in the footsteps of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the footsteps of" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to follow in someone's footsteps or to imitate their actions or behavior. Example: The young artist is trying to carve her own path in the art world, but she also wants to follow in the footsteps of her famous parents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both followed in the footsteps of successful fathers.

Independent

Hazel followed in the footsteps of her father.

The New York Times - Magazine

I wanted to follow in the footsteps of Robert Redford".

The New York Times

Hades follows in the footsteps of Zeus, Hera and Athena.

The New York Times

Stefano follows in the footsteps of generations of fishermen.

The Guardian - Books

Dementia Adventure follows in the footsteps of many social breakthroughs.

The Guardian

We should follow in the footsteps of the Løvlie family.

The Guardian

And they follow in the footsteps of earlier giants.

The Guardian - Books

They are just following in the footsteps of giants.

The New York Times

Following in the footsteps of medieval rabbit keepers?

The Guardian - Travel

Want to follow in the footsteps of Sir David Attenborough?

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, make sure the connection between the person or entity being followed and the subject is clear and relevant to your overall message.

Common error

Avoid using "in the footsteps of" when the connection is tenuous or lacks a clear line of influence. Ensure there's a demonstrable link between the actions or achievements of the predecessor and the follower.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the footsteps of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb to indicate that someone is following the example or methods of another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the footsteps of" is a common and correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that someone is following the example or methods of another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sees frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and scientific writing. The phrase is grammatically sound and versatile. When using this phrase, ensure that the connection between the subject and the person they are following is clear and meaningful to avoid misattribution. While there are several alternative phrases, such as "following the path of" or "emulating the actions of", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following the path of

Emphasizes the idea of adhering to a specific course or direction set by someone else.

emulating the actions of

Highlights the act of imitating someone's behavior or deeds, often with the intent of achieving similar results.

imitating the style of

Focuses on replicating someone's manner or approach, particularly in creative or artistic contexts.

mirroring the approach of

Suggests a close resemblance in method or strategy, almost like a reflection.

adopting the methods of

Implies a deliberate choice to use someone's techniques or procedures.

walking the same road as

Conveys the idea of sharing a similar journey or experience, often with comparable challenges and rewards.

taking a leaf out of someone's book

Means to imitate someone's actions, often to achieve a positive outcome.

following in someone's wake

Suggests that others are coming after or following the pathway that someone else left behind.

building upon the legacy of

Highlights the act of extending or enhancing someone's achievements or contributions.

drawing inspiration from

Implies that someone is motivated or influenced by the work or example of another person.

FAQs

How can I use "in the footsteps of" in a sentence?

You can use "in the footsteps of" to describe someone who is following the example or methods of another person. For example, "The young entrepreneur is trying to "follow in the footsteps" of Steve Jobs by creating innovative technology."

What are some alternatives to using "in the footsteps of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "following the path of", "emulating the actions of", or "imitating the style of".

Is it better to say "follow in the footsteps of" or "following the footsteps of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Follow in the footsteps of" is an imperative or infinitive form, used for giving commands or expressing intentions, while "following the footsteps of" is a gerund phrase, used as a noun or part of a continuous tense verb phrase.

What is the nuance between "in the footsteps of" and "inspired by"?

"In the footsteps of" implies a more direct and deliberate attempt to replicate or continue someone's work or methods. "Inspired by", on the other hand, suggests a broader influence that may not involve direct imitation but rather a source of motivation or creativity.