the foundation for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the foundation for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the basis on which something deeper builds. For example: "The foundation for our success was laying out a clear plan and following through on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Familiarity, the foundation for cohesiveness, is important.

The New York Times - Sports

That would lay the foundation for decades of prosperity.

The New York Times

It also sets the foundation for positive future relationships.

The New York Times

The foundation for that: trust.

BBC

Rule 4: Lay the foundation for success.

Forbes

"We're laying the foundation for bigger things".

Science Magazine

"It's the foundation for 'dot-comming' ourselves.

Forbes

Metadata is the foundation for good archiving.

Database Archiving How to Keep Lots of Data for a Very Long Time

Genetic diversity is the foundation for crop improvement.

Rice

A coordinated support creates the foundation for entrepreneurial success.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

This paper laid the foundation for more general cases.

Mathematics-in-Industry Case Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the foundation for", ensure that the subsequent part of the sentence clearly articulates what is being built or based upon this foundation, providing a clear connection between the base and the resulting structure or idea.

Common error

Avoid using "the foundation for" without specifying what the foundation supports. Ensure the sentence clearly indicates the relationship between the foundation and what it enables or builds upon, rather than leaving it implied or vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the foundation for" functions as a noun phrase that serves to introduce the fundamental element or basis upon which something else is established or developed. It is commonly used to highlight the core element that supports subsequent actions, ideas, or structures, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the foundation for" is a frequently used phrase that denotes the essential base or groundwork upon which something is developed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across different contexts, spanning from scientific research and news reporting to general informational content. Alternative phrases such as "the basis of" and "the groundwork for" offer similar meanings, though "the foundation for" specifically implies the support or starting point from which something is constructed. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that you explicitly state what is being built upon this foundation to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the basis of

This alternative focuses on the fundamental aspect serving as a starting point, changing the preposition and word order.

the groundwork for

This alternative emphasizes preparatory work that precedes further development, changing the noun.

the starting point for

This alternative highlights the initial stage or origin, changing the noun phrase.

the basis for

This alternative is shorter and more direct, omitting "of".

the underlying principle for

This alternative emphasizes the fundamental rule or belief that something is based on, adding an adjective.

the rationale for

This alternative focuses on the reasons or justification behind something, changing the noun.

the justification for

This alternative emphasizes the reasons that defend or warrant something, changing the noun.

the reason for

This alternative focuses on the cause or explanation of something, changing the noun.

the underpinnings of

This alternative highlights the supporting structure or basis of something, using a less common noun.

the infrastructure for

This alternative emphasizes the basic physical and organizational structures needed for something, focusing on a more structural meaning.

FAQs

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

Use "the foundation for" to introduce the essential base or starting point upon which something else is developed or established. For example, "Trust is the foundation for any successful relationship".

What are some alternatives to "the foundation for"?

You can use alternatives like "the basis of", "the groundwork for", or "the starting point for", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the foundation of" instead of "the foundation for"?

While both can be grammatically correct, "the foundation for" often implies a purpose or intended outcome, whereas "the foundation of" typically describes the composition or structure of something. Thus, the best choice will depend on the specific intent of your sentence.

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

"The basis for" emphasizes the underlying reason or justification, while "the foundation for" suggests a more concrete or structural starting point. Although similar, "the foundation for" implies something is built upon it.