footing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'footing' is correct and usable in written English.
It has two primary definitions. 1. The act or process of establishing a secure or firm position, or good relationship. Example: He's still trying to get his footing in the job market. 2. The foundation or underlying support on which something stands or is based. Example: She found her footing in her new job quickly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Chicago agrees to pay $5.5m to victims of police torture in 1970s and 80s Inkster is not the only city that is footing large bills for police misconduct.

The Guardian

A YouGov survey for the Royal Institute of International Affairs last week found that, while more than 60% of Britons believe their country should remain a "great power", they were less keen on footing the bill.

The Guardian

By the time of the film six years afterward, sporting facilities such as the Sheffield Arena, Don Valley Stadium (the floodlights of which can been seen in the back of the canal scene shot), Hillsborough Leisure Centre and the Ponds Forge complex, all built for the student games, had long since waved goodbye to the young competitors – but Sheffield taxpayers were, and still are, footing the bill.

The Guardian

The BBC pays £5m a year, with the four public service broadcasters footing a combined £10m bill.

The Guardian

The ORR could, as it has previously, fine Network Rail for overrunning engineering work but customers could end up footing the bill through increased rail fares.

The Guardian - Business

News: Slave regains footing The winners list in full The ceremony as it happened Best quotes Peter Bradshaw's reaction Xan Brooks: six surprises  Winners in pictures  After parties in pictures.

The Guardian - Film

But spending is about to soar as Obamacare expands eligibility to more poor adults, with Washington footing most of the bill.

The Economist

Americans pay vastly different amounts for any given medicine, depending on who is footing the bill.

The Economist

By insisting the conquered territories in South-East Asia become self-sufficient, Japan also destroyed the region's food trade, and the farming system based on it: 1m-2m Vietnamestarvedved to death in 1944-45.War 1944-45.War thestablishedce of nuthetionewn a firm footing.

The Economist

Consumers financed two-thirds of total support for agriculture through artificial price supports, with taxpayers footing the rest of the bill.

The Economist

Female employees would be able to get free contraception through a separate plan, with insurers footing the bill.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "footing" to describe a foundational element or a stable position, both literally and figuratively. For instance, a building's footing or a company regaining its footing after a crisis.

Common error

Avoid using "footing" when you mean "foot". "Footing" refers to a base or foundation, while "foot" is a part of the body. Using the incorrect word can lead to misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The word "footing" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a foundation or a basis, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It can denote a physical structure's support or a figurative stable position, aligning with the various examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "footing" functions as a noun referring to a foundation or stable position. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in various contexts. The term is often employed in News & Media and Formal & Business settings to describe financial stability, market positions, or structural integrity. While versatile, it's important to differentiate "footing" from "foot" to avoid confusion. By understanding its nuances and applications, you can effectively incorporate "footing" into your writing to convey stability and foundational strength.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation

Focuses on the base or support, similar to the structural sense of "footing".

basis

Highlights the underlying principle or reason, akin to the abstract meaning of "footing".

groundwork

Emphasizes the preliminary work or preparation, similar to establishing a "footing".

establishment

Focuses on the act of setting up or creating something, relating to establishing a "footing".

infrastructure

Refers to the basic physical and organizational structures needed for a society or enterprise, similar to the support provided by a "footing".

underpinning

Highlights the support or foundation that something is built upon, akin to the concept of "footing".

stable position

Emphasizes the security and balance achieved, similar to having a firm "footing".

firm hold

Highlights a secure grip or control, similar to having a solid "footing".

secure base

Focuses on the safety and stability of the foundation, akin to having a strong "footing".

starting point

Emphasizes the beginning or origin, similar to establishing a "footing" for future progress.

FAQs

How can I use "footing" in a sentence?

You can use "footing" to describe the foundation of a structure, such as "The building's footing was reinforced to withstand earthquakes". Figuratively, it can refer to establishing a stable position, like "The company is working to regain its footing in the market".

What are some synonyms for "footing"?

Alternatives include "foundation", "basis", or "groundwork", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "footing" versus "foot"?

"Footing" refers to a supporting base or a stable situation, whereas "foot" is the anatomical body part. Use "footing" when discussing foundations or stability and "foot" when referring to the body part.

Is "footing" commonly used in business contexts?

Yes, "footing" is often used in business contexts to describe a company's financial stability or market position. For instance, "The new strategy aims to put the company on a more secure financial "footing"".