create a foothold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create a foothold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing establishing a position or gaining a presence in a particular area, market, or situation. Example: "The company aims to create a foothold in the emerging technology sector to expand its influence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

To create a foothold, the company said it had decided to use its newest round of financing to buy at least two security companies in the United States.

The New York Times

For now, the company is using its accessory range as a way to introduce the brand to key markets and create a foothold for further expansion at a later date.

The Guardian - Tech

Given the vast potential for startup growth in Southeast Asia, what stands in the way of sustained growth, and why have many foreign investors and companies who attempted to create a foothold in the region stumbled?

Forbes

Schools such as MIT and others involved on the edX platform are laudably taking the long view, part-cannibalizing their traditional model now so as to create a foothold in education industry markets of the future.

Forbes

The biofilm enables Nocardia spp. to protect themselves from the relatively low serum concentrations of antimicrobial drugs given orally and, hence, create a foothold from which they can invade the bloodstream through the surface of the CVC intravascular segment.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In more recent years the area, 30 miles from Midtown near the New York border, provided critical middle-class housing in an upscale area, creating a foothold for teachers, construction workers and mechanics.

The New York Times

Square has no doubt created a foothold amongst small businesses, as the service is free to implement and now has cut out the transaction charge completely (a move that competitors VeriFone and Intuit have yet to make).

TechCrunch

But even if Google has said it would run Motorola as a separate business unit, owning a handset maker could give the company a crack at making its own range of Android devices that it could sell in countries like China, creating a foothold for other money-making services.

TechCrunch

Since taking office two years ago, Turnbull has aggressively pushed back against the powerful anti-vaccine movement that created a foothold in Australia in the early 1990s, driving immunization rates down to near 70percentt in many parts of the country.

Vice

The Jaguars are owned by Fulham owner Shahid Khan, and the team is hoping to create a strong foothold with UK fans by returning regularly.

Independent

What historians do know is that in 1585 he was a member of an expedition to create a permanent foothold for England in America.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "create a foothold", clearly define the area or market in which the foothold is being established to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "create a foothold in the Asian market" rather than simply "create a foothold".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "creating a foothold". It represents an initial step, not necessarily a guaranteed success. Ensure your language reflects the preliminary nature of the accomplishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create a foothold" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of establishing an initial position or foundation, often in a competitive environment. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "create a foothold" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the act of establishing an initial position or presence, particularly in competitive or new environments. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriateness across various contexts. While primarily found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business domains, it is advisable to use it with clear contextualization to avoid ambiguity and to manage expectations regarding the significance of this initial step. Alternative phrases such as ""establish a presence"" or "gain a foothold" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a presence

Focuses on making an initial impact or recognition, differing from "create a foothold" in its broader application.

gain a foothold

Emphasizes the act of acquiring an initial position or advantage, where "create a foothold" implies building it.

establish a beachhead

Suggests securing an initial position, particularly in a competitive or challenging environment, similar to a military landing.

build a foundation

Highlights the creation of a strong base for future development or expansion.

carve out a niche

Implies finding a specialized area or market segment to dominate, differing from a general entry.

develop a base

Stresses the progressive development of an initial foundation or support structure.

secure a position

Highlights the act of obtaining a firm place or status, often in a competitive context.

get a starting point

Emphasizes the initial stage or advantage needed to proceed.

make inroads

Focuses on achieving progress or advancement, often against resistance or competition.

gain entry

Highlights the act of entering a market or situation, often implying overcoming obstacles.

FAQs

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

You can use "create a foothold" to describe the action of establishing an initial presence or gaining a basic level of acceptance in a new market, industry, or area. For example, "The company is using its marketing campaign to "establish a presence" and "create a foothold" in the youth demographic".

What's a good alternative to "create a foothold"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like ""establish a presence"", "gain a foothold", or "secure a position" as alternatives to "create a foothold".

Is it better to say "create a foothold" or "gain a foothold"?

"Create a foothold" implies the action of actively building or establishing an initial position, while "gain a foothold" suggests acquiring a position that already exists. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the act of building versus acquiring.

What does it mean to "create a foothold" in a new market?

To "create a foothold" in a new market means to establish an initial presence or gain a basic level of acceptance, allowing for future growth and expansion. This might involve strategies like targeted marketing, partnerships, or product localization.