a gathering force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gathering force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a force or influence that is accumulating or becoming stronger over time, often in a social or political context. Example: "The movement for climate action is becoming a gathering force, uniting people from all walks of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The book has a gathering force.

The New York Times - Books

Commentary described the alt-right as a gathering force, and warned of a "coming conservative dark age".

The New Yorker

In this country of twittering youth, Mr. Singh and his friends form a gathering force: the elderly, who now make up America's fastest-growing immigrant group.

The New York Times

Omar Gonzalez, a gathering force at center back, might be the only player from yesterday's match with a realistic prospect of starting against Honduras.

The Guardian - Sport

Its goal is to help communities understand the impact of climate change — for example, by using food "as a gathering force for awareness, community building and positive change," as its Web site states.

The New York Times

Bell's chief distinction was his enterprise--he had published nine books by his mid-thirties--but he could not be described as a gathering force, an ambitious writer in the tradition of, say, a Mailer or a Pynchon.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The music, by Michael Convertino, lies over the action like a shadow, gathering force from time to time to create a vague, insistent feeling of dread.

The New York Times

When I arrived in Islamabad on March 10, the long march was set to begin in two days and had come to feel like a storm gathering force at sea — one that might peter out before it hit land or turn into a Category 4 hurricane.

The New York Times - Magazine

At first glimpsed sitting at the edge of the bed bent over with her hair hiding her face, tuft-like, Arianda plays the labile May as if she's a tornado gathering force.

Huffington Post

The result is a record that is muscular yet limber, and sung with a kind of steely tenderness; the sound of an artist gathering force.

The Guardian - Music

This kind of attack — the overall idea, as Mr. McCain keeps suggesting, that people don't really know (and thus can't trust) Mr. Obama — sometimes creeps up on an opponent, gathering force and credibility.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a force that has already reached peak strength, consider alternatives like "dominant force" or "established power" rather than "a gathering force".

Common error

Avoid using "a gathering force" to describe something that is already fully formed or static. This phrase implies ongoing growth and development, so it's inappropriate for entities that are not actively increasing in influence or strength.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gathering force" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes an entity that is accumulating power or influence. Ludwig examples demonstrate this in contexts ranging from political movements to sports.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

15%

General

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a gathering force" is a noun phrase used to describe an entity progressively gaining influence or strength. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While not exceedingly common, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of momentum and potential impact. It’s essential to use it appropriately, ensuring that the entity described is indeed in the process of accumulating power and influence, rather than being static or already fully formed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a growing movement

Focuses on the progressive development of a cause or trend, highlighting its increasing scale.

an emerging power

Emphasizes the ascent and initial stages of influence for a group or entity.

a rising tide

Suggests an inevitable and widespread increase in influence, often used metaphorically.

a developing trend

Highlights the gradual evolution of a pattern or fashion, emphasizing its ongoing formation.

a building momentum

Focuses on the increasing speed and energy behind a process or activity.

a swelling rank

Suggests an expansion in size or numbers, often related to groups or organizations.

a coalescing group

Emphasizes the merging and uniting of different elements into a single, stronger entity.

an intensifying influence

Highlights the increasing strength and impact of something on its surroundings.

a consolidating power

Focuses on the firming up and reinforcement of authority or control.

a mounting pressure

Suggests the accumulation of force or strain, often leading to a critical point.

FAQs

How can I use "a gathering force" in a sentence?

Use "a gathering force" to describe something that is accumulating power or influence. For example: "The environmental movement is becoming "a gathering force" in politics."

What phrases are similar to "a gathering force"?

Similar phrases include "a growing movement", "an emerging power", or "a rising tide". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say 'the gathering force' instead of "a gathering force"?

While grammatically possible, using "the gathering force" implies there is a single, specific force known to the audience. "A gathering force" suggests one of several possible forces, or a force not yet fully defined.

How does "a gathering force" differ from "a driving force"?

"A gathering force" implies growth and accumulation, whereas "a driving force" suggests an entity that is actively propelling something forward. The former is about increasing strength, the latter about direct action.