footprint

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "footprint" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical mark left by a creature, such as an animal, on a surface. For example, "The bear had huge footprints in the snow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He pledged to cut his personal carbon footprint and emissions from his department's headquarters by 10% in 2010.

The Guardian

For context, Australia's unambitious plans to cut emissions by 5% by 2020 would see the country's carbon footprint reduced by about 159m tonnes from expected levels without the target.

The Guardian - Opinion

Our groundbreaking new website helps you understand and reduce your carbon footprint and compare yourself with friends.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Apple said its carbon footprint in 2013 was 33.8m metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2013, or around 5% of the UK's annual CO2 emissions for the same year.

The Guardian

It certainly has a hefty carbon footprint – with some reports estimating around 82.8g of CO2 for a half-litre bottle – not insignificant when everyone's drinking it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Environmentalists are concerned about the carbon footprint created by transporting an estimated 370 lorry loads of sand, and a local gay rights group insisted that gay and women's rights in the Gulf states should be highlighted at the event.

The Guardian

Cranie, a young father to be, revealed he had gone out of his way to ensure his honeymoon had the lowest carbon footprint by travelling on the night train from Paris to Venice.

The Guardian

Scotland Keeping your travel costs and carbon footprint down, Glenshee offers 25 miles of runs, while Cairngorm, near Aviemore, has spectacular views.

The Guardian - Travel

The following steps provide a start to reducing your digital footprint and taking back control of your online life. 1) If you have a Facebook account, change every setting in the Privacy tabs to "private" or "not shared" or "off" (there's a special "privacy settings" shortcut in the blue bar near the top).

The Guardian - Tech

"To those who say this is insignificant," Cameron told the audience, "remember this: the UK's public sector has a bigger carbon footprint than the entire waste industry.

The Guardian

The carbon footprint of fans on match days has also been reduced, by encouraging them to forsake their cars: "We have gone from 60% private car use in 2003 to 38% currently.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental impact, use "footprint" to quantify the effect of a product, activity, or organization.

Common error

Avoid using "footprint" interchangeably with other metrics like "emissions" or "waste". While related, "footprint" is a broader measure, encompassing multiple impacts.

Linguistic Context

The word "footprint" primarily functions as a noun. It can refer to a literal impression, the space an object occupies, or, more abstractly, the impact of an action or entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "footprint" is a versatile noun used to denote a physical mark, occupied space, or the impact of actions, particularly in environmental and business contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its high frequency in news and business indicates its relevance in contemporary discussions. When writing, be mindful of the specific context to use "footprint" accurately, distinguishing it from related but distinct metrics. Ludwig examples illustrate the breadth of its applications, from carbon emissions to market presence, and beyond.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ecological impact

Specifically refers to the environmental consequences of an action.

environmental cost

Focuses on the detriment to the environment due to certain actions.

mark

Focuses on the impression or trace left behind, similar to a footprint.

carbon emissions

Specifically refers to the amount of carbon dioxide released.

trace

Highlights the evidence or indication of something having been present.

imprint

Emphasizes the lasting effect or impression created.

market presence

Emphasizes the extent of a company's operations and influence.

legacy

Refers to the long-term impact or consequences of actions.

impression

Highlights the effect or influence something has on others or the environment.

area covered

Highlights the physical space or scope affected.

FAQs

How can I use "footprint" in a sentence about business?

You can say, "The company aimed to expand its "market presence" by opening new branches" or "The merger increased the company's global "market presence"."

What's the difference between a "carbon footprint" and an "ecological footprint"?

A "carbon footprint" measures the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, event, organization, or product, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent. An "ecological footprint" is a broader measure, assessing the demand on Earth's resources compared to the planet's capacity to regenerate those resources.

What can I say instead of "reduce your carbon footprint"?

You can use alternatives like "minimize your "carbon emissions"", "decrease your environmental impact", or "lower your "carbon cost" depending on the context".

Is it correct to use "footprint" when referring to a company's operational scope?

Yes, "footprint" can refer to a company's operational scope, geographical reach, or market presence. For example, "The company aimed to expand its "market presence" in Asia".