a secure footing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a secure footing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing stability, safety, or a strong position in a particular context, such as financial, physical, or metaphorical situations. Example: "After years of hard work, the company finally has a secure footing in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Gail:  My ideal road map for getting Social Security on a secure footing for the very long term would be to lift the cap.

The New York Times

They give a moral compass and a secure footing in an ever-changing technological and impersonal world.

The New York Times

Growing up as a mixed-race child, Dr. Han later said, she felt she had a foot in each of two words but a secure footing in neither.

The New York Times

But his down-home style masked a drive for improving the quality of life here and for initiatives that helped put Boston on a secure footing.

The New York Times

In 1939 German American physicist Hans Bethe published a more detailed and quantitative study of the CNO cycle that finally put stellar astrophysics on a secure footing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We're happy it's all over and our finances are back on a secure footing," said Edward M. Tronolone, superintendent of the district, which has 2,700 students.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

His food has developed, roaming in the experimental territory marked out by Ferran Adrià – zillion-course menus mainly given over to edible tricks and stunts – before finding a securer footing in the inspiration of the Nordic movement led by René Redzepi.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In 1805, in an effort to establish his finances on a more secure footing, his friends helped establish him as the proprietor of a children's bookshop.

SEP

The first 29 of Palamas' 150 Chapters attempt to put natural philosophy on a more secure footing by placing facts about the world as a whole in contrast to particular facts, such as astronomical phenomena in the same epistemological category as facts about God and Man, which are only knowable through the teaching of the spirit.

SEP

We have undertaken significant work to develop a 'reset plan' to place the rollout of universal credit on a more secure footing, and the 'reset' delivery confidence assessment reflects this new status of the project".

The Guardian

The MPA annual report says: "We have undertaken significant work to develop a 'reset plan' to place the roll-out of universal credit on a more secure footing, and the 'reset' DCA reflects this new status of the project".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a secure footing" when you want to convey the idea of stability, safety, or a well-established foundation, whether in a literal or figurative sense. For example, "The company is now on a secure footing after restructuring its finances."

Common error

While "a secure footing" is a useful phrase, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversation. Opt for simpler, more direct language when communicating informally to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a secure footing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a state of stability or safety. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

26%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a secure footing" is a noun phrase used to express stability, safety, or a well-established foundation. It is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. To enhance your writing, consider using it when conveying a sense of reliability and reduced risk. While appropriate for formal and professional settings, remember to adjust your language to suit the context, opting for simpler alternatives in casual conversations. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can confidently incorporate "a secure footing" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a firm foundation

Focuses on the foundational aspect, suggesting a solid base for future growth or success.

a stable position

Emphasizes steadiness and resistance to change or disruption.

a solid ground

Highlights the reliable and trustworthy nature of the situation or information.

a safe harbor

Implies protection from danger or instability, focusing on security.

a strong foothold

Suggests an initial but secure advantage or position.

a reliable platform

Highlights dependability and suitability for supporting further action.

a sound basis

Emphasizes the reasonableness and validity of the underlying principles.

a defensible position

Focuses on the ability to maintain and protect the current status.

a strategic advantage

Highlights the calculated and beneficial nature of the current situation.

a comfortable margin

Implies a buffer or extra space that ensures stability and reduces risk.

FAQs

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

You can use "a secure footing" to describe a stable or safe position, such as "The new policies have put the company on "a secure footing"." or "After the storm, we finally found "a secure footing" on the rocky shore."

What are some alternatives to "a secure footing"?

Alternatives to "a secure footing" include phrases like "a firm foundation", "a stable position", or "solid ground". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a secure footing" in formal writing?

Yes, "a secure footing" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a professional and clear way to describe a state of stability or security, especially in business or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "a secure footing" and "a strong foothold"?

"A secure footing" implies a general state of stability and safety. "A strong foothold" suggests a preliminary, but firm, position that allows for further advancement. A foothold is often the first step toward gaining a secure footing.