What does groundwork mean?
Word: Groundwork
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Groundwork means the early work that must be done first so that a later plan or activity can succeed.
Synonyms: foundation, basis
How do you spell groundwork?
Syllables: ground - work
Tricky part: Ground keeps its ou, as in round and found, and the whole thing is written as one word.
Watch out for: grondwork, grounwork, groudwork
Memory tip: Ground keeps the ou you hear in round and sound, like the ground under your feet.
Idioms and Phrases
- lay the groundwork: To do the early work that prepares the way for something. Example: "Daily reading in the summer laid the groundwork for Aman's good marks in English."
Groundwork in a sentence
Example 1: Our class did the groundwork for the science fair by collecting bottles a month early.
Example 2: Months of groundwork went into planning the village water project.
Example 3: Mum says a good night's sleep is the groundwork for a calm exam day.
Fun Fact
The word first meant the solid base on which a building stands; only later was it used for the early stages of any plan.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Makeup
Choose the correctly spelt compound word:
a) skyscrapper
b) framwork
c) groundwork
d) backround
Show answer
c) groundwork. Background needs its g, skyscraper has one p and framework keeps its e.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word:
groundwork
a) celebration
b) decoration
c) preparation
d) conclusion
Show answer
c) preparation. Groundwork is the preparation done before the main job begins.
Word Cookie
Find the misspelt word in the sentence:
The engineers spent a year on the groundwerk before a single brick of the new bridge was laid.
a) engineers
b) bridge
c) single
d) groundwerk
Show answer
d) groundwerk. Work is spelt with or, as in word and worm.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Before writing an essay, which step counts as groundwork?
a) reading out the finished essay
b) printing the final copy
c) making notes and an outline
d) getting it marked
Show answer
c) making notes and an outline
2. An architect's groundwork for a new school would include ____.
a) cutting the opening ribbon
b) drawing up the plans
c) hanging pictures in the hall
d) painting the finished walls
Show answer
b) drawing up the plans
