gaining a foothold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gaining a foothold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of establishing a secure position or presence in a particular area or market. Example: "The startup is gaining a foothold in the competitive tech industry by offering innovative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Innovative users of data are gaining a foothold too.

The Economist

Instead, look for signs that it is gaining a foothold in local government.

The Economist

Fresh faces are gaining a foothold in the high-end clubs this fall.

The New Yorker

After gaining a foothold in college bookstores, he bought that Barnes & Noble bookshop in 1971.

The New York Times

They, too, are gaining a foothold, sometimes presenting works in cooperation with cosmopolitan institutions.

The New York Times - Travel

Nanoscale crystals with filtering properties are gaining a foothold in the $20 billion display market.

The New York Times

But the creationist lobby has been less successful in gaining a foothold in Britain.

The Guardian

Slowly but surely, unapologetically working-class British food is gaining a foothold in New York.

The New York Times - Arts

It may be that a movement away from intellectualized art is now gaining a foothold at some schools, including Yale.

The New Yorker

The oh-MAZH pronunciation is gaining a foothold beyond the arts world, and for some that's a cause for alarm.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet just as their fledgling business was gaining a foothold, Yoder found out she was pregnant with her seventh child.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaining a foothold" to describe the initial stages of establishing a presence or position, especially in competitive or challenging environments.

Common error

Avoid using "gaining a foothold" when describing situations where a strong presence is already established; it's more appropriate for initial or fragile advancements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining a foothold" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as part of the predicate in a sentence. It describes an action, where someone or something is beginning to establish itself. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gaining a foothold" is a versatile and common expression used to describe the initial establishment of a presence in a competitive or challenging environment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, from news reports to business analyses. While alternative phrases like "establishing a presence" or "securing a position" can be used, "gaining a foothold" specifically emphasizes the initial and often precarious nature of this establishment. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, highlighting its relevance in describing emerging trends and competitive dynamics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establishing a presence

Focuses on the act of making oneself known or visible in a particular area.

securing a position

Emphasizes the act of making a position safe and stable.

getting established

Highlights the process of becoming recognized and accepted.

making inroads

Suggests initial progress and penetration into a market or area.

gaining traction

Implies increasing momentum and acceptance.

carving out a niche

Focuses on creating a unique and specific space for oneself.

building a foundation

Emphasizes the creation of a strong and stable base.

penetrating the market

Highlights entering and becoming active in a particular market.

obtaining recognition

Focuses on achieving acknowledgment and visibility.

becoming integrated

Highlights the process of assimilating into a new environment or market.

FAQs

What does "gaining a foothold" mean?

"Gaining a foothold" refers to the process of establishing an initial, often tenuous, position or presence in a competitive environment or new market. It suggests the beginning of something more substantial.

How can I use "gaining a foothold" in a sentence?

You might say, "The new company is "gaining a foothold" in the industry with its innovative products" or "The political party is "gaining a foothold" in the rural areas through grassroots campaigns".

What are some alternatives to "gaining a foothold"?

Alternatives include "establishing a presence", "securing a position", or "making inroads", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "gaining a foothold" formal or informal?

"Gaining a foothold" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news articles, business reports, and academic papers, as well as in everyday conversation.