secure a foothold

USAGE SUMMARY

"secure a foothold" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to gaining an advantage or position, such as a business or political foothold in an industry or market. For example, "The company is working hard to secure a foothold in the global market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

They also wanted to secure a foothold, a spot — anything!

The New York Times

This would secure a foothold on every user's hard drive.

The New York Times - Magazine

Samsung isn't alone in attempting to secure a foothold in the burgeoning IoT space.

The Guardian - Tech

His desire to secure a foothold in television suggests the digital evangelists may have oversold their revolution.

Independent

The conflagration also lays bare the lawlessness in much of Libya, which creates the conditions that enable Isis to secure a foothold.

Independent

It is a story playing out across Canada as entrepreneurs race to secure a foothold in what is expected to be a multibillion-dollar market.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Local officials said at least seven members of the Afghan security forces were killed in an assault claimed by Islamic State, which has secured a foothold in Nangarhar.

The Guardian

But securing a foothold there will be costly and may further unnerve Nomura's board.

The Economist

Despite a multitude of hindrances (such as being thought unladylike), women's basketball gradually secured a foothold.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gen. John A. McClernand, who had reported to Grant that his troops had secured a foothold on the works.

The New York Times

Target.com, which has not used such subtle methods in securing a foothold among wedding and baby gift registrants, is now pushing into the all-occasion registry market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing new business ventures or market entries, use "secure a foothold" to convey the initial establishment of a presence or advantage.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "secure a foothold" is generally more suitable for formal or professional writing. In casual conversation, consider using simpler alternatives like "get a start" or "get in".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure a foothold" primarily functions as a verb phrase. Ludwig AI validates its usage, indicating that it is grammatically correct. It describes the action of establishing an initial, stable position, often in a competitive environment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

16%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "secure a foothold" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that signifies establishing an initial, stable position in a competitive environment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s well-suited for formal and professional contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic writing. While versatile, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for informal conversations. The phrase is frequently found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, solidifying its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain a foothold

Similar to the original, but emphasizes the act of acquiring the initial advantage.

establish a presence

Focuses on creating a noticeable and stable position in a market or area.

make inroads

Emphasizes making progress and gaining acceptance in a new area or market.

establish a beachhead

Suggests a military origin, implying a strategic initial position before expansion.

gain a beachhead

Mirrors "establish a beachhead", focusing on the act of gaining that initial strategic position.

penetrate the market

Focuses on successfully entering and gaining a share of a particular market.

carve out a niche

Implies creating a unique and specialized position, often in a market.

gain traction

Emphasizes the process of gaining momentum and increasing acceptance or adoption.

get a foot in the door

An idiomatic expression for obtaining an initial opportunity, often in a competitive field.

get established

Highlights the process of becoming firmly settled or recognized in a particular area.

FAQs

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

You can use "secure a foothold" to describe establishing a position in a competitive environment. For example, "The company is working to "establish a presence" in the Asian market."

What's a simpler way to say "secure a foothold"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "get a start", "get in", or "establish a beachhead".

Is "secure a foothold" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "secure a foothold" is suitable for academic writing when discussing strategic positioning or initial advancements in a field. It conveys a sense of deliberate establishment and is considered a correct and usable phrase.

What is the difference between "secure a foothold" and "gain traction"?

"Secure a foothold" emphasizes the initial establishment of a position, while "gain traction" refers to making progress and increasing acceptance after already having a presence.