was founded on

USAGE SUMMARY

'was founded on' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something came into existence or started on a specific date. Example: The company was founded on April 16, 1998.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This country was founded on compromise.

The New York Times

The company was founded on defiance.

The Economist

The Premier League was founded on greed.

Independent

The community was founded on it.

The Economist

Yes, it was founded on hippy ideals.

The Guardian - Music

Ms. Sutherland's singing was founded on astonishing technique.

The New York Times - Arts

Our nation was founded on a principle of religious tolerance".

The New Yorker

"The Olympics was founded on an ideal of participation.

Independent

Fukuyama argues that neoconservatism was founded on four principles.

The New Yorker

America, after all, was founded on bucking unjust government.

The Economist

The Sheppard style was founded on several principles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was founded on", ensure that the 'on' is followed by a clear and specific principle, value, or date. For example, "The company was founded on innovation" provides a strong and direct statement.

Common error

Be specific about what something was founded on. Saying "It was founded on good intentions" lacks clarity. Instead, specify the actual intentions: "It was founded on the intention to improve public health".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was founded on" functions as a passive construction indicating the basis or starting point of an entity, organization, principle, or idea. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it connects the subject with its foundational elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was founded on" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe the basis or principles upon which something is established. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "was based upon" or "was predicated on", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "was founded on", be sure to clearly specify the principles or values that served as the foundation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was based upon

This alternative suggests a foundation or starting point, similar to "was founded on" but implies a degree of reliance.

was predicated on

This alternative indicates that something is affirmed or based on something else, especially as a basis for action or argument.

was established on

This alternative is nearly synonymous, focusing on the act of setting up or bringing something into existence.

was built upon

Suggests a progressive development from an initial foundation, similar to "was founded on" but with an emphasis on gradual growth.

was rooted in

Implies a deep and fundamental origin, suggesting a connection to historical or intrinsic elements.

originated from

Focuses on the point or place where something began, emphasizing its initial source.

stems from

This phrase suggests a cause-and-effect relationship, where something arises or develops from a particular source or origin.

is derived from

This alternative indicates that something is obtained or developed from a source, often implying a process of transformation or extraction.

had its genesis in

Indicates the initial creation or beginning of something, often in a historical or developmental context.

commenced with

This alternative refers to the start or beginning of an event or process, focusing on the initial action or phase.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was founded on" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "was predicated on" or "was established on". These options add a layer of sophistication suitable for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "was founded on" and "was based on"?

While both phrases indicate a foundation, "was founded on" typically refers to the initial establishment or creation of something, whereas "was based on" suggests a reliance or dependence on something that already exists.

Is it correct to say "was founded in" instead of "was founded on"?

The correct preposition depends on the context. Use "was founded in" when referring to a place or time (e.g., "was founded in New York" or "was founded in 1990"). Use "was founded on" when referring to a principle or idea (e.g., "was founded on the principles of justice").

What are some less common synonyms for "was founded on"?

Less common, but still valid, synonyms include "stems from", "is derived from", or "had its genesis in", which can add variety to your writing depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.