gain ground

USAGE SUMMARY

"gain ground" is correct, and it is quite commonly used in written English.
It basically means "to make progress" or "to become more established." Here is an example sentence: The new store has been gaining ground in the neighborhood, as it has been providing quality products at competitive prices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have continued to gain ground.

The New York Times

"But every year we gain ground here".

The New York Times

In Belgium, Flemish separatists gain ground.

The Guardian

| In Northeast, trains gain ground against airlines.

The New York Times

But with mounting bills, she cannot seem to gain ground.

The New York Times

"Any voice, however mad, can gain ground," he told me.

The Guardian

"We gain ground, then we lose ground, so it's disappointing.

The New York Times - Sports

Dissenters Make Gains Eventually, the critics began to gain ground.

The New York Times

Of course, you can't gain ground if you're standing still.

The New York Times

It also appears to be allowing competitors to gain ground.

The New York Times

His ­presence in my life began to gain ground and his absence fell away.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gain ground", ensure the context clearly indicates the area in which progress is being made. For example, specify if it's in a business, political, or personal context.

Common error

While "gain ground" is versatile, it can sound overly formal in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "make progress" or "get ahead" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain ground" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the action of making progress or advancing in a particular area. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used in written English to express advancement or establishment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gain ground" is a versatile verb phrase that signifies progress or advancement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and prevalent in written English. As evidenced by the examples, its most frequent use is within news and media, often describing political, business, or competitive scenarios. While versatile, its formality is best suited for neutral to professional contexts. Remember to clearly specify the area in which progress is being made to ensure clarity. Alternatives like "make progress", "get ahead" or "make headway" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make progress

A general phrase indicating forward movement or improvement.

get ahead

Suggests surpassing others or making advancements in a competitive environment.

make headway

Implies overcoming obstacles and making noticeable advancements.

pull ahead

Suggests moving into a leading position.

advance

A formal term for moving forward or making progress.

improve one's position

Focuses on bettering one's standing or status.

move forward

A basic term for progressing towards a goal.

build momentum

Highlights the accumulation of progress over time.

expand influence

Relates to increasing power or reach.

achieve success

Indicates the attainment of a desired outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain ground" to indicate progress or advancement. For example, "The company is beginning to "gain ground" in the overseas market".

What are some alternatives to "gain ground"?

Alternatives include "make progress", "get ahead", or "make headway" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "gaining grounds" instead of "gain ground"?

No, the correct form is "gain ground". "Gaining grounds" is not a standard or recognized English phrase.

What's the difference between "gain ground" and "lose ground"?

"Gain ground" means to advance or make progress, while "lose ground" means to fall behind or regress. They are antonyms.