set foot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set foot" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe when someone has arrived at a location or gone somewhere for the first time. For example, "Tom hadn't set foot in the city center for over a decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I refused to set foot in Astoria".

The New York Times

Steadman had never set foot in Nevada.

Independent

Make it either "set foot" or "stepped".

The New York Times

Tapka never set foot in our home.

The New Yorker

We set foot in hundreds.

The New York Times

We didn't set foot on the street.

Independent

I haven't even set foot in it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Please, let's not set foot on it.

The New York Times

She never set foot on one again.

The New York Times

Neither has set foot in the US.

The Guardian - Opinion

He never set foot in there again.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set foot" when you want to emphasize the act of entering a place, often suggesting it's a significant or first-time visit. For example, "She finally set foot on European soil."

Common error

Avoid using "set foot" with abstract concepts or metaphorical places. It's best reserved for physical locations. For example, it's incorrect to say "He set foot in the world of finance." Instead, use "He entered the world of finance."

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "set foot" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of entering or arriving at a specific location. Ludwig's examples show it used to emphasize the significance or novelty of the arrival.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set foot" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to describe the act of entering or arriving at a location. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, consider its emphasis on the act of arrival and reserve it for physical locations rather than abstract concepts. Consider alternatives like "enter" or "visit" for more formal or nuanced situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

step into

Similar to "set foot" but less emphatic.

enter

A more direct and less idiomatic way of saying to go into a place.

arrive at

Focuses on the action of reaching a destination.

walk into

A simple and direct way to describe entering a place.

visit

Implies a purposeful trip to a place.

come to

A general way of indicating arrival at a place.

reach

Highlights the completion of a journey to a specific location.

set eyes on

Focuses on seeing a place for the first time, rather than just entering it.

make an appearance in

Suggests a formal or noteworthy presence in a place.

cross the threshold of

A more formal and literary way of saying to enter a place.

FAQs

How can I use "set foot" in a sentence?

Use "set foot" to describe the action of entering or arriving at a place. For example, "I will never "set foot" in that restaurant again" or "He had never "set foot" in Europe before his trip last year".

What are some alternatives to "set foot"?

You can use alternatives such as "enter", "arrive at", "visit", or "step into" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "set foot" in a metaphorical sense?

While "set foot" is typically used for physical locations, it can sometimes be extended metaphorically for emphasis. However, it's generally safer to stick to literal uses to avoid confusion. For metaphorical contexts, consider "enter" or "delve into".

Which is more formal, "set foot" or "enter"?

"Enter" is generally more formal and neutral, while ""set foot"" carries a more idiomatic and sometimes emphatic tone. Choose "enter" for formal writing and ""set foot"" when you want to add emphasis.