builds steam

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "builds steam" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or process that is gaining momentum or increasing in intensity. Example: "The project started slowly, but it really builds steam as more team members joined in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The exhibition begins slowly, and builds steam.

The New York Times - Arts

"Blown Away" builds steam again from that point.

The New York Times - Arts

Fertility remains high and human suffering builds steam.

The Guardian

Its gimmick is that the tempo markings steadily increase throughout, adding propulsive force to a work that, thick with detail, throws out sounds and ideas as it builds steam.

The New York Times - Arts

Actually, it starts a little slowly but builds steam along the way.

Wikipedia

Students split their time between the classroom and the Siemens factory that builds steam and natural gas-fired turbines for power plants around the world.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

O. & K., founded in 1876, had been making them since 1908; Demag had been building excavators since 1925, when it bought a company that built steam shovels; Hitachi, founded in 1910, sold cable-operated shovels before the Second World War.

The New Yorker

"It's not like college, where you can build steam.

Princeton University

But the concept of giving with no money from the user has only recently built steam.

The New York Times

There he had built steam engines, but here he found his calling.

The New York Times

As the climate change negotiations at COP21 in Paris build steam, these results highlight the rising priority of solving climate change among future leaders.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "builds steam" to describe a process or movement that starts slowly but gradually becomes more powerful or intense. It's effective for illustrating momentum.

Common error

Avoid using "builds steam" when describing something that is already at full intensity from the beginning. This phrase implies a gradual increase in momentum.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "builds steam" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to describe how something gradually increases in intensity, power, or momentum. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

14%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "builds steam" is a grammatically sound and versatile verb phrase used to describe the gradual increase in momentum or intensity of a process or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and wide applicability across various domains, including news, media, and academia. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the idea of something starting slowly and progressively gaining force. Remember to use "builds steam" when illustrating momentum and avoid using it for processes that start at full intensity. Alternatives such as "gains momentum" and "picks up speed" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gains momentum

Focuses on the increasing speed and force of a process.

picks up speed

Emphasizes the increasing rate at which something is happening.

gathers pace

Highlights the gathering of speed and rhythm in a particular activity.

accelerates

Implies a rapid increase in speed or intensity.

intensifies

Focuses on the increasing strength or severity of something.

escalates

Suggests a gradual increase in intensity or seriousness.

grows stronger

Emphasizes the increasing power or influence of something.

develops rapidly

Highlights the quick growth and evolution of a process.

accumulates force

Indicates the gradual gathering of power or energy.

ramps up

Suggests a deliberate increase in activity or production.

FAQs

How can I use "builds steam" in a sentence?

You can use "builds steam" to describe a situation that starts slowly and gradually increases in intensity. For example, "The project started slowly, but it really "builds steam" as more team members joined in."

What are some alternatives to "builds steam"?

Alternatives to "builds steam" include "gains momentum", "picks up speed", or "gathers pace". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something "builds up steam"?

Yes, "builds up steam" is also a correct and commonly used variant of "builds steam", conveying the same meaning of gradually increasing in intensity or momentum.

What's the difference between "builds steam" and "gains traction"?

"Builds steam" typically refers to increasing momentum or intensity over time, while "gains traction" suggests increasing acceptance or popularity. They are similar but emphasize different aspects of progress.