back on firm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back on firm" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a return to a stable or secure situation, but the wording is unclear and awkward. Example: "After several setbacks, we are finally back on firm ground with our project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"What I did," Mr. Walder added, "was to be able to right that financial basis and to be able to put the system back on firm financial footing".

The New York Times

The data were released as European finance officials were meeting in Brussels to discuss measures aimed at putting the region's economy back on firm footing.

The New York Times

Replaced Wondolowski and immediately put the U.S. back on firm footing after a shaky start to second half for 3-1.

The New York Times - Sports

Deutsche Telekom, which went through a vertiginous rise and fall with the rest of its industry, has quietly put itself back on firm footing.

The New York Times

There is a dash of amused apology in those words, and they indicate that Ralph Fiennes is back on firm ground.

The New Yorker

Now it is back on firm footing as the presumptive network of the opposition, with more than 1.2 million viewers watching at any given time, about twice as many as CNN or MSNBC.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

After last week's very 2016 storyline– young girl gets radicalised online and goes off to fight in Syria this one was back on firmer, and I think more successful, ground: grisly, domestic crime.

Independent

This contrasts with sharp growth in public R&D spending in Japan, Germany and South Korea.A fall in government spending places the onus squarely back on firms' private R&D efforts.

The Economist

But he has gotten his life back on firmer footing.

Huffington Post

A day removed from what was a relatively bleak election night special, Stephen Colbert was back on firmer ground on a live edition of "The Late Show".

Los Angeles Times

Deaths from drowning, falls and fires are down as well, while suffocation rates, especially for infants, are up, suggesting a need to return to the basics of infant sleep: on their backs, on firm surfaces, away from soft bedding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Opt for clearer and more widely accepted alternatives like "back on solid ground" or "back on stable footing" to ensure your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid literal interpretations. The phrase "back on firm" might be misunderstood as related to physical firmness instead of stability or recovery. Instead use an expression that clearly conveys the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back on firm" functions as part of a predicate, describing a state of being or a return to a previous state. Ludwig AI suggests that while the phrase appears in several contexts, it is not considered grammatically correct. Using alternative phrases is advisable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "back on firm" aims to convey a return to a stable state, yet it's considered grammatically incorrect by Ludwig AI. While examples exist across news, media, and general contexts, opting for clearer alternatives such as ""back on solid ground"" or ""back on stable footing"" is advisable to ensure effective communication. Although frequently used, these substitutions will improve clarity. Remember to consider the context to ensure your message is easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

back on solid ground

Emphasizes stability and security, replacing "firm" with a more common and reassuring term.

back on stable footing

Similar to "back on solid ground", it focuses on stability and balance.

back on track

Indicates a return to the correct path or progress after a setback.

on the road to recovery

Highlights the process of regaining strength or stability.

back in the saddle

Idiomatic expression meaning to resume an activity after an interruption.

out of the woods

Implies that a difficult or dangerous situation has been overcome.

in a better place

Suggests improved circumstances or emotional state.

making progress

Focuses on the advancement towards a goal or improvement.

turning the corner

Indicates a significant improvement or change in direction.

on the mend

Implies recovery from an illness or difficult situation.

FAQs

What does "back on firm" mean?

The phrase "back on firm" is not a standard or idiomatic expression in English. It is often used to convey a return to stability or a secure position, but it is not considered grammatically correct. Alternatives like "back on solid ground" or "back on stable footing" are more common.

What can I say instead of "back on firm"?

You can use alternatives such as "back on solid ground", "back on stable footing", or "back on track" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "back on firm ground" or "back on firm"?

"Back on firm ground" is more grammatically correct and widely accepted than "back on firm". The former clearly conveys a return to a stable or secure situation, while the latter is often considered awkward or unclear.

How can I use "back on stable footing" in a sentence?

You can use "back on stable footing" in a sentence like this: "After the restructuring, the company is finally "back on stable footing" and ready to grow."