a solid footing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a solid footing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a stable or secure position, often in a metaphorical sense, such as in business or personal development. Example: "After months of hard work, the company finally has a solid footing in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It had some initial troubles, but it was quickly reorganized and gained a solid footing.

The New York Times

The MBA has reassured Anthoney that his recruitment business is on a solid footing.

The Guardian

Roosevelt followed it up with legislation that did actually put the banking structure on a solid footing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is time to put these editions on a solid footing, to give them the encouragement they so clearly deserve.

The New York Times

Except Crutchfield isn't like those other bands, and she has a solid footing for all this stuff.

The Guardian - Music

Policy makers have worried that, until Americans do show a willingness to borrow, the housing market is unlikely to get back on a solid footing.

The New York Times

The Nets are good enough to have secured a solid footing in the Eastern Conference playoff race but too inconsistent to emerge as a credible threat.

The New York Times - Sports

But this is the first holiday season in which the iPad faces competitors that have built up a solid footing in the market.

The New York Times - Tech

"He was enormously powerful at a time when the city was still bruising from the fiscal crisis and putting its budget on a solid footing," Mr. Weisbrod said.

The New York Times

Consumer confidence rises if citizens believe government finances are on a solid footing, the report said, and businesses pay lower risk premiums when they borrow money.

The New York Times

Now, because of her incredible efforts, her schools are on a solid footing and she's getting real recognition for her cause of education and justice in rural Pakistan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a solid footing" to describe situations where stability and security are achieved after a period of instability or uncertainty. For example, "After the restructuring, the company finally gained a solid footing."

Common error

Avoid using "a solid footing" in purely physical contexts where literal footing is meant; instead, opt for phrases like "stable ground" or "firm stance".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "a solid footing" is to act as a noun phrase. It typically functions as an object of a verb or preposition, indicating a state of stability or security. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a solid footing" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of stability, security, or a firm foundation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it frequently appears in news, business, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating its broad applicability. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, serving as the object of verbs or prepositions to convey assurance or progress. While versatile, it should be avoided in purely physical contexts. Alternatives like "a firm foundation" or "a stable base" can be used for subtle shifts in emphasis. With a strong presence in authoritative sources and a clear communicative purpose, "a solid footing" remains a valuable expression for conveying stability across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a firm footing

Highlights the strength of support.

a firm foundation

Emphasizes the base or groundwork providing stability.

a strong foundation

Stresses the strength and resilience of the base.

a secure position

Focuses on the safety and stability of the current state.

a stable base

Highlights the steadiness and reliability of the foundation.

a sound basis

Indicates a reliable and well-reasoned foundation.

a reliable platform

Focuses on the dependability and trustworthiness of the foundation.

a foothold

Implies an initial, often tenuous, but secure position.

a stable condition

Emphasizes the steadiness and lack of volatility in the current state.

a good starting point

Highlights the suitability as an initial stage for further development.

FAQs

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

You can use "a solid footing" to describe a stable or secure position, such as in business, personal life, or any situation where stability is achieved. For example, "The company is now on "a solid footing" after overcoming its initial challenges."

What can I say instead of "a solid footing"?

You can use alternatives like "a firm foundation", "a secure position", or "a stable base" depending on the specific context.

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

Both "a firm footing" and "a solid footing" are correct and very similar in meaning. "A firm footing" may emphasize the strength of the support, while ""a solid footing"" may focus more on the overall stability.

In what contexts is "a solid footing" most commonly used?

"A solid footing" is frequently used in contexts related to business, finance, and economics to describe situations where companies or economies have achieved stability and are performing well.