secure our foothold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secure our foothold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to emphasize the importance of establishing or maintaining a position or advantage in a particular situation. Example: "In order to expand our market presence, we must first secure our foothold in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 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

Chelsea were unable to secure a foothold in the game, with United winning the midfield battle, but the home side lacked quality in the final third and the near misses continued.

Independent

A leading man wins us over with gleaming looks that feed romantic dreams, while stage comedians have to master a whole arsenal of effects to secure a foothold in the audience's affections.

The New York Times

For instance, in key African and Middle Eastern countries, such as Yemen, political upheaval since bin-Laden's death has allowed terrorists and other insurgents to secure greater foothold.

Independent

Microsoft has long understood the upward trend of mobile technology and has continuously strived to create credible mobile offerings that will capture the consumer imagination and secure its foothold in this growth market.

The Guardian - Tech

The Conservatives only manage to attract around 16% of the black and minority ethnic vote, which explains in part the Tories' continuing failure to secure a foothold in many urban areas.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "secure our foothold", ensure that you have already made some initial progress. It implies building upon an existing, albeit small, presence.

Common error

Avoid using "secure our foothold" when referring to an entirely new endeavor where no prior inroads have been made. It suggests a stronger initial presence than actually exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secure our foothold" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action aimed at solidifying a position. It emphasizes the importance of strengthening an existing base rather than simply gaining initial entry. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "secure our foothold" is a grammatically sound and pragmatically useful expression for indicating the action of strengthening a pre-existing but potentially unstable position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression. Although examples are currently unavailable, it generally implies action to reinforce, stabilize, and protect this position. If you are discussing building up, alternatives such as "establish our presence", "solidify our position", and "strengthen our base" will enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish our presence

Focuses on making our existence known and felt in a certain area.

solidify our position

Emphasizes making a current position stronger and more resistant to challenges.

strengthen our base

Highlights the idea of reinforcing the foundations for future growth or operations.

gain a foothold

Focuses on the initial action of obtaining a position, rather than securing an existing one.

cement our standing

Suggests a permanent and unshakeable establishment in a particular context.

reinforce our hold

Stresses the act of making an existing hold or grip stronger.

secure our place

Highlights the act of ensuring a guaranteed position within a context.

entrench ourselves

Suggests a deeper and more resistant establishment, often implying a defensive posture.

build our foundation

Focuses on the preparatory steps needed to create a stable base for future activities.

carve out a niche

Implies creating a unique and specific position within a larger environment.

FAQs

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

You can use "secure our foothold" to express the act of strengthening an already existing, but potentially unstable, position. For example: "In order to expand our market presence, we must first secure our foothold in the region."

What does "secure our foothold" mean?

"Secure our foothold" means to strengthen and stabilize a position that has already been initially established, ensuring it is firm and resilient.

What can I say instead of "secure our foothold"?

Alternatives include phrases like "establish our presence", "solidify our position", or "strengthen our base", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "secure our foothold" or "gain a foothold"?

"Gain a foothold" implies the initial act of establishing a presence, whereas "secure our foothold" implies reinforcing and stabilizing an existing, even if tenuous, position. The best choice depends on whether you are just starting or building on previous efforts.