are picking up speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are picking up speed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is accelerating or gaining momentum, whether literally or figuratively. Example: "As the project deadline approaches, our efforts are picking up speed to ensure we meet our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Yet here we are, picking up speed.

The New York Times - Magazine

With cars choking Iran's cities, campaigns to encourage cycling are picking up speed.

The Guardian

Atlético are picking up speed just as Sevilla appear to be shuddering towards a halt.

The Guardian - Sport

Electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles have a purer green appeal, but those burning "clean" natural gas are picking up speed.

The Economist

But if they took a careful look from another angle, they might see an altogether happier picture.At the very least, European economies are picking up speed.

The Economist

Having been impelled apart by the force of the Big Bang, the galaxies, in defiance of cosmic gravity, are picking up speed on a dash toward eternity.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's picking up speed.

The New Yorker

Industrial-production growth is picking up speed in several countries.

The Economist

The incumbent Governor, Gray Davis, was picking up speed.

The New Yorker

For City, though, the juggernaut could be picking up speed.

Independent

Elsewhere, Notre Dame's march through March is picking up speed.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are picking up speed" when you want to convey that something is not only increasing in velocity but also gaining momentum or becoming more effective. It works well in both literal and figurative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "are picking up speed" to describe situations that are inherently static or don't involve progression. For instance, saying "The building are picking up speed" would be incorrect unless the building is, metaphorically, rapidly increasing in value or importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are picking up speed" functions as a verb phrase indicating an increasing rate of motion or progress. Ludwig shows that it is frequently used to describe the acceleration of processes, objects, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are picking up speed" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe an increase in momentum, pace, or rate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While alternatives like "are gaining momentum" or "are accelerating" exist, "are picking up speed" effectively conveys the idea of something not only increasing in velocity but also becoming more effective. Remember to avoid using it in static contexts where there is no progression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are gaining momentum

Changes the verb to "gaining", emphasizing the increasing force or impetus behind the action.

are accelerating

Replaces "picking up speed" with "accelerating", which is a more formal and technical term for increasing speed.

are gathering pace

Substitutes "picking up speed" with "gathering pace", offering a more metaphorical expression.

are quickening

Uses "quickening" instead of "picking up speed", implying a rapid increase in activity or progress.

are escalating

Replaces with "escalating", suggesting a rise in intensity or seriousness.

are intensifying

Substitutes with "intensifying", indicating an increase in strength or degree.

are advancing rapidly

Rephrases to "are advancing rapidly", emphasizing quick progression.

are building up steam

Replaces with the idiom "are building up steam", implying that something is gathering energy and about to become very powerful or effective.

are moving faster

Replaces with a more literal description of increasing speed.

are picking up the tempo

This alternative is more appropriate when referring to events that have a rhythm or recurring pace.

FAQs

What does "are picking up speed" mean?

The phrase "are picking up speed" means that something is increasing in velocity or momentum. It can be used literally to describe physical speed or figuratively to describe progress or intensity.

What can I say instead of "are picking up speed"?

You can use alternatives like "are gaining momentum", "are accelerating", or "are gathering pace" depending on the context.

Is "are picking up speed" formal or informal?

The phrase "are picking up speed" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

How do I use "are picking up speed" in a sentence?

You can use "are picking up speed" to describe various scenarios where something is increasing in pace or intensity. For example, "The project is picking up speed as we approach the deadline" or "The car was picking up speed on the highway."