gain entry

USAGE SUMMARY

"gain entry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to an attempt to gain access or entrance to a restricted or guarded area. For example, "The security guard refused to let him gain entry to the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Children gain entry for £9.50, adults for £6.

The Guardian - Travel

It took ten minutes to gain entry to the house.

The New Yorker

Women fought hard to gain entry to medical schools.

The Guardian

They can help gain entry to a home.

The New York Times

To gain entry, he cuts prices on his equipment.

Harvard Business Review

Why It's Already Difficult to Gain Entry Into the U.S.

The New York Times

A fourth was killed before he could gain entry.

The New York Times

It sometimes takes cajoling and negotiation to gain entry.

The New York Times

Visitors were still interviewed twice about their intended business before they could gain entry.

The New York Times

AGES 14-17 -- Many will gain entry, and that's too bad.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Frustrated Cubans were pushing each other to gain entry into the bank.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gain entry" to describe the act of successfully entering a place or system, especially when there might be obstacles or security measures involved.

Common error

Avoid using "gain entry" when a simple "enter" is sufficient. "Gain entry" implies effort or overcoming an obstacle, while "enter" is a more neutral term. For example, say "enter the room" instead of "gain entry to the room" if there's no challenge involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain entry" functions primarily as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger sentence structure. It describes the action of successfully entering a place or system, often implying some level of effort or difficulty. As Ludwig AI points out, this is widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gain entry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that describes the action of successfully entering a place or system, often implying some effort or overcoming an obstacle. It is commonly found in news, formal business contexts, and wikis. While "gain entry" is widely applicable, it's important to consider context and choose the most appropriate synonym when crafting effective and clear communication. Be mindful to avoid substituting "enter" where "gain entry" adds unnecessary implication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain access

Emphasizes the act of getting the right or ability to enter.

gain admittance

Similar to "secure admission", highlighting the act of being allowed in.

secure admission

Focuses on obtaining permission or approval to enter.

be granted access

Focuses on receiving permission or authorization to enter.

achieve entry

Highlights the effort or process involved in getting in.

get inside

A more informal way of expressing the act of entering a place.

pass through security

Highlights the process of entering after being checked.

enter

A simpler and more direct synonym for "gain entry".

access

Focuses on the ability to reach or use something, including a place.

infiltrate

Implies entering secretly or against resistance.

FAQs

How can I use "gain entry" in a sentence?

You can use "gain entry" to describe the act of successfully entering a place or system, often implying that there were obstacles to overcome. For example, "The suspect attempted to gain entry by using a stolen key."

What's a more formal way to say "gain entry"?

Alternatives such as "obtain access" or "secure admission" can provide a more formal tone than "gain entry".

Is it always appropriate to use "gain entry" instead of "enter"?

No, "gain entry" implies an effort or challenge in entering, whereas "enter" is a more neutral term. Use "enter" when there's no implication of difficulty or resistance. For example, you would simply "enter a building" but "gain entry" to a restricted area.

What's the difference between "gain entry" and "break into"?

"Gain entry" suggests a successful attempt to enter, which may or may not be legal or forceful. "Break into", on the other hand, specifically implies a forceful or illegal entry.