are gaining traction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are gaining traction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe ideas, trends, or movements that are becoming more popular or accepted over time. Example: "The new sustainability initiatives are gaining traction among consumers who prioritize eco-friendly products."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And preventive tactics are gaining traction.

The New York Times - Tech

New business and delivery models are gaining traction.

Stanford University

Out in the countryside, ideas of sustainability are gaining traction.

Independent

Tiny homes are gaining traction as rental lodging, too.

The New York Times

Republican efforts to discredit the probe are gaining traction.

The Washington Post

Similar pop-up programs are gaining traction in other cities, including Cleveland and London.

The Guardian

Across the spectrum, from Trump to Jeremy Corbyn, anti-politics candidates are gaining traction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nascent efforts toward fortifying and preserving indigenous cultures are gaining traction on most continents.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Labour's reforms were gaining traction.

The Economist

Incredibly enough, this message is gaining traction.

The New York Times

Dubai is gaining traction in finance, too.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are gaining traction" when you want to convey that an idea, trend, or initiative is not only becoming popular but also making noticeable progress and achieving real-world results. This phrase suggests more than mere fleeting interest; it implies sustained growth and increasing influence.

Common error

While "are gaining traction" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "are becoming popular" or "are gaining momentum" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are gaining traction" functions as a verb phrase indicating that a subject is becoming more popular, accepted, or influential. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, highlighting its role in describing emerging trends and developments across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are gaining traction" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that effectively communicates the increasing popularity, acceptance, or influence of a subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and prevalent in various contexts, particularly in news media and business. While synonyms like "are becoming popular" or "are gaining momentum" can offer variety, "are gaining traction" carries a specific nuance of demonstrable progress. To ensure clarity and impact, writers should use it judiciously and avoid overuse. The phrase is most suitable for neutral to professional registers, where a blend of informativeness and a hint of persuasive intent is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are becoming popular

This alternative directly replaces "gaining traction" with a simpler, more common term indicating increasing popularity.

are gaining momentum

This alternative suggests an increase in speed or force, implying that something is becoming more active and influential.

are on the rise

This alternative indicates an upward trend in popularity, acceptance, or importance.

are gaining ground

This alternative conveys the idea of making progress and overcoming obstacles, suggesting increasing influence.

are becoming more widespread

This alternative emphasizes the increasing distribution and reach of something.

are catching on

This alternative suggests that something is becoming more fashionable or trendy.

are gaining acceptance

This alternative highlights the increasing approval or agreement with something.

are becoming established

This alternative indicates the process of something becoming firmly rooted or recognized.

are taking hold

This alternative implies something is becoming firmly established and difficult to dislodge.

are proving effective

This alternative focuses on the demonstration of positive results or impact.

FAQs

What does "are gaining traction" mean?

The phrase "are gaining traction" means that something is becoming more popular, accepted, or is making progress. It suggests that an idea, trend, or initiative is starting to have a noticeable impact and is gathering momentum.

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

You can use "are gaining traction" to describe anything that is becoming more widespread or effective. For example, "Electric vehicles "are gaining traction" as concerns about climate change increase" or "New teaching methods "are gaining traction" in schools across the country".

What can I say instead of "are gaining traction"?

You can use alternatives like "are becoming popular", "are gaining momentum", or "are on the rise" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is gaining traction" instead of "are gaining traction"?

The correctness depends on the subject. Use "is gaining traction" when referring to a singular subject (e.g., "This idea is gaining traction"). Use "are gaining traction" when referring to a plural subject (e.g., "These initiatives are gaining traction").