footing on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "footing on" is not standard in written English and may not be widely understood.
It could be used in contexts where one is referring to establishing a position or foundation, but it is not commonly recognized. Example: "He was footing on the principles of fairness and equality in his argument."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It keeps its footing on the ice.

The New York Times

Spaniards generally have little difficulty with their footing on clay.

The New York Times - Sports

The suspension has been tuned for surer footing on curves.

The New York Times

LOS ANGELES — Will Ed Cunningham's movie about a loose leg find its footing on Kickstarter?

The New York Times

Tentatively, she found her footing on the stairs leading out of the lake and onto shore.

The New York Times - Sports

That could make it difficult for Sam Bradford to regain the footing on his young career.

The New York Times

The Redskins' Tuthill, who lost his footing on the wet sod, barely got the ball airborne.

The New York Times - Sports

Black and white puts everything on equal footing, on the same planet.

The Guardian - Arts

I had been struggling to keep my footing on a steep bank.

The Guardian - Travel

By 1996, Clinton was more sure of his footing on the global stage.

The New Yorker

The only danger to spectators was the slippery footing on the slopes of Torrey Pines.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before using this phrase, check it matches the tone of your writing, if a professional tone is required it would be better to avoid this expression.

Common error

Avoid using "footing on" in highly formal or academic writing where clarity and widely accepted phrasing are paramount. Opt for more conventional alternatives to ensure your message is readily understood and not perceived as awkward or unconventional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "footing on" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It describes the act of establishing a foundation or basis, often implying a sense of stability or reliance. Ludwig highlights various examples where it's used in diverse contexts like sports, business, and politics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "footing on" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the establishment of a foundation or basis. While Ludwig AI notes it's not grammatically incorrect, it's less common than alternatives like "based on". Predominantly found in News & Media sources, its register is neutral. When considering its use, weigh the context and audience, opting for clearer, more conventional phrasing in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

based on

Emphasizes the foundation or support for an idea or argument; more common and versatile.

founded on

Similar to "based on" but conveys a more formal or deliberate establishment.

grounded in

Highlights the origin or root of something, often implying a strong connection to fundamental principles.

built upon

Focuses on the process of development or expansion from an initial base.

predicated on

Suggests a necessary condition or assumption upon which something relies.

resting on

Highlights the support or reliance of something on a particular factor.

standing on

Implies a position or belief that one defends or advocates.

dependent on

Indicates reliance or contingency; the outcome relies on something else.

contingent on

Similar to "dependent on" but often implies a specific condition or event.

hinging on

Emphasizes the critical importance of a particular point or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "footing on" in a sentence?

You can use "footing on" to describe establishing a firm position or basis. For example, "The company is building its future "based on" sustainable practices".

What are some alternatives to "footing on"?

Alternatives include "based on", "grounded in", or "founded on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "footing on" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "footing on" is less common than alternatives like "based on". Its appropriateness depends on the context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "footing on" and "based on"?

"Footing on" can imply a more literal or precarious establishment, whereas "based on" is more general and widely accepted for indicating a foundation or reason.