lay the groundwork

This page is about the collocation lay the groundwork

collocation pattern: verb + noun

Meaning

to do preliminary work in preparation for future work

For example

  • A few months before beginning our aid project, we'll meet the village leaders and lay the groundwork.

  • The government says its policies are laying the groundwork for future economic development.

Note:
A similar collocation is "lay the foundations (for)"

Quick Quiz

You have to lay the groundwork

a. before a project is carried out

b. while a project's being carried out

c. after a project's been carried out
a) before a project is carried out b) while a project's being carried out c) after a project's been carried out

Contributor: Matt Errey