footing on which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "footing on which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the basis or foundation upon which something is established or built, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The agreement was made on the footing on which both parties could trust each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It would be the boldest policy initiative in decades, but one that would provide a sound financial footing on which we might begin to build a more stable economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

New York has rarely had such a welcome look at its human infrastructure, at the deep human footing on which it rests.

The New York Times - Magazine

Seeking a firmer footing on which to end the parliamentary year, Mr Cameron and Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat deputy prime minister, appeared jointly at an event on July 16th to announce improvements to the rail network.

The Economist

He said in his letters that the bass line of a given theme is "sacred," is the "firm footing on which I then build my tales," and that variation itself is "merely playing around".

The New Yorker

This book could be a coffee table in its own right, and John Tauranac -- the designer and architectural historian most famous, perhaps, for designing the 1979 subway map -- provides the textual and graphic footing on which the photographs figuratively rest.

The New York Times

Tapping housing equity appears to be a last resort for older Americans not a solid footing on which to build an adequate retirement income stream.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The captain is of a relatively advanced age and has had injuries – head, knee, rib, thumb, the cracked foot on which he won the World Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

An underwater robot, scouting about 300 feet below the surface two days ago, found a rectangular area measuring about 12 feet by 45 feet on which there appeared to be a collapsed wood and clay structure.

The New York Times

The hind limbs were long and ended in a four-toed foot on which the first digit, called the hallux, was short and did not reach the ground.

Wikipedia

He "showed signs of multiple antemortem [before his death] fractures, including of several ribs, the left radius, right ulna, right foot (on which the toe ring was found) and right femur," Stevens wrote.

Huffington Post

However, historian Alistair Fraser is of the opinion that stories of the flag's presence on the battlefield appear to be a 19th-century fabrication, as there is no evidence that the large religious banner (2 by 3 meters, or 6 by 10 feet) on which the flag design was based was actually used as a standard at the battle.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "footing on which" to establish a sense of stability or reliability when introducing the foundation for an argument, idea, or structure. For example, "The success of the project depends on the solid "footing on which" we build our plans."

Common error

Avoid using "footing on which" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "basis for" or "foundation of" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "footing on which" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or clause by specifying the foundation or basis. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's a valid and usable phrase. Examples in Ludwig show it used to describe the basis for economic stability, infrastructure, or artistic expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "footing on which" serves as a prepositional phrase indicating the foundation or basis for something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, with examples showing its application across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and wiki sources. While grammatically sound, it tends to be more formal. Alternatives like "foundation upon which" or "basis upon which" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and register of your writing, reserving it for situations where a sense of stability and reasoned construction is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

foundation upon which

Replaces "footing" with "foundation", emphasizing a more fundamental base.

basis upon which

Substitutes "footing" with "basis", focusing on the underlying reason or rationale.

ground on which

Uses "ground" instead of "footing", suggesting a stable or justifiable reason.

platform on which

Employs "platform", implying a raised surface or stage for action.

framework on which

Replaces "footing" with "framework", highlighting a structured support system.

structure on which

Similar to "framework", but emphasizes the arrangement of parts.

premise upon which

Highlights the initial assumption or proposition.

starting point for

Focuses on the beginning or origin of something.

infrastructure supporting

Emphasizes the basic facilities and systems serving a country, area, or organization.

underlying principle of

Highlights a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

FAQs

What does "footing on which" mean?

The phrase "footing on which" refers to the basis, foundation, or support that something is built upon, either literally or figuratively. It indicates a stable and secure starting point.

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

You can use "footing on which" to describe the underlying support or justification for an idea, argument, or project. For example, "The treaty provides the legal "footing on which" future negotiations will proceed."

What are some alternatives to "footing on which"?

Some alternatives to "footing on which" include "foundation upon which", "basis upon which", or ground on which, depending on the context.

Is "footing on which" formal or informal?

"Footing on which" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "basis for" or "foundation of" might be more appropriate.