achieve traction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "achieve traction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when someone has taken an action and it gains momentum, meaning there is an increasing amount of people who are involved, or when a plan or idea is making progress. For example, "The organization was able to achieve traction for the new product launch after the initial launch event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Soderbergh revealed last year that Hollywood thought the project would be unlikely to achieve traction with audiences due to its gay themes.

The Guardian - Film

Its comparative failure to achieve traction to date is not because of inadequate communication, as the public administration select committee suggested last month.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 2004, we saw stabilization, and in 2005, we saw inflection (the point where markets achieve traction).

Forbes

A number of niche players (such as Wahanda) will achieve traction, but not at the Groupon deal volumes.

TechCrunch

Perhaps EHCC and EHCA can raise sustainability consciousness within IT disciplines effectively should these terms achieve traction.

Environmental Health Perspectives

The straps should be located at, but not above, the fracture line or you will not achieve traction.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And initially, many in the restaurant business were skeptical that the concept could fly in a cavernous space once occupied by the Toy Manufacturers Club, then a Cipriani catering-hall operation that never achieved traction.

The New York Times - Food

They're considering making it a startup of its own, if it achieves traction.

TechCrunch

"We believe the reorganization is especially significant, as it suggests to us that the company's efforts at rolling out and achieving traction with its RapidChip product family is likely not proceeding as anticipated," Banc of America.

Forbes

As we learn from experience how specific nodes participate in the information stream, we can evaluate today's silence or muted contributions to derive competitive insight not possible before micromessaging achieved traction.

TechCrunch

Every time we started straying down a wrong path, like flirting with just talking to that one VC or even thinking about approaching a company about a partnership, they'd always come out with something like, "is that going to get the product out faster?" Trust me, once you've launched and achieved traction, you'll have your pick of mentors, VCs, partners and all the legal expenses you need.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "achieve traction" when you want to express that an idea, project, or initiative is beginning to gain popularity, acceptance, or progress.

Common error

Avoid using "achieve traction" in contexts where more precise technical terms would be more appropriate. While understandable, it can sometimes lack the necessary specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "achieve traction" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the process of gaining momentum or success. It is often used when something is starting to make progress or becoming more popular as indicated by Ludwig and examples provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "achieve traction" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, typically indicating that an idea, project, or initiative is beginning to gain momentum, acceptance, or progress. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and provides relevant examples. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional register. While it's a useful phrase, writers should be mindful of potential overuse and consider more specific terms when appropriate. Related phrases like "gain momentum" or "make headway" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain momentum

Focuses more on the increasing speed or force behind something, rather than necessarily achieving success.

make headway

Implies overcoming obstacles and moving forward, highlighting effort and progress.

gain ground

Suggests making progress relative to competitors or in a specific field.

pick up steam

Similar to 'gain momentum', but more informal and emphasizes increasing energy and enthusiasm.

become established

Emphasizes achieving a stable and recognized position.

find success

Focuses on achieving a positive outcome or desired result, without necessarily implying continuous progress.

get off the ground

Highlights the initial stage of starting something successfully.

take hold

Suggests something is becoming firmly established and influential.

make an impact

Emphasizes the effect or influence something has on others.

flourish

Implies thriving and developing in a healthy and successful way.

FAQs

What does "achieve traction" mean?

The phrase "achieve traction" generally means to start gaining momentum or popularity, often referring to ideas, projects, or products that are beginning to succeed or get noticed.

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

You can use "achieve traction" to describe something gaining momentum, like: "The marketing campaign finally "gained traction" after the celebrity endorsement."

What are some alternatives to "achieve traction"?

Alternatives to "achieve traction" include "gain momentum", "make headway", or "gain ground", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "achieve traction" or "gain traction"?

Both "achieve traction" and "gain traction" are acceptable and commonly used. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific tone you want to convey.