Gaining traction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Gaining traction" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation, idea, or project that is starting to become more popular or successful. Example: "The new marketing strategy is gaining traction, and we expect to see an increase in sales soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Labour's reforms were gaining traction.

The Economist

The slogan started gaining traction.

The Guardian

"Chromebooks are really gaining traction.

The Guardian - Tech

The ideas are clearly gaining traction.

The New York Times

Still, solar charging is quietly gaining traction.

The New York Times

Incredibly enough, this message is gaining traction.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Yet she gained traction.

Independent

The argument gained traction.

The New York Times

It never gains traction.

The New York Times

A "Beijing consensus" gained traction.

The New York Times

Start-Up Chile gains traction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gaining traction" to describe the increasing popularity or acceptance of an idea, project, or trend. For example, "The new marketing campaign is gaining traction among younger audiences."

Common error

Avoid using "gaining traction" too frequently in the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "gathering momentum" or "becoming established" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gaining traction" functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is gaining traction"). It describes the process of something becoming more popular, accepted, or successful. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gaining traction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the growing popularity or success of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, especially within news and media. While versatile, avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "gathering momentum" or "becoming established" for variety. Remember to use it to convey a sense of progress and increasing influence. Proper use enhances clarity and engagement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gathering momentum

Implies an increase in speed and force, suggesting a build-up of energy and drive.

Picking up steam

Similar to gathering momentum, this phrase suggests increasing power and activity.

Catching on

Refers to something becoming popular or widely accepted.

Becoming established

Indicates that something is becoming firmly rooted or accepted.

Making headway

Suggests progress being made despite challenges or resistance.

Taking hold

Implies something is starting to have an effect or influence.

Building up speed

Similar to gathering momentum, indicating an increase in pace.

Developing strength

Suggests growing power or resilience.

Growing in popularity

Directly indicates increasing acceptance and favor.

Attracting attention

Indicates something is becoming more noticeable and drawing interest.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "gaining traction" in a sentence?

Use "gaining traction" to indicate that something is starting to become popular or successful. For instance, "The open-source project is "gaining traction" within the developer community."

What are some alternatives to "gaining traction"?

You can use alternatives such as "gathering momentum", "gaining momentum", or "becoming popular" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "gaining traction" in formal writing?

Yes, "gaining traction" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It's a widely understood phrase that adds clarity to your communication. Consider the alternatives to create a more specific nuance of meaning.

What does it mean when something is described as "gaining traction"?

When something is ""gaining traction"", it means it is starting to gain popularity, acceptance, or influence. It suggests that the idea or initiative is making progress and attracting more support.