a huge foothold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a huge foothold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant position or advantage gained in a particular context, such as a market or competition. Example: "The company has established a huge foothold in the renewable energy sector, allowing it to expand its operations rapidly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Tapping into Corn Products' customer base, which includes Coca-Cola and Kellogg, will give Bunge a huge foothold in the syrups and sweeteners business.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Genetics gives us a huge, powerful foothold into understanding how people get sick and what you can do about it," says Gil McVean, professor of statistical genetics at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics in Oxford, United Kingdom.

Science Magazine

If the virus gains a new foothold elsewhere, a huge effort would be needed to prevent a second firestorm, Osterholm says even if that means diverting some resources from West Africa.

Science Magazine

Where are people most searching for World of Tanks, a game that doesn't have that huge a foothold here in the States?

Vice

"True Identity" is a mild comedy that works best as a showcase for Lenny Henry, the English comedian who is a huge star in his country and looking for a foothold here.

The New York Times

This summer a huge, private higher-education company in the US established a foothold in the British market.

Independent

Even under the best conditions, finding just a foothold for Justin in the adult world was a huge challenge.

The New York Times

So far, it hasn't been a huge success in Japan, where these types of trends often get an early foothold.

Forbes

So nowadays she's got a huge platform, but at the beginning, podcasting was the only place she could even gain a foothold.

Vice

Nick Dale-Lace, senior sales trader at CMC Markets, described it as "a huge blow to Sky and a monumental statement of intent from BT as it tries to grab a foothold in the UK television market".

The Guardian - Business

We have a foothold in Russia, but I think that Russia can be much larger because it has a huge classical music and opera-loving audience.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a huge foothold" when you want to emphasize that someone or something has gained a substantial and advantageous position, especially in a competitive or challenging environment.

Common error

Avoid using "a huge foothold" if the actual position gained is only marginal or preliminary. Ensure that the context genuinely supports the idea of a significant and impactful advancement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a huge foothold" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or following a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where it signifies a substantial gain or advantage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a huge foothold" is a versatile phrase used to describe the acquisition of a substantial and advantageous position. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While generally neutral in register, it's important to ensure the context supports the significance of the advancement to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "significant advantage" or "strong presence" can offer nuanced variations, depending on the desired emphasis. This phrase is commonly found in authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for describing strategic gains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant advantage

Focuses on the benefit gained rather than the initial placement or establishment.

a considerable lead

Emphasizes being ahead or in front, especially in a competitive context.

a strong presence

Highlights the visibility and impact within a specific area or market.

a firm foundation

Suggests a stable and reliable base for future growth or success.

a dominant position

Indicates a leading or controlling role in a particular field.

a strategic entry point

Highlights the calculated and advantageous nature of the initial access.

substantial influence

Focuses on the power to affect decisions or outcomes.

a commanding start

Emphasizes the strength and control demonstrated from the beginning.

an established base

Highlights the creation of a secure and recognized position.

a solid market share

Indicates the portion of a market controlled by a particular entity.

FAQs

How can I use "a huge foothold" in a sentence?

You can use "a huge foothold" to describe gaining a significant advantage or strong position in a market, industry, or other competitive arena. For example, "The acquisition gave the company "a huge foothold" in the Asian market".

What's a good alternative to "a huge foothold"?

Alternatives include "significant advantage", "strong presence", or "firm foundation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a huge foothold" in formal writing?

While "a huge foothold" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "a substantial advantage" or "a commanding position" in academic or highly professional contexts if you want to project even greater formality.

What does it mean to have "a huge foothold" in a particular industry?

Having "a huge foothold" in an industry means you've secured a substantial and influential position, giving you a strong base for further growth and a competitive edge over rivals.