizes the underlying foundation or reason.

foundation for

Stresses the fundamental support or base.

stepping stone to

Implies a progressive path towards a larger goal.

vehicle for

Suggests a means by which something is achieved or conveyed.

prelude to

Indicates something that comes before and leads to something else.

opportunity for

Focuses on the chance or possibility that arises.

FAQs

How can I use "springboard for" in a sentence?

Use "springboard for" to show that something provides an initial boost or impetus for further development or progress. For instance, "This project served as a "springboard for" future innovations".

What are some alternatives to "springboard for"?

You can use alternatives like "starting point for", "foundation for", or "basis for" depending on the context. Each option offers a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is "springboard for" suitable for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "springboard for" might sound less formal in some contexts. Consider using alternatives like "foundation for" or "basis for" in highly formal documents.

What's the difference between "springboard for" and "foundation for"?

"Springboard for" implies an upward or forward momentum, suggesting potential for growth. "Foundation for", on the other hand, focuses more on the underlying support or groundwork. So, "springboard for" shows the start and the potential that is created as a consequence of the start.