feet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feet" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used when referring to the plural form of the body part or in measurements, such as height or distance. Example: "He stood at six feet tall, towering over everyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ambulance staff have warned the protesters that their legs have got very cold which makes the blood supply pool in their feet, this could lead them to faint and fall off the ledge.

The Guardian

Mr David Wilkie, aged 35, was killed when a concrete block and a four foot long concrete post were dropped on his car from a bridge 20 feet above the A465 Heads of the Valleys road near Merthyr Tydfil.

The Guardian

The guards started to pull us out of the plane.... Stop!" I couldn't walk, for my feet were unable to carry me.

The Guardian

Larry Siems: how the manuscript became a book By now the chains on my ankles were cutting off the blood to my feet.

The Guardian

After five hours of watching their feet as they hunted for him, he listened as they came up with a plan: they would let off a round of gunfire and tell the commander that Jean Paul had been killed.

The Guardian

The ball landed in the arms of the Harlequins centre, Joe Marchant, who acrobatically kept his feet clear of the touchline before touching down.

The Guardian - Sport

In training if we see anyone that's off their feet or half an inch offside, we pull them up straightaway.

The Guardian - Sport

Having followed in to contest the ball, Völler appeared to do all he could to avoid clattering Van Breuckelen in mid-air but an incensed Rijkaard attempted to drag Völler to his feet by the ear, then stamped on his foot, prompting the German to fall to the ground.

The Guardian - Sport

He walked away from his desert village in Eritrea with nothing but sandals on his feet.

The Guardian

It also found a positive match with a known sex offender from the same small town who was living just feet away from the field in which Buie's body was found.

The Guardian

Harry Maguire's botched headed clearance, under little pressure, dropped to the feet of Sean Kavanagh, who strode forward before picking out an unmarked Ross McCormack on the edge of the area.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing measurements, use "feet" for plural values (e.g., "ten feet") and "foot" for singular values (e.g., "one foot").

Common error

Avoid using "foot" when referring to a plural measurement. Always use "feet" for distances or heights greater than one foot.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "feet" is as a plural noun, referring to the lower extremities of the human body. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sports

25%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "feet", as confirmed by Ludwig, is the plural form of "foot" and is commonly used to refer to the lower extremities or as a unit of measurement. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and sports to travel and everyday conversations. While generally neutral in register, idiomatic expressions can introduce informality. When using "feet", remember it is the plural form, so always use "foot" when referring to a singular measurement. Ludwig's examples show that "feet" is widely understood and correctly applied in modern English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower extremities

Refers specifically to the legs and "feet", offering a more technical or anatomical term.

pedal extremities

Emphasizes the pedal aspect of the "feet", suitable in biological or technical contexts.

trotters

Offers a more informal or humorous way to refer to "feet", especially in the context of walking or running.

dogs

A slang term for "feet", often used in casual conversation.

foundation

Metaphorically relates to "feet" as the basis or support for something.

base

Similar to "foundation", it indicates the lower part or supporting structure analogous to "feet".

toes

Focuses on the digits of the "feet", a part of the whole.

hooves

Refers to the "feet" of animals like horses, cows, or pigs.

paws

Refers to the "feet" of animals like cats, dogs or bears.

footfalls

Describes the sounds or marks made by "feet" when walking.

FAQs

How do I use "feet" in a sentence?

Use "feet" as the plural form of "foot", to refer to the lower part of the leg below the ankle, or as a unit of measurement. For example, "My "feet" were tired after walking all day" or "The table is six "feet" long".

Is it correct to say "10 foot" or "10 feet"?

The correct usage is "10 feet". "Foot" is only used for a singular measurement, such as "1 foot". When referring to more than one foot, always use the plural form, "feet".

What are some idiomatic expressions using the word "feet"?

Several idioms use "feet", such as "cold "cold feet"" (to be nervous), "on your "on your feet"" (to recover), or "drag your "drag your feet"" (to delay doing something).

When should I use "foot" instead of "feet"?

Use "foot" when referring to a single foot (e.g., "I hurt my foot") or a measurement of exactly one foot (e.g., "The board is 1 foot long"). Use "feet" for plural references.