the foundation upon which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the foundation upon which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the underlying basis or principle for something, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "Trust is the foundation upon which strong relationships are built."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With the highly integrated and novel foundational information, a guided preparatory lab experience may be critical for building the foundation upon which HO can be erected.

CBE Life Sciences Education

The foundation upon which our economy rests is dangerously rotten.

The New York Times

To do less would diminish us and undermine the foundation upon which we stand".

The Guardian - Opinion

They are the foundation upon which the edifice of North Korean cultural orthodoxy has been raised.

The Guardian

Scientific education must therefore be the foundation upon which our future rests.

The Guardian

I believe these reforms are the foundation upon which we must build our new Labor party.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both together formed the foundation upon which a new relationship between East and West was built.

The New York Times

Slavery provided the foundation upon which white Southerners constructed a pervasive ideology of white supremacy.

The Washington Post

It is the foundation upon which the decentralized economy of the future will be built.

MIT Technology Review

The report kicked out the foundation upon which the C.I.A. detention and interrogation program had rested.

The New York Times

The historical heritage is, of course, the foundation upon which the current situation rests.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the foundation upon which", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly explains what is being built or supported. This helps maintain clarity and avoids vagueness.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "the foundation upon which" can make your writing sound overly formal or repetitive. Consider using simpler alternatives like "the basis for" or "the groundwork for" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the foundation upon which" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically introducing a clause that specifies the basis or support for something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is usable in written English to describe an underlying principle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the foundation upon which" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase, particularly in formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the idea of a fundamental basis supporting a concept or structure. While common across various domains like news, academia, and science, writers should avoid overuse to maintain a natural tone. Alternative phrases such as "the basis upon which" or "the groundwork upon which" can provide variety while preserving the intended meaning. Recognizing its function, purpose, and appropriate register enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the basis upon which

Replaces 'foundation' with 'basis', indicating the fundamental reason or principle.

the groundwork upon which

Substitutes 'foundation' with 'groundwork', emphasizing the preliminary or preparatory nature of the base.

the bedrock upon which

Replaces 'foundation' with 'bedrock', highlighting the solid and unyielding nature of the base.

the base upon which

Uses 'base' instead of 'foundation', a more straightforward and general term for the supporting structure.

the rationale upon which

Substitutes 'foundation' with 'rationale', focusing on the logical justification or reason.

the cornerstone upon which

Replaces 'foundation' with 'cornerstone', emphasizing the essential and indispensable nature of the base.

the underpinnings upon which

Replaces 'foundation' with 'underpinnings', stressing the fundamental supports beneath something.

the infrastructure upon which

Replaces 'foundation' with 'infrastructure', emphasizing the basic physical and organizational structures.

the supporting structure for

Uses a more descriptive phrase to convey the idea of a foundational element.

the framework for

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression, emphasizing the structure that supports something.

FAQs

What does "the foundation upon which" mean?

The phrase "the foundation upon which" refers to the underlying principles, ideas, or structures that something else is built on or based on. It signifies the essential support that enables further development or existence.

How can I use "the foundation upon which" in a sentence?

You can use "the foundation upon which" to introduce the fundamental element that supports a more complex idea or system. For example, "Trust is "the foundation upon which" strong relationships are built."

What are some alternatives to "the foundation upon which"?

Some alternatives to "the foundation upon which" include "the basis upon which", "the groundwork upon which", or simply "the basis for", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the foundation upon which"?

While grammatically correct, using "the foundation upon which" may sound overly formal in casual contexts. Choose a simpler alternative like "the base for" or "the starting point for" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.