Phrasal verb
founded on
Definition
phrasal verb. to use a specific idea, fact, or belief as the main support for something else. You use this when one thing is the base that another thing is built upon.
phrasal verb. to base a principle, system, or argument on a specific underlying concept or set of facts. The verb is transitive and typically appears in the passive voice.
Examples
“Their relationship is founded on trust.”
“The new company was founded on the idea that high-quality software should be free for everyone.”
“The nation's legal system is founded on the principle that every citizen is entitled to a fair and impartial trial regardless of their social standing.”
Examples
simple
“Their relationship is founded on trust.”
contextual
“The new company was founded on the idea that high-quality software should be free for everyone.”
complex
“The nation's legal system is founded on the principle that every citizen is entitled to a fair and impartial trial regardless of their social standing.”
Usage
most commonly used in the passive voice ('be founded on') to describe abstract concepts like theories, laws, or relationships.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'based on'; while 'based on' is more common for general evidence, 'founded on' implies a stronger, more permanent structural or moral base.
Pitfall
The theory was found on solid evidence.
The theory was founded on solid evidence.
learners often confuse the past participle of 'found' (to establish) with 'found' (the past tense of 'find').
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
found + object + on + object