Solid footing

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

Is there any subtle difference between the following sentences? Please explain your answer a bit.

[color=darkblue]1. The campaign started on a solid footing.
2. The campaign started on solid footing.
Thanks,

MG.

2

I would say that the second sentence is not correct. The meaning you used now for footing is that of a basic condition in which something operates or develops. And the expression is on a solid/firm/secure/strong footing. The a is part of the expression and it cannot be removed. It’s just like you say “give me break” instead of “give me a break”!

3

Hi Musicgold,

I see this differently.

‘On solid footing’ and ‘on a solid footing’ are both in use, both in written English and in spoken English. The use of ‘on solid footing’ does not strike me as being unusual at all.

There are plenty of usage examples for ‘on solid footing’ (i.e. without the article) – in COCA and in the NY Times archives, for example.

I’d say there isn’t much, if any, difference in meaning. Grammatically speaking, you might equate ‘on solid footing’ with ‘in good condition’. In other words, the word ‘footing’ is being used as an uncountable noun.

[color=darkblue]_______________________________________________________________________
[size=75]“He who cannot rest, cannot work; he who cannot let go, cannot hold on; he who cannot find footing, cannot go forward.” ~ Harry Emerson Fosdick[/size]

4

Thanks folks.