Gain entry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Gain entry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of accessing a place or obtaining permission to enter a location. Example: "In order to participate in the event, you must gain entry by showing your ticket at the door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Children gain entry for £9.50, adults for £6.

The Guardian - Travel

It took ten minutes to gain entry to the house.

The New Yorker

Women fought hard to gain entry to medical schools.

The Guardian

They can help gain entry to a home.

The New York Times

To gain entry, he cuts prices on his equipment.

Harvard Business Review

Why It's Already Difficult to Gain Entry Into the U.S.

The New York Times

A fourth was killed before he could gain entry.

The New York Times

It sometimes takes cajoling and negotiation to gain entry.

The New York Times

Visitors were still interviewed twice about their intended business before they could gain entry.

The New York Times

AGES 14-17 -- Many will gain entry, and that's too bad.

The New York Times

Only after he agrees to stop singing does he gain entry to the inner sanctum.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, use "gain entry" to highlight the effort or steps required to enter a place or organization. For example, "To gain entry into the competition, applicants must submit a portfolio."

Common error

Avoid using "gain entry" in situations where a simpler verb like "enter" or "access" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain entry" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used with an infinitive or prepositional phrase to specify the destination or means of entry. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gain entry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the act of successfully entering a place, organization, or system. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and suitable for various contexts, from news reports to formal business communications. While simpler alternatives like "enter" or "access" may sometimes be more appropriate, "gain entry" is particularly effective when emphasizing the effort or process involved in achieving access. With a neutral to professional tone, this phrase is a versatile tool for clear and precise writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Obtain access

Focuses on the act of acquiring the right or ability to enter.

Secure admission

Emphasizes the process of being officially allowed to enter.

Gain admittance

A more formal synonym for "gain entry".

Access the premises

More formal, specifically refers to gaining access to a building or area.

Get inside

A simpler, more direct way of expressing entry, often used for physical locations.

Be allowed in

Highlights the permission aspect of entering.

Enter

A basic and direct synonym for "gain entry".

Pass through

Emphasizes the act of moving from outside to inside.

Make an entrance

Suggests a deliberate or noticeable arrival.

Infiltrate

Implies entering discreetly or secretly, often without permission.

FAQs

How can I use "gain entry" in a sentence?

You can use "gain entry" to describe the act of successfully entering a place or organization. For example, "Applicants must pass a rigorous exam to gain entry into the university."

What can I say instead of "gain entry"?

You can use alternatives like "obtain access", "secure admission", or simply "enter" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "gain entry" in formal writing?

Yes, "gain entry" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when emphasizing the effort or process required to enter. However, consider whether a simpler alternative like "access" would be more concise.

What's the difference between "gain entry" and "enter"?

"Enter" is a more general term for going into a place. "Gain entry" suggests that there was some effort or process involved in being allowed to enter. For example, you might "enter" a room, but you would "gain entry" to a prestigious club.