the foundation of knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the foundation of knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the essential principles or underlying concepts that support a body of knowledge or understanding in a particular field. Example: "In order to excel in science, one must first grasp the foundation of knowledge that underpins the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Broad liberal education is the foundation of knowledge.

The New York Times

We have seen that Stumpf associates it with both the neutral sciences and the question of the foundation of knowledge, specifically with the ultimate justification of knowledge.

SEP

There may be temporary speeding up or slowing down, but the foundation of knowledge that spurred the growth momentum will stay.

Forbes

In 1934 Schlick proposed to treat the claims motivating protocol statements, left by Neurath with the status of little more than mere hypotheses, as key to the foundation of knowledge.

SEP

The Sarvāstivādin Abhidharma-piṭaka consists of the Saṅgītiparyāya (Discourse on the Collective Recitation), the Dharmaskandha (Compendium of Dharmas), the Prajñaptiśāstra (Manual of Concepts), the Vijñānakāya (Compendium of Consciousness), the Dhātukāya (Compendium of Elements), the Prakaraṇapāda (Literary Exposition), and the Jñānaprasthāna (The Foundation of Knowledge).

SEP

The foundation of knowledge is the only thing we have going into a life where we have to make decisions for ourselves.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

On infallible belief, infallible justification, or direct acquaintance theories of foundational justification, there is precious little included in the foundations of knowledge.

SEP

And how did his exhortation for a renewed national pride connect with his earlier, more technical work on human mentality and the foundations of knowledge?

The New Yorker

And what if, instead of lowering himself into his battered Queen Anne to ponder the foundations of knowledge, Descartes had relaxed into a shapeshifting smart armchair – which, upon detecting his contemplative mood, promptly transformed itself into a chaise longue?

The Guardian - Tech

He uses sceptical doubts to test the firmness of candidates put forward for the foundations of Knowledge.

SEP

One might be able to convince oneself that one can know noninferentially the principles of deductive reasoning, but deduction will not take one usefully beyond the foundations of knowledge and justified belief.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "the foundation of knowledge", ensure that the context clearly identifies what specific knowledge is being referenced. Providing this context will improve clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting introductory or preliminary information as "the foundation of knowledge" if it's merely a starting point and not a comprehensive basis for the entire field. Be accurate about the scope and depth of the knowledge you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the foundation of knowledge" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as a subject complement or an object, identifying or describing the fundamental basis upon which understanding is built. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the foundation of knowledge" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies the essential and fundamental concepts underlying a particular area of understanding. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, particularly in academic, scientific, and professional settings. Examples curated by Ludwig show its broad applicability, reinforcing its status as a versatile and reliable expression for describing the core of understanding. While alternatives like "the basis of knowledge" or "the cornerstone of learning" exist, "the foundation of knowledge" provides a strong and clear way to emphasize the bedrock principles in any discipline.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the basis of knowledge

Emphasizes the underlying support or structure on which knowledge is built.

the bedrock of understanding

Highlights the fundamental and unwavering nature of the knowledge base.

the cornerstone of learning

Focuses on the essential and indispensable aspect of initial learning.

the groundwork for wisdom

Suggests the initial steps toward achieving wisdom through accumulated knowledge.

the fundamental principles of knowledge

Specifically refers to the core concepts and rules that govern a field.

the core knowledge base

Highlights the central collection of information essential to a subject.

the roots of comprehension

Implies that understanding grows from an initial base of knowledge.

the elementary knowledge

Refers to the basic, introductory information.

the primary source of knowledge

Emphasizes the original origin or creator of information.

the intellectual infrastructure

Draws a comparison with how we built the modern world.

FAQs

How can I use "the foundation of knowledge" in a sentence?

You can use "the foundation of knowledge" to describe the essential principles or underlying concepts upon which understanding is built, as in, "A broad liberal education is "the foundation of knowledge" for responsible citizenship."

What are some alternatives to "the foundation of knowledge"?

Alternatives include "the basis of knowledge", "the bedrock of understanding", or "the cornerstone of learning", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "the foundation of knowledge" in formal writing?

Yes, "the foundation of knowledge" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic or professional contexts where discussing core principles and concepts is common.

What makes something qualify as "the foundation of knowledge" in a particular field?

"The foundation of knowledge" typically refers to the fundamental theories, principles, or data that are essential for understanding and building upon further learning in that field. It represents the core information that any expert or practitioner must know.