Gain ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Gain ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone or something is making progress or becoming more successful, often in a competitive context. Example: "The new marketing strategy helped the company gain ground on its competitors in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have continued to gain ground.

The New York Times

"But every year we gain ground here".

The New York Times

In Belgium, Flemish separatists gain ground.

The Guardian

| In Northeast, trains gain ground against airlines.

The New York Times

"That might gain ground over time.

The Guardian

But with mounting bills, she cannot seem to gain ground.

The New York Times

"Any voice, however mad, can gain ground," he told me.

The Guardian

"We gain ground, then we lose ground, so it's disappointing.

The New York Times - Sports

Dissenters Make Gains Eventually, the critics began to gain ground.

The New York Times

Of course, you can't gain ground if you're standing still.

The New York Times

It also appears to be allowing competitors to gain ground.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "make progress" or "advance" for a more general sense of improvement without the competitive connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "gain ground" in situations where there is no element of competition or comparison. For example, instead of saying "I'm gaining ground on my personal goals", consider saying "I'm making progress towards my personal goals".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Gain ground" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of making progress or obtaining an advantage. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly used and usable in written English. The examples show it used in various contexts such as political movements, sports, and business.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Gain ground" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies making progress or obtaining an advantage, particularly in competitive scenarios. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While synonyms like "make progress" and "get ahead" offer alternatives, "Gain ground" uniquely emphasizes the competitive aspect of advancement. Remember to use it when highlighting progress against opposition, and avoid it in non-competitive situations for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make progress

Focuses on the general idea of advancement without necessarily implying competition.

Get ahead

Implies surpassing others, often in a career or competitive setting.

Advance

A more formal term for moving forward or improving.

Make headway

Suggests overcoming obstacles to make progress.

Pull ahead

Indicates moving into a leading position.

Move forward

A general term for progressing, without necessarily implying significant achievement.

Improve one's position

Focuses on enhancing status or standing.

Gain an advantage

Highlights obtaining a beneficial position over others.

Make strides

Implies making significant progress or advancements.

Prosper

Suggests achieving success and thriving.

FAQs

How can I use "Gain ground" in a sentence?

You can use "Gain ground" to describe making progress or obtaining an advantage. For example: "The company is working hard to "gain ground" in the market." or "The team hopes to "gain ground" in the standings."

What can I say instead of "Gain ground"?

You can use alternatives like "make progress", "get ahead", or "advance" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Gain ground" or "Lost ground"?

"Gain ground" and "Lost ground" are both correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Gain ground" means to make progress or obtain an advantage, while "Lost ground" means to lose progress or lose an advantage.

What's the difference between "Gain ground" and "Catch up"?

"Gain ground" implies making progress, often in a competitive context, while "catch up" specifically means to reach the same level as someone or something else after being behind.