on my feet

USAGE SUMMARY

"on my feet" is a correctly used phrase in written English.
This phrase can be used to indicate one's physical location, as well as one's emotional or mental state. For example, "I was suddenly on my feet, ready to take on the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's on my feet.

The New York Times

"Back on my feet?

The New Yorker

"I feel quicker on my feet".

The New York Times - Sports

I tend to land on my feet.

The New York Times - Magazine

And I'm always on my feet".

The New York Times

On my feet: EmersonMade Dude loafers.

The New York Times

"I stayed on my feet," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

More hours on my feet.

The Guardian - Opinion

I'm on my feet again.

The Guardian - Books

High point: "Getting back on my feet".

The Guardian - Arts

On my feet, it's Converse, always Converse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on my feet" to describe physical activity, recovery from a setback, or the ability to think quickly in a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "on my feet" solely for describing physical location if the intended meaning is about recovery or quick thinking. Choose a more precise phrase to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on my feet" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating a state of being active, standing, or recovered. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various contexts, reinforcing its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on my feet" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression with multiple meanings, primarily related to physical activity, recovery, or mental agility. As noted by Ludwig, its usage is considered correct and common across various contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, sports, and lifestyle content. While its general usage is acceptable, it's crucial to consider the specific context and choose more precise language in formal or scientific writing. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication and avoids potential ambiguity. The best practice is to use "on my feet" to describe physical activity, recovery from a setback, or the ability to think quickly. Ludwig's examples affirm the phrase's adaptability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Standing upright

Focuses on the physical act of standing, lacking the additional connotations of being active or recovered.

Back on track

Emphasizes recovery and resuming normal activities, differing from the physical aspect.

In a standing position

Refers specifically to posture, without implying any additional meaning related to health or activity.

Able to stand

Highlights the ability to maintain an upright position, often after a period of being unable to do so.

Recovering well

Emphasizes recuperation, which is only one aspect of the multiple meanings of "on my feet".

Doing well again

Refers to recovering well, and getting back to normality after something affected the subject in question.

Thinking quickly

Highlights the mental agility aspect.

Ready to go

Focuses on being prepared and active, which is similar to the meaning of being on your feet.

Able to cope

Emphasizes the ability to manage or deal with challenges. Being "on my feet" can imply being capable of handling situations.

Managing well

Similar to being able to cope, managing well means handling things effectively. Being "on my feet" suggests being in a state where one can manage their affairs.

FAQs

How can I use "on my feet" in a sentence?

You can use "on my feet" to describe physical activity, as in "I'm "on my feet" all day at work". It can also mean recovering from a problem, like "I'm finally back "on my feet" after the illness".

What does it mean to be "on my feet"?

Being "on my feet" can mean physically standing or active, or it can figuratively mean being recovered from a setback, whether it's health, financial, or otherwise.

What are some synonyms for "on my feet"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "standing upright" for the physical sense, or "back on track" to indicate recovery.

Is it correct to say "get on my feet"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "get "on my feet"" typically means to recover from a difficult situation and become stable or independent again.