going on foot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going on foot" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to walking, usually for a short distance or journey. For example, "We decided to go on foot to the local park rather than drive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Finn, Merivel writes, "describes himself as a portraitist, but leads, I discover, an almost mendicant life in the shires of England, going on foot from one great house to another, begging to paint its inhabitants".

The Guardian

The rewards for going on foot are: smugness, aching legs and wide grins.

The Guardian - Travel

All the eating can be walked off along the jungle paths in the Animal Kingdom and going on foot from Fantasyland to Adventureland to Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom.

The New York Times - Travel

With helicopters buzzing overhead, black-uniformed members of the police special counter-terrorist unit, Raid, rolled along the country roads in armoured cars, combing the wooded hills of the area and going on foot from house to house in a cluster of villages east of the town of Villers-Cotterêts Villers-Cotterêtsast of the capital.

The Guardian

When researchers analysed the wellbeing of a small group who swapped the car or bus for a bike or going on foot, they found they became happier after the switch.

BBC

"People see such a need to leave their homes that they are going on foot".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

You could smell what was going on from fifty feet.

The New Yorker

"Relief work is going on at war footing," Mr. Chamling said.

The New York Times

"I can't tell what's going on with my feet," Gardner said.

The New York Times - Sports

I got up with them at five AM, went on foot patrols with them, or joined them on one of the open roof jeeps".

Vice

Mr. Joslin went on foot.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "going on foot" when you want to emphasize the action of walking as a deliberate choice or method of transportation, especially when contrasting it with other options like driving or taking public transport.

Common error

In very formal or academic writing, consider using a more concise alternative like "walking" or "traveling by foot" unless you specifically need to emphasize the choice to walk.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going on foot" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as an adverbial modifier to describe the manner in which someone is traveling or moving. It indicates a conscious choice to walk rather than use other means of transportation. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "going on foot" serves as a clear and versatile way to indicate travel by walking, contrasting it with other transportation methods. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and identifies its neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, especially news and media. While not as frequent as simpler terms like "walking", "going on foot" adds a specific emphasis on the choice of ambulation. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "proceeding by foot". The numerous examples provided by Ludwig highlight its real-world applicability and communicative value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on foot

This is a shorter version of the query, keeping the same meaning.

walking

This is a simple and direct synonym, emphasizing the act of ambulation.

proceeding by foot

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the manner of progression.

traveling by foot

This option highlights the journey aspect of moving without a vehicle.

making one's way by foot

This emphasizes the effort and direction of travel without a vehicle.

afoot

This is a concise and somewhat archaic alternative.

footing it

This phrase is informal, almost slangy, for walking.

by shank's pony

A more idiomatic and playful way to say "on foot."

per pedes

This is a Latin term that indicates transportation by foot. Usually humorous.

ambulating

This is a more formal and technical term for walking.

FAQs

What does "going on foot" mean?

The phrase "going on foot" means traveling or moving by walking, rather than using a vehicle.

When is it appropriate to use "going on foot" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight the mode of transportation as walking, especially when contrasting it with other options. For example, "We decided "walking" was the best way to see the city".

Are there any alternatives to "going on foot"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "walking", "traveling by foot", or simply "on foot" depending on the context.

Is "going on foot" formal or informal?

The phrase "going on foot" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both informal and many formal contexts. More formal writing might benefit from "proceeding by foot", while more playful situations may benefit from "by shank's pony".