gain headway

USAGE SUMMARY

"gain headway" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone or something is making progress or making advances towards a goal or target. For example, "The team has been working hard and has managed to gain headway on their project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But with Venezuela's legal system tightly controlled by pro-Chávez judges who rarely rule against the president, it is unclear how a challenge would gain headway in the courts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Dress Activity Gains Headway.

The New York Times

Almost equally crucial to Palm gaining headway against competitors like Apple and Research in Motion, Mr. Gartenberg said, was cultivating a system of developers eager to write and publish programs that could run on its devices.

The New York Times - Tech

But their cause is gaining headway as the authorities wage an intense crackdown on dissent, putting pressure on NGOs and arresting or otherwise making vanish dozens of government critics.Mr Mao, who is 82, is the soft-spoken head of a remarkably independent think-tank, the Unirule Institute of Economics.

The Economist

For instance in '44, Evans was among the first to notice a tiny flame gaining headway up a tent rope, and his cornet blared out on the instant the band's disaster song- Sousa'song- Sousad Stripes Forever," which means "All Out!" For accidents of a less serious nature, Evans has what he calls his "chicken song," which means "Stand by, performers.

The New Yorker

The combination of art and science via virtual reality is gaining headway.

Vice

Some believe a cheaper iPHone will be used to gain more headway among more price-sensitive consumers — both in the U.S. and emerging markets like China — who have shied away from its flagship iPhone models because of high prices.

TechCrunch

RIM took a… ahem… bold step here by trying to shake off their business-oriented pallor, and while I don't expect them to gain much headway if they try to play up the Burger King Kids Club, at least it shows that they're open to taking some risks.

TechCrunch

It spread rapidly, aided by a strong wind, and gained great headway before the firemen arrived.

The New York Times

"Linux, without doubt, has gained some headway among software developers in China," Mr. Rawding said.

The New York Times

Four critical years he worked with us filling every one with his enthusiasm and those four years Dartmouth football gained such headway that nothing could stop its growth.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gain headway" when you want to emphasize that progress is being made, especially in overcoming obstacles or resistance. For instance, "Despite the initial setbacks, the negotiations are gaining headway."

Common error

Avoid using "gain way" instead of "gain headway". "Headway" specifically refers to forward movement or progress, while "way" is a more general term. "Gain headway" is the idiomatic expression for indicating progress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain headway" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of making progress or advancing towards a goal. Ludwig highlights examples where this phrase is used to describe overcoming challenges and achieving forward movement in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "gain headway" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that means to make progress, especially when overcoming obstacles. Ludwig confirms its validity through numerous examples from reputable sources. While interchangeable with similar phrases like "make progress" or "gain ground", understanding its specific connotation can enhance writing precision. Remember to avoid the common mistake of using "gain way" instead. Overall, this phrase is a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for effectively conveying advancement and achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make progress

Emphasizes general forward movement without necessarily implying overcoming obstacles.

advance

Suggests a more deliberate and strategic movement forward.

move forward

A general term for making progress, often used in the context of projects or initiatives.

make strides

Implies significant progress or notable advancements.

gain ground

Similar to "gain headway", suggesting advancement in a competitive situation or overcoming opposition.

forge ahead

Indicates determined progress, often in the face of challenges.

push forward

Emphasizes effort and determination in making progress.

make a breakthrough

Suggests a significant discovery or achievement that enables further progress.

achieve success

Focuses on the successful completion of a goal or objective.

improve

Highlights the act of betterment and progress in quality or condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain headway" to indicate progress being made, such as, "The project is "gaining headway" despite the challenges."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "gain headway"?

Alternatives include "make progress", "advance", or "gain ground". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "make headway" or "gain headway"?

Both "make headway" and "gain headway" are correct and commonly used. They have similar meanings and can be used interchangeably in many contexts.

What does it mean to "gain headway" in a negotiation?

To "gain headway" in a negotiation means to "make progress" towards an agreement or resolution, often by overcoming disagreements or obstacles.