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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
achieves traction
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "achieves traction" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a concept, idea, or product that gains popularity, acceptance, or momentum in a particular context. Example: "The new marketing strategy finally achieves traction, leading to increased sales and customer engagement."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
They're considering making it a startup of its own, if it achieves traction.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Its comparative failure to achieve traction to date is not because of inadequate communication, as the public administration select committee suggested last month.
News & Media
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.
News & Media
In 2004, we saw stabilization, and in 2005, we saw inflection (the point where markets achieve traction).
News & Media
A number of niche players (such as Wahanda) will achieve traction, but not at the Groupon deal volumes.
News & Media
"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.
News & Media
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.
News & Media
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.
News & Media
Haynes had soon designed superior methods of achieving traction and his car could climb hills easier than his competitors in the early races.
Wiki
Perhaps EHCC and EHCA can raise sustainability consciousness within IT disciplines effectively should these terms achieve traction.
The straps should be located at, but not above, the fracture line or you will not achieve traction.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "achieves traction" when you want to emphasize that something is not just started, but also gaining real momentum and acceptance.
Common error
While "achieves traction" is appropriate for professional or analytical writing, it might sound overly formal or technical in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "gains momentum" or "becomes popular" in less formal settings.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "achieves traction" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating that a subject (an idea, product, or initiative) is successfully gaining momentum, acceptance, or real-world application. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts where progress and impact are being measured.
Frequent in
News & Media
30%
Science
30%
Formal & Business
20%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Encyclopedias
5%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "achieves traction" is a grammatically sound and professionally relevant expression used to describe the gaining of momentum or acceptance by an idea, product, or initiative. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to indicate progress and impact. While it is more commonly found in news, science, and business contexts, it may be overly formal for casual conversation. Consider alternatives such as "gains momentum" or "becomes popular" in informal settings. Its frequency of use is classified as uncommon, so consider the register of your writing before using it. Ultimately, "achieves traction" is a useful phrase when describing the success and increasing influence of something over time.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
gains momentum
Focuses on the increasing speed or force of progress, rather than the establishment of a solid base.
gains popularity
Emphasizes the increase in public favor or acceptance.
gains acceptance
Highlights the process of being accepted or approved.
gains ground
Implies making progress against opposition or competition.
takes hold
Suggests a firm establishment or control.
becomes established
Indicates a state of being firmly recognized or accepted.
starts to resonate
Emphasizes the connection with an audience or market.
catches on
Refers to becoming popular or fashionable.
finds success
Highlights the achievement of favorable outcomes.
makes headway
Implies making progress, especially when facing difficulties.
FAQs
How can I use "achieves traction" in a sentence?
The phrase "achieves traction" is used to indicate that something is gaining momentum or popularity. For example, "The marketing campaign finally "achieves traction" after the initial slow start".
What can I say instead of "achieves traction"?
You can use alternatives like "gains momentum", "gains popularity", or "gains acceptance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to say "achieves traction" or "gains traction"?
Both "achieves traction" and "gains traction" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference, though "gains traction" might be slightly more common in contemporary usage.
What does it mean when a startup "achieves traction"?
When a startup ""achieves traction"", it means that its product or service is gaining real users, customers, or market share, indicating that it's starting to gain momentum and is likely on a path to success.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested