a firm footing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a firm footing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a stable or secure position, either literally or metaphorically, in various contexts such as business, personal development, or physical stability. Example: "After months of hard work, the company finally has a firm footing in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

On the plus side, though, the shares are likely to remain on a firm footing.

Independent

At the time, many had viewed the reports as evidence that the recovery was finally on a firm footing.

Independent

Despite being below 50 for the second consecutive month, the HSBC index indicated that China's economy remained on a firm footing.

The New York Times

The feet generally have hairless soles, but those of the polar bear are covered with hair, enabling the animal to walk on ice with a firm footing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite being below 50 for the second consecutive month, the closely watched HSBC index indicated that China's economy remained on a firm footing.

The New York Times

The question now is whether Mr. Obama will use his second term to get mortgage relief right and, in the process, put the economy on a firm footing.

The New York Times

John Murray II turned out to be as businesslike as his father was a bon viveur, and soon put things on a firm footing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Third, with European institutions acting as catalysts, political leaders will need to reinforce efforts to place the eurozone as a whole on a firm footing.

The Guardian - Business

The peshwa then dispatched a strong army under his cousin Sadashiva Rao to drive away the invader and establish the Maratha supremacy in northern India on a firm footing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Italy there is a quite a push behind Rome at the moment, Roma Capitale, and as our orchestra is something Italy and its capital can be proud of there is some sense of us being on a firm footing.

The Guardian

A Villa statement read: "Aston Villa Football Club can confirm it has updated all staff on the proposed changes to the club structure in order to put it back on a firm footing.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a firm footing" to describe situations where stability and security are established or being pursued, whether in business, personal life, or physical contexts. For example: "The new policy will help the company gain a firm footing in the global market."

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "a firm footing" excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler, more direct language like "stable" or "secure" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a firm footing" is that of a noun phrase, often functioning as a complement or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI shows that it describes a state of stability, security, or established presence. For example, "to get the economy on a firm footing".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a firm footing" is a noun phrase signifying stability, security, or a solid foundation. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, notably in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. It conveys a sense of established presence and resilience, often used to describe efforts to secure a stable position in business, personal endeavors, or literal physical scenarios. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal registers, where its precise tone adds value. Alternatives include "a solid foundation" or "a stable base", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid foundation

Emphasizes the underlying structure and support providing stability, focusing on the foundational aspect.

a stable base

Highlights the aspect of being steady and unlikely to change or fail, similar to having a secure starting point.

a secure position

Focuses on the safety and lack of threat, suggesting a state of being well-protected and established.

a strong foundation

Stresses the robustness and resilience of the base, implying an ability to withstand challenges.

a solid ground

Conveys the idea of being on reliable and trustworthy support, both literally and figuratively.

a steady platform

Suggests a level and consistent basis for growth or activity, highlighting reliability and evenness.

a sound basis

Focuses on the reasonableness and logical validity of the support, implying a well-reasoned or justified foundation.

a reliable footing

Highlights the trustworthiness and dependability of the support, emphasizing its consistency.

an established presence

Shifts the focus to having a recognized and accepted standing within a particular context, like business or community.

a firm hold

Implies a tight grip or secure grasp, suggesting an ability to maintain control and resist displacement.

FAQs

How can I use "a firm footing" in a sentence?

You can use "a firm footing" to describe a stable or secure position, such as "The company is working to establish "a firm footing" in the new market" or "After the crisis, the economy is finally on "a firm footing"".

What are some alternatives to "a firm footing"?

Alternatives to "a firm footing" include phrases like "a solid foundation", "a stable base", or "a secure position", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "firm footing" or "solid footing"?

Both "firm footing" and "solid footing" are acceptable, but "firm footing" is slightly more common. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Firm" suggests stability and resistance, while "solid" suggests strength and reliability.

Can "a firm footing" be used in a literal sense?

Yes, "a firm footing" can be used literally to describe physical stability. For example, "The hiker needed "a firm footing" on the icy trail".