a strong foothold in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong foothold in" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has established a strong and stable position or influence in a particular area or field. Example: "The company has gained a strong foothold in the European market and continues to expand its operations in other countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Whether HTC can regain a strong foothold in the highly competitive market remains to be seen.

The Guardian - Tech

Wanelo seems to have the attention of a younger demographic — particularly women — and has a strong foothold in mobile.

The New York Times

Although there are attacks in the districts outside the city, the Taliban have not secured a strong foothold in Herat.

The New York Times

The estate agent has a strong foothold in the prime London market, where its average selling price is £3.2m.

The Guardian - Business

In addition, after 4... f5, Melekhina had a strong foothold in the center with her control of e4.

The New York Times

Today's announcement is sure to raise more questions about whether soccer will ever gain a strong foothold in this country.

The New York Times - Sports

Fanatical Tea Partiers, it is said, will gain a strong foothold in Congress and drag the Republicans further to the right, making it even less inclined to compromise.

Independent

The rich blood supply and lymphatic supply in the testicle prevent most infections from obtaining a strong foothold in this organ.

Encyclopedia Britannica

China's interest in Egypt is driven by a desire to gain a strong foothold in a key African market positioned at the juncture of three continents.

The New York Times

It raised the firm's profile in Washington, where Mr. Ferrara was based, giving it a strong foothold in defending S.E.C. enforcement cases and securities class action lawsuits.

The New York Times

Both groups are thought to have gained a strong foothold in the French Riviera's property sector, in which the Pastor family are key players.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a strong foothold in", ensure you clearly define the area or industry where the foothold has been established to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a strong foothold in" if the presence is actually tenuous or just emerging. Using more accurate language will improve your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong foothold in" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as an object of a verb (e.g., gain, establish, have) or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a strong foothold in" signifies a secure and influential position within a specific area. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is frequently used in news and media to describe companies, organizations, or even ideas establishing themselves effectively. While alternatives like "a firm grip on" or "a commanding presence in" exist, "a strong foothold in" balances strength and stability. To ensure clarity, it is important to define the specific domain where the foothold exists. Avoid using the phrase if the presence is weak or just emerging. This wrap-up highlights the phrase's importance and practical applications from the analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a firm grip on

Focuses on the control aspect rather than just establishment.

a commanding presence in

Highlights the visibility and influence in a particular area.

a dominant position in

Emphasizes superiority and control over others.

a secure base in

Suggests a safe and stable starting point for expansion.

a solid foundation in

Focuses on the reliability and stability of the establishment.

a strategic advantage in

Highlights the tactical benefit gained.

a major stake in

Emphasizes investment and ownership.

a significant influence on

Highlights the impact one has on something.

a leading role in

Suggests being at the forefront of an activity or industry.

an established presence in

Simply states that a presence exists, without emphasizing strength.

FAQs

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

You can use "a strong foothold in" to describe when someone or something has gained significant influence or a secure position within a particular market, industry, or geographical area. For example, "The company has gained "a strong foothold in" the Asian market."

What can I say instead of "a strong foothold in"?

You can use alternatives like "a firm grip on", "a commanding presence in", or "a dominant position in" depending on the context.

How does "a strong foothold in" differ from "a tentative foothold in"?

"A strong foothold in" suggests a secure and influential presence, while "a tentative foothold in" indicates a new or uncertain presence. The former has achieved stability, while the latter is still in the process of establishing itself.

Is "a strong foothold in" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a strong foothold in" is suitable for formal writing, including business reports, academic papers, and news articles. It is a widely recognized and understood idiom for describing a stable and influential position.