lay the groundwork

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Thousands of climate negotiators are in Bonn this week and next to draft agreements and lay the groundwork for the final decisions taken by political leaders at the summit due to start November 9.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

But Chinese officials expected no less after warning Trump’s team before the summit that its minimal preparation had failed to lay the groundwork for diplomatic agreements.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

Scientists hope these findings could help lay the groundwork for future therapies that guide microbial communities toward healthier states rather than eliminating bacteria altogether.

From Science Daily • May 8, 2026

The company says it continues to lay the groundwork to expand its Robotaxi service to further major U.S. metros, including with testing and permitting, in order to quickly launch new markets once it’s ready.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

The NSA had instructed him to patch up fraying relations with Britain’s intelligence community—and also to lay the groundwork for spying on America’s enemies, as well as some of its closest friends.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield