found purchase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "found purchase" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically means to gain a foothold or establish a strong position. It can also refer to successfully acquiring or obtaining something. Example sentence: After years of struggling, the company finally found purchase in the market with their new product.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He has found purchase in the hearts of some gathered here today".

The New Yorker

Along the way it found purchase all around the Asian continent.

The Economist

Then his legs found purchase, and as he unfolded himself to stand straight again I saw that my hand had fallen to his crotch.

The New Yorker

Chumming proved most productive for my group, though it was not until the fifth day of fishing that our flies found purchase.

The New York Times - Sports

At the Grand Council's complex in Palangkaraya, a town where Christianity and Islam dominate public life, Hindu Kaharingan appears to have found purchase.

The New York Times

Jung's school of thought, particularly his belief that universal archetypes — the Mother, the Father, the Hero, the Maiden — play a role in humanity's collective imagination, found purchase with the industry's storytelling class.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Many of these tweets are essentially celebratory blasts, alerting their social networks (and essentially the rest of the human race) that they have new found purchasing power.

Huffington Post

However, as other studies have found, purchases at DLDB for children under 5 were modestly underrepresented compared to the estimated fever incidence for this age group [19].

Plosone

Under the kelp-bed razorclams turning to find purchase.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is simply no way to find purchase in them.

The New Yorker

It's famously difficult for young women to navigate these transitions and find purchase.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "found purchase" to describe how an abstract concept or movement gains acceptance or influence. For example, "The new political ideology found purchase among the disillusioned youth."

Common error

Avoid using "found purchase" in literal contexts related to physical objects; it's primarily a metaphorical expression. Instead of saying "The climber found purchase on the rock", use "The climber found a handhold on the rock".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found purchase" functions as a verb phrase where "found" is the past tense of "find" and "purchase" is a noun. It typically describes the action of something abstract gaining acceptance, influence, or a foothold, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "found purchase" is used to describe the successful establishment or acceptance of something, particularly abstract concepts or movements. Ludwig's AI validates its correctness and suggests it's most often found in news and academic writing. While appropriate for formal contexts, it avoids overly technical or informal language. The phrase conveys a sense of something gaining a solid foothold or widespread approval. Alternative phrases like "gained traction" or "established a foothold" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

established a foothold

Emphasizes the initial stage of gaining a secure position.

secured a position

Focuses on obtaining a guaranteed or safe place.

gained traction

Focuses on gradual acceptance or increasing popularity.

gained ground

Focuses on making progress or advancing in a competitive situation.

took hold

Implies a firm and often rapid establishment or influence.

became established

Suggests a state of being firmly settled or recognized.

gained acceptance

Emphasizes the process of being approved or welcomed.

achieved recognition

Highlights the attainment of acknowledgment or fame.

became successful

Indicates the attainment of a favorable or desired outcome.

won support

Highlights the acquisition of backing or approval from others.

FAQs

How can I use "found purchase" in a sentence?

The phrase "found purchase" describes the action of gaining influence or acceptance, often in an abstract or competitive environment. For example, "The innovative marketing strategy quickly "gained traction" and found purchase among younger consumers."

What are some alternatives to "found purchase"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "gained traction", "established a foothold", or "achieved recognition". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "found purchase" or "gained purchase"?

"Found purchase" is more common when referring to something intangible taking hold. "Gained purchase" is also correct, but it's used less frequently. Consider the specific context to determine which phrasing sounds more natural.

What does it mean when something "finds purchase"?

When something "finds purchase", it means it has successfully "taken hold", gained acceptance, or become established. This phrase is often used to describe ideas, movements, or products that are gaining influence.