STOP SAYING "STEP FOOT"

11/30/2024

This Phrase is Often Being Misused by People Who Should Know Better 

Stop saying "Step Foot," as in He will never step foot in that place again.

You're better off saying "Set Foot."  Google's AI Overview consulted the Merriam Webster Dictionary.  

According to Merriam-Webster, "step" means to move the feet in succession to take a pace, while "set foot" means to enter or reach a place, and emphasizes the significance of the action:

  • Step

To take a pace by moving the feet in succession. For example, "step three paces".

  • Set foot

To enter or reach a place, and emphasize the significance of the action. For example, "Can you believe she's never set foot in a McDonald's?".