are gaining speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are gaining speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is increasing in pace or momentum, often in contexts related to movement or progress. Example: "As the race progressed, the competitors are gaining speed, making the outcome more unpredictable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The Yankees are gaining speed, with two more stops to go before the World Series.

The New York Times - Sports

However, notions of the need to appease Russia are gaining speed.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the need for any bailout, however small, could add to a sense that Europe's economic problems are gaining speed.

The New York Times

After years of hype, home control and automation products are gaining speed, enabling these types of scenarios in what marketers call the smart home.

The Guardian

I find it incredibly sad that we are going to lose the magic of letter writing – we are gaining speed and spontaneity through advances in technology such as Twitter and email, but we are losing the unique, considered form of communication that letters represent.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Cheney's strongly held views that the headlong drive for reform could create unintended economic consequences, some insiders say, may explain why Mr. Bush's heated words on Tuesday were not matched by equally strong proposals -- including the adoption of Senate measures that are gaining speed even among Republicans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

That process is gaining speed.

The New York Times

The German economy is gaining speed and growth in the third quarter should again be robust.

The Guardian - Business

But instead of slowing down, Mr. Grant said, the car was gaining speed.

The New York Times

In car-clogged communities around Texas, a biking movement is gaining speed.

The New York Times

The boat had blown out into the center of the slough and was gaining speed.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are gaining speed" to describe situations where progress or momentum is visibly increasing. It's effective for illustrating growth in economic, technological, or physical contexts.

Common error

Be careful not to use "are gaining speed" in contexts where the rate of progress is not actually changing. Overusing the phrase can make writing sound repetitive or hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are gaining speed" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating an increase in velocity or rate of progress. Ludwig examples demonstrate it describing economic trends, technological adoption, and physical movement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are gaining speed" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe an increase in pace, velocity, or momentum. Ludwig identifies it as grammatically correct and commonly appearing in News & Media and Science contexts. While semantically similar alternatives like "are accelerating" and "are picking up pace" exist, "are gaining speed" provides a distinct emphasis on the acceleration itself. Remember to use it when describing real increase in momentum to avoid repetitive or hyperbolic sound.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are accelerating

Focuses on the increase in speed, similar to the original phrase.

are picking up pace

Emphasizes a gradual increase in activity or progress.

are gathering momentum

Highlights the building of force or impetus behind the action.

are advancing rapidly

Stresses the swift forward movement or development.

are developing quickly

Suggests fast growth or evolution.

are escalating swiftly

Implies a rapid increase in intensity or scale.

are surging forward

Conveys a strong and sudden movement ahead.

are improving quickly

Focuses on the fast enhancement or betterment of something.

are progressing well

Highlights satisfactory advancement with a positive connotation.

are building up steam

An idiomatic expression suggesting that something is accumulating power or energy.

FAQs

How can I use "are gaining speed" in a sentence?

You can use "are gaining speed" to describe the increasing pace of an activity or process. For example, "The economic recovery is gaining speed" or "The adoption of electric vehicles is gaining speed".

What are some alternatives to "are gaining speed"?

Alternatives include "are accelerating", "are picking up pace", or "are gathering momentum". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "are gaining speed" in formal writing?

Yes, "are gaining speed" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, depending on the context. It is commonly found in news articles, business reports, and academic papers.

What's the difference between "are gaining speed" and "are gaining momentum"?

"Are gaining speed" emphasizes the increase in velocity or pace, while "are gaining momentum" focuses on the increase in force or impetus. While similar, "are gaining momentum" suggests a build-up of energy or support.