build traction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build traction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to gradually gaining or increasing support for something or increasing the amount of people involved in something. For example, "The company was struggling to build traction for their new venture, but eventually found success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

As we executed on everything, we continued to build traction.

The New York Times

I think the organization is starting to build traction on campus.

University of California, Berkeley

It probably will take 12 to 18 months of consistent activity before you start to build traction.

The New York Times

First-time food manufacturers often produce a product "and they go to a farmers market, and they build traction that way," Gonzalez says.

Cornell University

Explaining AudioBoo's business model, he said there will always be a free version because that helps build traction and a the userbase.

The Guardian

He calls this Lean Publishing, or "the act of publishing an in-progress book using lightweight tools and many iterations to get reader feedback, pivot until you have the right book and build traction once you do".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

First up, the entire Bizzabo service is free because they want to built traction first.

TechCrunch

Buterin has proposed a way to detect if miners are trying to perform a 51% attack and shut it down before it builds traction, providing additional safety guarantees.

Forbes

Crosswhite: My plan of action for the development of Gnossem, was to first test my hypothesis that independent fashion could build strong traction in a developed cosmopolitan market, while building the foundations for an eCommerce platform and Retail Brand that could eventually be worthy of worldwide appreciation.

Forbes

"They're trying to build more traction," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Under these circumstances, they could build sufficient traction to reinvigorate the opposition to Romania's support for U.S. efforts there, and potentially force a change in policy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "build traction", clearly define what is gaining momentum. Provide specific examples or metrics to illustrate the increase in support or adoption.

Common error

Avoid using "build traction" prematurely. Ensure there's actual evidence of increasing support or adoption before using this phrase to avoid appearing misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build traction" functions as a verb phrase, where "build" is the verb and "traction" is the noun serving as the direct object. It describes the action of creating or increasing momentum or support for something, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "build traction" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the process of gaining momentum or increasing support for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for formal and informal contexts. Its frequent appearance in news, business, and academic sources indicates its widespread use. When using this phrase, ensure that there is evidence of increasing support or adoption and avoid overstating initial progress. Alternatives such as "gain momentum" or "get established" can be used to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific context. The phrase is a versatile tool for describing progress and growth, especially in the context of business, marketing, and social initiatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain momentum

Focuses on the increasing speed and force of progress.

gain ground

Emphasizes making progress against opposition or competition.

get established

Highlights the act of becoming firmly rooted or recognized.

pick up steam

Suggests increasing energy and power behind an effort.

gain acceptance

Focuses on being widely approved or embraced.

develop a following

Emphasizes attracting and cultivating a group of supporters or fans.

achieve recognition

Highlights the attainment of acknowledgement or fame.

cultivate interest

Focuses on generating and growing attention or enthusiasm.

foster adoption

Emphasizes encouraging the use or acceptance of something new.

generate buzz

Highlights creating excitement and conversation around a product or idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "build traction" to describe efforts to gain momentum or increase adoption for a product, idea, or initiative. For example, "The marketing team is working hard to "build traction" for the new app."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "build traction"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "gain momentum", "gain ground", or "get established" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "build traction" in formal writing?

Yes, "build traction" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business or marketing contexts where discussing progress and adoption is common. However, make sure that the register is appropriate.

What does it mean to "build traction" in a business context?

In business, to "build traction" means to gain increasing support, adoption, or market share for a product, service, or company. It implies moving from initial stages to a more established and growing presence.