establish a beachhead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "establish a beachhead" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a military context to refer to securing a position in enemy territory, but it can also be used metaphorically in business or strategic discussions to indicate the initial steps taken to gain a foothold in a new market or area. Example: "The company plans to establish a beachhead in the Asian market by launching its flagship product next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You establish a beachhead.

The New York Times - Magazine

Certainly, Quick & Reilly has concluded that it is time to establish a beachhead in the marketplace.

The New York Times

Acquiring Dime would allow Washington Mutual to establish a beachhead along the East Coast.

The New York Times

Acquiring Dime would allow Washington Mutual to establish a beachhead on the East Coast.

The New York Times

By the numbers, France would seem to be a logical country in which to establish a beachhead.

The New York Times

Years of bloodletting in Bosnia, for example, allowed Al Qaeda to establish a beachhead in central Europe, government officials said.

The New York Times

He arrived in the Pimería Alta in 1687 and began to establish a beachhead among the O'odham.

The New York Times - Travel

"It is abundantly clear in the second half of 2012 going into 2013 that they lost momentum, that they couldn't establish a beachhead," Mr. de Blasio said.

The New York Times

It is backing the studio, Mr. Steiner said, "to establish a beachhead in New York, and because we see it as a good investment".

The New York Times

The investment bank Barclays Capital hired 25 former Enron traders and is using the group to establish a beachhead in electricity and natural gas trading.

The New York Times

Jonathan Miller, a spokesman for Lend Lease, said the fund's intention was and still is to establish a beachhead in the Bellevue real estate market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "establish a beachhead" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly relates to entering a new and potentially challenging area, such as a new market or field of study.

Common error

Avoid using "establish a beachhead" in contexts where a simpler phrase like "begin" or "start" would suffice. Overusing the metaphor can make your writing sound overly dramatic or cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establish a beachhead" functions as a compound verb phrase, where "establish" is the main verb and "a beachhead" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig show it being used to describe securing an initial position in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "establish a beachhead" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies gaining an initial foothold in a new territory or market. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is generally correct, and its usage spans across various contexts, including news, business, and even scientific domains. While its roots are in military strategy, it's commonly employed as a metaphor to describe strategic positioning. When writing, it's essential to ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning, avoiding overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Top sources like The New York Times and Forbes demonstrate its prevalence in professional and journalistic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain a foothold

Focuses on the initial stage of securing a position, similar to establishing a beachhead.

develop a foothold

Focuses on the initial stage of creating a strong starting position.

secure a position

Highlights the act of making a position safe and stable.

create a presence

Emphasizes establishing visibility and recognition in a particular area.

establish a presence

Similar to creating a presence, but emphasizes the act of establishing it.

build a base

Implies constructing a foundation for future expansion or activity.

carve out a niche

Suggests creating a specialized position within a larger market or field.

gain market entry

Specifically refers to entering a new market, emphasizing the act of accessing it.

set up shop

Informal way of describing establishing a business or operation in a new location.

pioneer a market

Suggests being the first to enter and develop a particular market.

FAQs

How can I use "establish a beachhead" in a sentence?

You can use "establish a beachhead" to describe gaining an initial foothold in a new market, industry, or area of influence. For example, "The company aims to "gain a foothold" in the European market by launching a new product line".

What are some alternatives to "establish a beachhead"?

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

Is "establish a beachhead" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "establish a beachhead" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in business or strategic contexts where the imagery of securing an initial position is relevant. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What does it mean to "establish a beachhead" in a business context?

In business, to "establish a beachhead" means to secure an initial position in a new market or industry. This often involves launching a new product, forming strategic partnerships, or making an acquisition to "gain market entry".