On foot

USAGE SUMMARY

"on foot" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe how someone moved from one place to another, such as a person walking from their house to the store. For example: John decided to walk to the store on foot instead of taking the bus.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Go out on foot patrol.

WikiHow

Be careful when traveling on foot.

WikiHow

On foot.

The New York Times - Travel

She leaves on foot.

The New Yorker

"One hour on foot".

The New Yorker

Scott came on foot.

The Economist

"He fled on foot.

Independent

Others fled on foot.

The New York Times

I arrived on foot.

The New York Times - Food

The family escaped on foot.

The New York Times

The others continued on foot.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing travel, specify the mode first: "They traveled on foot."

Common error

Avoid using "on foot" when the context already clearly implies walking. For example, instead of saying "He walked on foot", simply say "He walked".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on foot" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify the manner of movement. It indicates that the action is performed by walking, running, or jogging, rather than by using a vehicle or other means of transportation, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on foot" is a very common and grammatically correct way to describe movement by walking, running, or jogging, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it serves to specify the mode of transportation, often in contrast to vehicles. While generally neutral in register, "on foot" is a clear and concise way to emphasize the physical act of moving without assistance. Alternatives include "by walking" and "afoot", but the phrase remains a widely understood and frequently used expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

By walking

Focuses on the action of walking as the means of travel.

Walking

A shorter, more direct way of saying the same thing.

Afoot

A more formal or literary synonym for "on foot".

Using one's legs

Directly refers to the physical act of walking.

By shank's pony

An idiomatic and slightly humorous way to say "on foot".

By pedestrian means

Highlights the pedestrian nature of the travel.

Without a vehicle

Emphasizes the absence of a vehicle as the mode of transportation.

Hiking

Implies a longer distance walk, typically for recreation.

By one's own locomotion

A more technical or scientific way to describe movement by one's own power.

Per pedes

A Latin phrase meaning "on foot".

FAQs

How can I use "on foot" in a sentence?

Use "on foot" to specify that someone is traveling by walking rather than using a vehicle. For example, "They decided to explore the city "on foot"".

What are some alternatives to saying "on foot"?

You can use alternatives like "by walking", "afoot", or "by shank's pony" to express the same idea.

Is it redundant to say "walk on foot"?

Yes, saying "walk "on foot"" is generally redundant because the act of walking inherently implies using one's feet. It's better to simply say "walk".

When is it appropriate to use "on foot" instead of just saying "walking"?

Use "on foot" when you want to emphasize the mode of transportation, especially in contrast to other methods. For example, "They continued "on foot" after the car broke down" clarifies they were not using any vehicle.