weak foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weak foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not stable or reliable, such as a building, a relationship, or a belief system. For example, "The relationship was based on a weak foundation, so it didn't last."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Consciousness, like philosophy itself, stands on a "weak foundation".

The New York Times

"There was an invisible barrier because China had a very weak foundation for morality.

The New York Times - Arts

It's an unseemly pileup of misfortune resting on a rather weak foundation.

The New York Times

Such poor prospects for sustained rapid growth are not surprising given the economy's weak foundation.

The Washington Post

The students avoid a weak foundation which can't possibly support a larger building.

Yale University

The handpicked case study, which is Christensen's method, is a notoriously weak foundation on which to build a theory.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

In truth, their rejection was built on weak foundations.

The Economist

This signifies that the army has been built on weak foundations.

The Guardian

"Weak Foundations" also includes work by classic urban-decay chroniclers like Martha Rosler and Camilo Jos?ergara.

The New York Times

On those weak foundations, a huge house of cards was built.

The New York Times

In many ways, the controversies surrounding the find exposed the weak foundations of physical anthropology and archaeology.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weak foundation", ensure that the context clearly identifies what specifically lacks strength or stability. For instance, specify whether it's a "weak foundation" for a building, an argument, or a relationship for greater clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "weak foundation" without specifying what rests upon it. Saying "the plan has a weak foundation" is less effective than saying "the plan has a "weak foundation" because it lacks sufficient funding and community support".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak foundation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "weak" modifies the noun "foundation". It is used to describe something lacking stability or strength. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to illustrate a lack of a solid or reliable base.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weak foundation" is a common and versatile expression used to describe the instability or lack of strength in something's underlying structure. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and appears across various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific discussions. The analysis shows that while grammatically straightforward, effective use of the phrase requires clarity in specifying what exactly is built upon this "weak foundation". Alternatives like "shaky base" or "flimsy groundwork" offer nuanced variations, each highlighting different aspects of instability. By understanding its function, purpose, and common errors, writers can effectively leverage "weak foundation" to communicate concern or criticism about the precariousness of a given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shaky base

Focuses on the instability and potential for collapse.

flimsy groundwork

Emphasizes the lack of substantial preparation or initial development.

unstable footing

Highlights the precariousness and risk of failure.

fragile substructure

Suggests a delicate and easily damaged underlying structure.

tenuous basis

Indicates a lack of strong evidence or justification.

inadequate support

Points to insufficient resources or assistance.

poor underpinnings

Highlights inferior foundational elements or principles.

defective base

Emphasizes flaws and imperfections in the underlying structure.

unsound infrastructure

Indicates an unreliable or damaged system of support.

precarious start

Highlights a risky or uncertain beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "weak foundation" in a sentence?

You can use "weak foundation" to describe something that lacks stability or strength. For example, "The business plan had a "weak foundation" because it did not account for potential market changes."

What are some alternatives to "weak foundation"?

Some alternatives include "shaky base", "flimsy groundwork", or "unstable footing". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate, "weak foundation" or "strong foundation"?

The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the lack of strength or the presence of it. "Weak foundation" is used when something is unstable, while "strong foundation" implies stability and reliability.

What does it mean to say that something is built on a "weak foundation"?

It means that the underlying principles, support, or structure are not solid or reliable, making it likely to fail or collapse under pressure. Metaphorically, a relationship, argument, or project can also be built on a "weak foundation".