gaining foothold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gaining foothold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of establishing a position or gaining influence in a particular area or situation. Example: "The startup is gaining a foothold in the competitive tech market with its innovative products."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Green construction is gaining foothold among professionals, decision makers and the broader public.

Energy and Buildings

Pharmacokinetic analyses are gaining foothold in the treatment of TB, where they are available.

BioMed Research International

Although the Darwinian view of tumorigenesis seems to be increasingly gaining foothold, the interplay of selective forces acting on mutations in specific genes is not understood in detail.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Its churches are gaining footholds across the continent and even in Europe and the United States.

The New York Times

Little by little, though, SignWriting is gaining footholds in individual homes and classrooms in America and abroad.

The New York Times

Since becoming Takeda's chief executive in 2003, Yasuchika Hasegawa has been active in gaining footholds in technologies and markets through acquisitions and alliances.

The New York Times

Al Qaeda and its affiliates try to gain foothold in some of the most distant and unforgiving places on Earth.

The New York Times

Owned by SK Telecom, trying to gain foothold in U.S. Orkut | headquartered in: Mountain View, California.

Forbes

Owned by SK Telecom, trying to gain foothold in U.S. Orkut | headquartered in: Mountain View, calif.

Forbes

At least a dozen American corporations, including Boeing, Raytheon, ConocoPhillips, Occidental, Caterpillar and Halliburton, gained footholds, or tried to do so.

The New York Times

This has meant, they said, that "poor and unskilled male labourers are finding it difficult to gain footholds in urban centers".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gaining foothold", ensure that the context clearly indicates the area or field in which progress is being made. For example, specify "gaining a foothold in the tech industry" or "gaining a foothold in the market".

Common error

Avoid using "gaining foothold" in overly broad or vague contexts. Always specify the area or domain where the progress is occurring to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining foothold" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, typically acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the action of establishing oneself or making initial progress in a specific domain. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its usage in contexts such as green construction and technology markets.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gaining foothold" describes the initial process of establishing oneself or making progress in a specific field. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and science-related sources. Alternatives such as "establishing a presence" or "securing a position" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the domain in which the foothold is being gained. Overall, it’s a versatile phrase suitable for both formal and informal communication, as demonstrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establishing a presence

Focuses on the act of setting up or creating an initial impression in a specific domain.

securing a position

Emphasizes the act of obtaining a firm and defensible stance.

making inroads

Highlights the progress being made in penetrating or influencing something.

getting a start

Focuses on the initial stages of establishment or growth.

gaining ground

Highlights continuous progress and expansion in influence or acceptance.

advancing steadily

Emphasizes consistent and incremental progress.

developing influence

Highlights the expansion of persuasive or effective power.

becoming established

Focuses on the process of becoming firmly recognized or accepted.

achieving recognition

Emphasizes the attainment of acknowledgment or fame in a particular area.

penetrating the market

Specifically refers to entering and becoming established within a market.

FAQs

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

You can use "gaining foothold" to describe the process of establishing a position or influence in a particular area. For example, "The company is "gaining a foothold" in the renewable energy sector."

What are some alternatives to "gaining foothold"?

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

Is "gaining foothold" formal or informal?

"Gaining foothold" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "gaining foothold" and "gaining ground"?

"Gaining foothold" often implies an initial establishment or entry, while "gaining ground" suggests continued progress and expansion. So, "gaining a foothold" is like setting the base, whereas "gaining ground" is like expanding from that base.