# on foot

CEFR A2 · Prepositional phrase

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/on-foot
Updated: 2026-07-31

## Definition

by walking rather than using a car, bus, or bike.

For teachers: by means of walking; functions as an adverbial of manner. It is a fixed prepositional phrase that does not take an article.

## Examples

- We decided to explore the city on foot.
- Since the streets in the old town are very narrow, the best way to see the sights is on foot.
- The rugged terrain proved impassable for vehicles, forcing the rescue team to proceed on foot despite the worsening weather conditions.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I went to the shop by foot." but "I went to the shop on foot." — English uses 'by' for vehicles (by car, by train) but 'on' for walking (on foot).

## Usage notes

- always used with the preposition 'on' and the singular 'foot'.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'by car' or 'by bus'; learners often try to say 'by foot' because of the pattern for vehicles, so highlighting the 'on' is essential.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.