to lay the groundwork

USAGE SUMMARY

'to lay the groundwork' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to preparing for something by creating a foundation for what will come afterwards. For example: We have to lay the groundwork for the upcoming project by researching the latest industry trends.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You have to lay the groundwork.

The New York Times

New York intends to lay the groundwork for seven casinos.

The New York Times - Sports

Beta-amyloid is thought to lay the groundwork for dementia.

The New Yorker

You'll need to lay the groundwork from day one.

The Guardian

But first we have to lay the groundwork".

The New York Times

A more complex task is to lay the groundwork for a much simpler constitution.

The Economist

It is time to lay the groundwork for effective global human exploration of space.

The New York Times

Their dual mission: persuasion and organization to lay the groundwork for a strong showing.

The New York Times

Mr Davignon credits the meetings for helping to lay the groundwork for creating the euro.

The Economist

But there are things entrepreneurs can do now to lay the groundwork for successful crowdfunding later.

The New York Times

Argentina has been trying to lay the groundwork to begin borrowing again on global markets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to lay the groundwork", ensure you clearly define what you are preparing for; specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "to lay the groundwork" when you are describing immediate actions or results; this phrase implies future benefits, not present ones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to lay the groundwork" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of preparing or establishing a foundation for something that will happen or be built in the future. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to lay the groundwork" is a correct and frequently used English phrase that describes the act of preparing a foundation for future success. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically sound and versatile, appearing commonly in news, science, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you specify what you are preparing for and avoid using it for immediate actions. Alternatives include "to set the stage" or "to pave the way", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. This phrase effectively communicates preparatory efforts, making it a valuable tool in both formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to create a foundation

Stresses the creation of a structural base for future development.

to prepare the foundations

Similar to creating a foundation, focusing on the act of preparing.

to establish the basis

Focuses on creating a fundamental foundation, emphasizing establishment over preparation.

to build a platform

Implies constructing a base for launching or supporting something.

to set the stage

Emphasizes creating a setting or environment conducive to future events.

to pave the way

Highlights the act of removing obstacles and making progress easier.

to undertake preparatory measures

Focuses on the actions taken to get ready, emphasizing the proactive nature.

to make preparations

General term for getting ready; lacks the depth of building a foundation.

to initiate preliminary steps

Highlights the beginning stages and actions taken to start a process.

to develop a preliminary plan

Implies creating an initial plan, whereas "to lay the groundwork" is more about establishing conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "to lay the groundwork" in a sentence?

Use "to lay the groundwork" to describe actions taken to prepare for a future event or outcome. For example, "The company is working hard "to lay the groundwork" for its expansion into new markets."

What is a good alternative to "to lay the groundwork"?

Alternatives include "to set the stage", "to pave the way", or "to establish the basis", each emphasizing different aspects of preparation.

Is it better to say "lay the groundwork" or "lay the foundation"?

While both are similar, "lay the groundwork" often implies preparing for something less tangible than a physical structure. "Lay the foundation" is more appropriate when referring to building something concrete.

What's the difference between "to lay the groundwork" and "to make preparations"?

"To lay the groundwork" suggests creating a deeper, more foundational base for future action. "To make preparations" is a more general term for getting ready, without necessarily implying the same level of foundational work.