Meaning & use
build a strong foundation
Last updated
Meaning
phraseidiom
To create a solid base of knowledge, skills, or support that helps something grow or succeed later.
Grammar: Used as a verb phrase. You can say 'build a strong foundation for something' or 'build a strong foundation in a subject'.
Patterns
- build a strong foundation for something
- build a strong foundation in something
If you want to become a doctor, you need to build a strong foundation in science subjects first.
The company built a strong foundation for future growth by investing in its employees.
Learning grammar early helps students build a strong foundation for writing later.
Common combinations
- build a strong foundation for
- They built a strong foundation for their marriage by communicating openly.
- build a strong foundation in
- She built a strong foundation in mathematics before moving on to physics.
- lay a strong foundation
- The new manager laid a strong foundation for the team's success.
- a solid foundation
- A solid foundation in the basics is essential for advanced study.
Synonyms and how they differ
- lay the groundwork
- Similar meaning, but often used for preparing a specific project or plan rather than general personal development.
- establish a basis
- More formal and often used in academic or technical writing.
Practice
Which sentence uses the phrase 'build a strong foundation' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase is followed by 'for' to show the purpose or area. Option B correctly uses 'for her career'. Option An is missing a preposition; option C uses 'to' instead of 'for'; option D uses an incorrect time expression.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “build a strong foundation”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.