substantial foundations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial foundations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the significant or important bases or principles underlying a concept, idea, or structure. Example: "The research provided substantial foundations for the development of new educational policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The resistivity survey clearly showed the larger room, but barely detected the smaller, suggesting that it had less substantial foundations, was probably less well-constructed, and possibly later in date.

Wikipedia

It is considered that the largest of these, because it had more substantial foundations than the others, was probably the timber-framed church; another was most likely the gatehouse, and the other buildings provided accommodation for the canons and the senior secular craftsmen.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Hubristic pride, as Dr. Tracy calls it, is closer to arrogance or narcissism, pride without substantial foundation.

The New York Times - Health

A substantial foundation of Pakistani institutions and infrastructure exists on which to build.

The New York Times

But there could be a "differentiated" EU in which some countries push towards integration, while preserving a "substantial foundation which must remain common competences".

The Economist

"Our scoping paper lays a substantial foundation for a clear, modern statute providing a coherent scheme of structured, clearly defined offences that can be readily understood and efficiently prosecuted.

The Guardian

Once you've got your base down, be it a tinted moisturizer or a more substantial foundation applied sparingly, the checklist is fairly unintimidating: concealer, to be applied only where needed after foundation, when you're less likely to overdo it.

The New York Times

Surprisingly, even when the fault rupture emerges beyond the structure, completely avoiding the foundation, substantial foundation distress may still be generated.

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

Newton, though indicating in the early manuscript De Gravitatione that he does not pretend to know the substantial foundation of minds, consistently presents God and minds as immaterial, lacking certain characteristics of body, namely, hardness, impenetrability and resistance.

SEP

The material factor of architecture decoration is a substantial foundation for the existence of architecture beauty, and reflects the traditional concept of different schools and culture in the areas of architecture materials and constructive technology.

Procedia Engineering

Instead of imposing strict safety limits on forces and moments transmitted from the foundation onto the soil (aiming at avoiding pseudo-static failure), the new dynamic approach "invites" the creation of two simultaneous "failure" mechanisms: substantial foundation uplifting and ultimate-bearing-capacity slippage, while ensuring that peak and residual deformations are acceptable.

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using this phrase when emphasizing the physical strength or the profound importance of the underlying base.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial foundations" in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts where a simpler phrase like "strong support" would be more appropriate. Ensure the foundations have a tangible or definable aspect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial foundations" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "foundations". The primary grammatical function is to describe or characterize the nature of the foundations, emphasizing their strength, size, or importance. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial foundations" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, meaning a strong and important base. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While its frequency is relatively rare, it appears most often in science and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes clear what is being supported, and consider its slightly formal tone. Alternatives such as "solid foundation" or "strong base" can offer similar meanings in different registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solid foundation

Replaces "substantial" with "solid", indicating a firm and reliable base.

strong base

Uses "base" instead of "foundations", suggesting a fundamental support.

firm footing

Employs a metaphor of secure placement, implying a stable starting point.

solid groundwork

Replaces "foundations" with "groundwork", emphasizing the preparatory work done.

robust infrastructure

Focuses on the strength and durability of the underlying structure.

sound infrastructure

Highlights the reliability and integrity of the support system.

extensive base

Stresses the breadth and scope of the support structure.

sizeable base

Highlights the measurable dimensions of the support.

considerable underpinnings

Suggests significant underlying support or influence.

significant infrastructure

Emphasizes the importance of the underlying systems.

FAQs

How can I use "substantial foundations" in a sentence?

You can use "substantial foundations" to describe a strong and important base for a building, idea, or system. For example, "The new law provides "substantial foundations" for economic growth."

What are some alternatives to "substantial foundations"?

Alternatives include "solid foundation", "strong base", and "firm footing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what contexts is "substantial foundations" most appropriate?

"Substantial foundations" is most fitting when discussing the physical structure of buildings, significant theoretical underpinnings, or critical support systems. For example, “The building’s "substantial foundations" ensured its stability during the earthquake.”

Is "substantial foundations" more formal than "strong foundations"?

Yes, "substantial foundations" carries a slightly more formal tone than "strong foundations". While both are acceptable, "substantial foundations" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.