establishing a foothold

USAGE SUMMARY

"establishing a foothold" is a correct expression and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe gaining a strong position (both literally and figuratively) from which to build and expand. For example, "The company quickly established a foothold in the industry, never looking back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Are plug-in cars establishing a foothold?

The New York Times

Lately, though, some genuinely trendy boutique hotels have been establishing a foothold.

The New York Times

They weren't prevented from establishing a foothold, i.e., they weren't run out of town.

The New Yorker

That makes PlayStation VR one of the industry's better chances at establishing a foothold with a mainstream audience.

The New York Times - Tech

"We have an interest in preventing al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and other extremist groups from establishing a foothold.

The Guardian

Mr. Testa is establishing a foothold in Brooklyn at Freddy's Backroom, Le Grand Dakar and the Old American Can Factory.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Wind power established a foothold in the state a decade ago and has slowly expanded its share of electricity generation, too.

The New York Times

They established a foothold for modernist art.

The New York Times - Arts

He had failed repeatedly to establish a foothold in radio.

The New York Times - Books

"I wanted to establish a foothold in states like Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee".

The New York Times

Kinase inhibitors have already established a foothold in the current armament for the treatment of malignancies.

Current Opinion in Genetics & Development

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing market entry or business development, use "establishing a foothold" to convey the idea of securing an initial, stable position from which to expand.

Common error

Avoid using "establishing a foothold" when describing long-term dominance. This phrase is best suited for the initial phase of gaining influence, not sustained leadership. For describing long-term success, other phrases such as "maintaining market leadership" or "cementing its position" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "establishing a foothold" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or following a preposition. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its role in describing the act of securing an initial position.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "establishing a foothold" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe the initial act of securing a position or gaining influence, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news, business, and scientific contexts, it conveys the idea of making initial inroads. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "gaining traction" or "securing a position". When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the initial phase of establishing something, not sustained dominance. Ludwig's examples highlight its versatility across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining a foothold

Focuses on the action of obtaining the initial position, emphasizing the process rather than the state.

securing a position

Highlights the act of making a position safe and stable, emphasizing security.

gaining traction

Emphasizes progress and increasing momentum after an initial start.

making inroads

Suggests gradual progress and penetration into a new area or market.

carving out a niche

Implies creating a unique and specialized position, often in a competitive environment.

getting established

Focuses on the overall process of becoming recognized and accepted.

setting up shop

Informal term suggesting the act of starting a business or operation.

building a base

Highlights the creation of a foundation for future growth and expansion.

entering the market

Specifically refers to beginning operations in a particular market.

making a start

General term indicating the commencement of an endeavor.

FAQs

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

You can use "establishing a foothold" to describe the initial stage of gaining a secure position in a market, industry, or even a physical location. For example, "The company is focused on "gaining a foothold" in the Asian market."

What are some alternatives to "establishing a foothold"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "gaining traction", "making inroads", or "securing a position" as alternatives to "establishing a foothold".

Is it better to say "establish a foothold" or "establishing a foothold"?

Both "establish a foothold" and "establishing a foothold" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Establish a foothold" is often used as an infinitive or imperative, while "establishing a foothold" is a gerund or present participle, functioning as a noun or part of a continuous verb tense.

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

To "establish a foothold" in a new market means to successfully enter and secure an initial position, gaining recognition and some level of market share. It's the first step toward "building a base" for further expansion and growth.