by foot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by foot" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to traveling or going somewhere without the use of a vehicle. For example, "We decided to take a hike and go to the waterfall by foot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By foot?

The New York Times

Breathlessly, we head on up by foot.

Independent

Nigel goes everywhere by foot.

The Guardian

You can go by foot.

The New York Times

Most common is by foot.

The New York Times - Magazine

Downtown Anacortes is accessible by foot.

The New York Times

30 minutes by foot to MIT.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The suction was generated by foot treadles.

The Guardian - Music

"I will go by foot to perform there.

Independent

Make your way around town by foot or cab.

The New York Times - Travel

Deliveries are made by foot, with a trolley.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by foot" to clearly indicate travel or movement accomplished through walking, jogging, or running, rather than any form of vehicle or animal transport. It's suitable for descriptions, instructions, or narratives where the mode of transportation is relevant.

Common error

Avoid overusing "by foot" when a more descriptive verb would be clearer. Instead of "We went to the store by foot", consider "We walked to the store" for a more concise and direct statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by foot" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the method of travel. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it clarifying how someone moves, contrasting with other modes of transport.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

30%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by foot" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to describe traveling or moving without the aid of a vehicle. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. While ""on foot"" is a close synonym and may be preferred in more formal contexts, "by foot" is widely understood and suitable for most situations. Its usage spans various domains, including News & Media and scientific writing, making it a versatile choice for conveying this specific mode of transport. Be mindful, however, to avoid using "by foot" when a more descriptive verb, like "walked", provides clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on foot

A more common and direct synonym for traveling without a vehicle.

walking

Focuses on the action of walking as the mode of transport.

by walking

Rephrases the original to highlight the manner of travel.

afoot

An older, somewhat archaic term for "on foot".

on shank's pony

An informal, idiomatic expression for walking.

by shanks' mare

Another version of the idiomatic expression for walking.

without transport

Emphasizes the lack of a vehicle.

under one's own power

Highlights the effort and self-reliance involved in traveling without assistance.

using pedestrian means

A more formal way of describing travel by walking.

traveling unassisted

Focuses on the absence of external help in the journey.

FAQs

How can I use "by foot" in a sentence?

You can use "by foot" to indicate that someone is traveling or moving without a vehicle, as in "They decided to explore the city "on foot"" or "The village is only accessible "by walking"".

What are some alternatives to saying "by foot"?

Instead of "by foot", you can use alternatives such as ""on foot"", "walking", or "afoot" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "by foot" formal or informal?

"By foot" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, ""on foot"" might be preferred in more formal writing.

What's the difference between "by foot" and ""on foot""?

While both phrases mean the same thing—traveling without a vehicle—""on foot"" is slightly more common and often preferred in formal contexts. "By foot" is also perfectly acceptable and widely understood.