build up steam

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build up steam" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a process of gaining momentum or increasing intensity, often in a figurative sense. Example: "The project started slowly, but it began to build up steam as more team members joined and contributed their ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Yet his score often makes it hard for either narrative or dance to build up steam.

The New York Times - Arts

Watching a wild hog build up steam and charge its would-be captor is more exhilarating than any March Madness buzzer-beater.

The New York Times

There are also plenty of clothes for young girls, led by Quiksilver's Roxy line, which started to build up steam five years ago.

The New York Times

It was the prime minister who conceded a long campaign period, giving the nationalists time to build up steam and construct an effective movement.But if Mr Cameron is responsible for the debate's terms, Labour is overwhelmingly to blame for its causes.

The Economist

Based on a memoir, The Wettest County in the World by Matt Bondurant, writing about his real grandfather, the script is adapted by musician Nick Cave but, unlike the whisky stills which chug away in the woodsheds, it takes its time to build up steam.

The Guardian - Film

It begins to give them hope that the president's policies are, in fact, moving the economy in the right direction -- that it actually is beginning to build up steam -- that there is hope that middle class Americans are actually going to see their prospects begin to improve.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

As the gamble built up steam, Ladbrokes cut the odds to 20/1, 10/1 and eventually 5/1.

The Guardian

This is especially probable if the US economic recovery builds up steam in coming months.

The Guardian - Opinion

The storm built up steam over the mid-Atlantic's water, and then it turned west and drove inland.

Harvard University

Fast fashion is the merchandising phenomenon that has built up steam over the past 15 years and now dominates our wardrobes and high streets.

The Guardian

But it was on 77th Street that the architects built up steam: a long, tumultuous facade rising to an even more elaborate dormer arrangement, set against an Alpine-steep mansard roof.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "build up steam" to describe the gradual increase in energy, momentum, or intensity of a process, project, or activity. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the preparatory stages before a significant outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "build up steam" in contexts where literal steam is involved, as this can lead to ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The engine built up steam too quickly", specify "The steam pressure in the engine increased rapidly" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build up steam" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate in a sentence. It describes the process of accumulating energy, momentum, or intensity, often in a figurative sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "build up steam" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the gradual increase of momentum, intensity, or energy in a process or activity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread usability. It is commonly found in news and media, as well as academic contexts. When writing, remember that while "build up steam" is suitable for many situations, consider using more precise language in highly technical contexts or when describing literal steam to avoid confusion. Alternatives like "gain momentum" and "gather pace" provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain momentum

Focuses on the rate of progress rather than the internal energy.

gather pace

Emphasizes the acceleration of an activity or process.

pick up speed

Highlights the increasing velocity or rapidity of something.

gain traction

Implies increasing support or popularity.

intensify gradually

Focuses on the increasing strength or degree of something.

escalate progressively

Suggests a step-by-step increase in intensity or seriousness.

develop gradually

Highlights the slow and steady process of growth or evolution.

flourish

Implies a thriving or successful development after a period of growth.

hit full stride

Suggests achieving optimal performance or momentum.

get into gear

Suggests starting to function effectively or efficiently.

FAQs

How can I use "build up steam" in a sentence?

You can use "build up steam" to describe a gradual increase in momentum or intensity. For example: "The political campaign began slowly, but it started to "build up steam" as the election neared."

What are some alternatives to "build up steam"?

Alternatives include "gain momentum", "gather pace", or "pick up speed". Choose the alternative that best fits the specific context.

Is "build up steam" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "build up steam" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, depending on the context. However, in highly technical or scientific contexts, more precise terminology might be preferred.

What does it mean when something "builds up a head of steam"?

When something "builds up a head of steam" it means it has gathered significant momentum or energy, often suggesting it's ready to achieve a major breakthrough or success. This is very similar to "build up steam".