a stable foothold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stable foothold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a secure or reliable position or foundation in a particular context, such as business, personal development, or physical stability. Example: "In order to succeed in this competitive market, we need to establish a stable foothold before expanding our operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Folk art, so fundamental and so beloved, seems unable to get a stable foothold in New York City, in spite of this museum's great collection.

The New York Times - Arts

Germany in particular could give China a stable foothold into European markets and a means of better aligning European economic policy with Chinese preferences; countries like Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia provide China with much much-needed commodities.

The New York Times

Thus, the robot can repeat this procedure from Step C to find a stable foothold.  .

ROBOMECH Journal

Results from high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi and Planctomycetes were selected and established a stable foothold in the community over the startup period, probably driven by the availability of substrate in the influent.

Chemical Engineering Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Looking for a more stable foothold, General Manager Grant Davis and his colleagues are pursuing a long-term approach that will allow water conservation to continue without having to face a financial penalty.

Los Angeles Times

We passed a stable.

The Guardian - Books

Smelled like a stable.

The New Yorker

"There is a stable.

The Guardian

A stable relationship?

Huffington Post

Maintain a stable temperature.

WikiHow

Find a stable position.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a stable foothold", ensure the context clearly defines what is being secured or established. For instance, specify whether it's a "stable foothold" in the market, in a relationship, or in a physical environment.

Common error

While "a stable foothold" is appropriate for professional and formal settings, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations or informal writing, where simpler terms like "good start" or "solid base" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a stable foothold" is as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb, describing something that is attained, established, or maintained, as Ludwig shows.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a stable foothold" is grammatically correct and best suited for formal and professional contexts. Ludwig indicates its usefulness in describing the establishment of a secure and reliable position. While not overly common, it appears in reputable news sources and scientific publications. Consider using synonyms like "firm foundation" or "secure position" to vary your writing. When using "a stable foothold", ensure the context clearly defines what is being secured or established to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a firm foundation

Emphasizes the solidity and reliability of the base or starting point.

a secure position

Focuses on the safety and lack of vulnerability in the given context.

an established base

Highlights the act of setting up a foundation and its current state of being.

a solid starting point

Stresses the advantage and reliability of initial position.

a strategic advantage

Emphasizes the tactical benefit gained from a particular position.

a strong presence

Highlights the notable and influential existence in a specific area or market.

a commanding lead

Focuses on a dominant and advantageous position over competitors.

a permanent establishment

Suggests a long-lasting and resilient presence in a certain area.

a resilient start

Highlights the ability to recover and maintain stability from the beginning.

a tenable position

Indicates that the position is defensible and can be maintained over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a stable foothold" to describe establishing a secure position or foundation, such as: "The company aimed to gain "a stable foothold" in the Asian market before expanding further."

What are some alternatives to "a stable foothold"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a firm foundation", "a secure position", or "an established base", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a stable foothold" or "a firm foothold"?

Both "a stable foothold" and "a firm foothold" are correct, but "stable" implies consistency and reliability, while "firm" suggests strength and resistance to change. The better choice depends on the specific context.

In what contexts is "a stable foothold" most appropriate?

"A stable foothold" is generally most appropriate in business, academic, and formal writing where you need to convey the idea of establishing a secure and lasting position. Consider less formal options in casual settings.