Gain traction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Gain traction" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the process of becoming more popular, accepted, or successful over time. Example: "The new marketing strategy is starting to gain traction, leading to an increase in sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Would the maxi gain traction?

The New York Times

But did he gain traction?

The Guardian

It folded after failing to gain traction.

The New York Times

The business began to gain traction.

The New York Times

But those attacks struggled to gain traction.

The New York Times

Mobile shopping continues to gain traction.

The New York Times

Why do rumors gain traction?

The Washington Post

A new "homeless look" will gain traction.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Yet she gained traction.

Independent

The argument gained traction.

The New York Times

It never gains traction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the progress of a project, idea, or movement, use "gain traction" to indicate that it is becoming more popular, accepted, or successful over time. For example, "The new marketing campaign is beginning to "gain traction" among younger audiences."

Common error

Avoid using "gain traction" when active effort is required. The phrase often implies a natural or gradual increase in acceptance or popularity, so ensure the context aligns with this passive development rather than direct actions causing the progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain traction" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used to describe the process by which an idea, project, or trend becomes more widely accepted or successful. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples across various contexts where "gain traction" indicates increasing popularity or momentum.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gain traction" is a widely used verb phrase that signifies increasing popularity, acceptance, or success over time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various sources. It's a neutral expression suitable for diverse contexts, from news and media to formal business settings. While primarily used to describe progress, it's essential to ensure the context implies a passive development rather than direct action causing the advancement. Alternatives such as "gather momentum" or "catch on" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Overall, "gain traction" is a versatile and reliable phrase for describing the increasing momentum of ideas, projects, or trends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gather momentum

Focuses on the increasing speed and force of the progress.

Pick up speed

Focuses on accelerating the rate of progress.

Build up steam

Suggests a gradual accumulation of energy and force, leading to significant progress.

Take hold

Implies becoming established and secure, gaining a firm grip.

Make headway

Indicates making progress, especially in overcoming difficulties.

Get off the ground

Emphasizes the initial stage of progress, overcoming initial obstacles.

Catch on

Highlights increasing popularity and acceptance among people.

Become established

Implies becoming recognized and accepted in a particular field or area.

Flourish

Suggests thriving and growing successfully.

Prosper

Indicates achieving success and wealth.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain traction" to describe how an idea, project, or trend is becoming more popular or accepted. For example, "The proposal is starting to "gain traction" within the community".

What are some alternatives to "gain traction"?

You can use alternatives like "gather momentum", "build up steam", or "catch on" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is "gaining traction"?

Yes, "gaining traction" is the present continuous tense of the phrase and is perfectly correct to use when describing something that is currently in the process of becoming more popular or successful. For example, "The initiative is "gaining traction" faster than expected".

What is the difference between "gain traction" and "make headway"?

"Gain traction" often implies increasing popularity or acceptance, while "make headway" typically refers to making progress in overcoming difficulties or obstacles. While both indicate progress, the context of that progress differs.