gaining footing

USAGE SUMMARY

"gaining footing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to someone or something achieving a level of stability or gaining a significant foothold in a certain situation. For example, "The new company is slowly but surely gaining footing in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

PS3 has had a difficult time gaining footing in the market thanks to the popularity of the Wii and the head-start the Xbox 360 got with its launch in 2005.

Forbes

Denmark's Copenhagen Zoo posted a video of the new giraffe's birth to YouTube on Friday, showing the young animal exiting the mother's body and quickly gaining footing as onlookers cheered.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

(Schutt has almost all the rest; Xenith is a newer company that is trying to gain footing).

The New York Times - Sports

So create your own volunteer army, and reduce the space for would-be insurgents to gain footing.

Harvard Business Review

While some new entrants, like Moelis & Company and Perella Weinberg Partners, have found success, Citadel struggled to gain footing in the advisory business.

The New York Times

Owning a hardware manufacturer could help Google better integrate its software with tablets, where it has struggled to gain footing against the iPad.

The New York Times - Tech

But that is the kind of tea-leaf-reading going on in Hollywood as the industry tries to gain footing in a shifting marketplace.

The New York Times

From the start, Nielsen struggled to gain footing, and his quiet demeanor seemed to trap him downhill from Anderson, seeded 30th here in his sixth year on the men's tour.

The New York Times

First published 55 years ago in the United States, where it spawned a hit Broadway show and two movie adaptations, Patrick Dennis's "Auntie Mame" has recently gained footing in the Italian literary firmament, becoming last year's surprise hit.

The New York Times - Arts

For the young people making that leap — Underwood calls this a "personal revolution" — the ability to compose your thoughts through text as you gain footing in the new language can be edifying.

The New Yorker

While the first seasons of Parks suffered from a naive Leslie and eventually gained footing with a talented and enthusiastic Leslie, her indefatigable enthusiasm threatened a redundant season six.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaining footing" to describe the process of becoming stable or established in a new environment or field. It suggests an ongoing effort towards security and recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "gaining footing" when describing a situation that has already reached a state of full stability. The phrase implies an ongoing process, not a completed achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining footing" functions as a verbal phrase that often acts as part of a larger predicate. It describes the action of becoming more secure or established, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gaining footing" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the process of becoming stable or established. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing examples across various domains like News & Media and Academia. While versatile, it's crucial to use it to describe an ongoing process rather than a completed state. Consider alternatives like "gaining ground" or "establishing oneself" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining a foothold

Implies securing an initial, often precarious, position.

gaining ground

Highlights progress relative to competitors or challenges.

establishing oneself

Focuses more on personal establishment and recognition.

getting established

Emphasizes long-term presence and acceptance.

making headway

Emphasizes forward progress and advancement.

making inroads

Suggests penetrating or impacting a specific area or market.

finding stability

Stresses achieving a state of steadiness and balance.

becoming stable

Indicates a transition to a more secure and consistent state.

securing a position

Highlights the act of obtaining and solidifying a specific role or status.

making progress

Generally refers to advancement but lacks the nuance of establishing oneself.

FAQs

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

You can use "gaining footing" to describe a situation where something is becoming more stable or established. For instance, "The company is "gaining footing" in the competitive market".

What's the difference between "gaining footing" and "gaining a foothold"?

"Gaining a "foothold"" suggests an initial, often precarious, entry or position. "Gaining footing", on the other hand, implies a more gradual and continuous process of becoming stable and secure.

What are some alternatives to "gaining footing"?

Alternatives include "establishing oneself", "making headway", or "gaining ground", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

Is "gaining footing" formal or informal?

"Gaining footing" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing rather than the phrase itself.