gain purchase

USAGE SUMMARY

"gain purchase" is a valid phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to obtain a foothold or to gain an advantage in a situation. Example: The company hopes to gain purchase in the competitive market by offering innovative products at affordable prices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Occasionally, there was climbing to do, on all fours; the Whippet blades helped me gain purchase.

The New Yorker

Unable to gain purchase in the primary race, he dropped out in late January 2008.

The Guardian

A pernicious if barmy idea begins to gain purchase: Moyes is the issue.

Independent

Citizens, empowered with factual knowledge, would gain purchase over bureaucracy, and democracy would flourish again.

The Guardian

For many such acts, the American mountain can sometimes appear like too much bother, since even superstars can't gain purchase.

The New Yorker

They use the teeth to gain purchase on their prey until they can coil their body around it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

As legions of new consumers gain purchasing power, demand inevitably rises, driving up the price of scarce commodities.

The Guardian - Opinion

As they gain purchasing power, it is more important than ever for media and entertainment companies to understand how Gen Z's consume content, especially considering that they account for about a quarter of the U.S. population.

Forbes

And so the shame of the fire gained purchase once again.

The New Yorker

In 2013, three trends gained purchase and this year, they'll ascend.

Harvard Business Review

This computerization of health care has been like a car whose spinning tires have finally gained purchase.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gain purchase" in your writing, consider the specific context to ensure that it accurately conveys the intended meaning of securing a foothold or advantage. Be mindful of the surrounding words and phrases to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "gain purchase" when you actually mean to "gain perspective" or "gain insight". "Gain purchase" implies a physical or strategic advantage, not an intellectual one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain purchase" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of acquiring or establishing a firm position or advantage. This is supported by Ludwig and its real-world examples, where the phrase consistently conveys the idea of securing a foothold or influence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gain purchase" is a versatile phrase commonly used to describe the act of securing a foothold or advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific writing. While alternatives like "obtain a foothold" or "gain traction" exist, "gain purchase" offers a specific nuance that emphasizes establishing a firm position. Remember to use the phrase when describing strategic efforts to secure an advantage and to avoid using it when describing intellectual gains or insights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain traction

Highlights the process of making progress and gaining momentum.

obtain a foothold

Replaces "gain" with "obtain" and "purchase" with a more descriptive noun, focusing on securing a starting position.

find a footing

Highlights the act of establishing oneself in a new or challenging environment.

secure a grip

Emphasizes the act of firmly grasping or holding onto something for stability or advantage.

acquire leverage

Concentrates on obtaining a strategic advantage or means of exerting pressure.

establish a presence

Focuses on creating a noticeable and recognized position or influence.

establish influence

Similar to develop influence but emphasizes establishing and making it stable

achieve influence

Stresses the attainment of power to affect decisions or outcomes.

develop influence

Focuses on the gradual building up of power or sway over others.

get a handle

Implies gaining control or understanding of a situation or problem.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "gain purchase" in a sentence?

Use "gain purchase" when you want to describe the act of securing a foothold, advantage, or influence in a specific context. For example, "The company aims to "gain purchase" in the market through innovative marketing strategies."

What are some alternatives to "gain purchase"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "obtain a foothold", "gain traction", or "establish a presence".

Is it correct to use "gaining purchase" instead of "gain purchase"?

Yes, "gaining purchase" is the present participle form and can be used in continuous tenses. For example, "The idea is "gaining purchase" among young voters."

What does it mean to "gain no purchase"?

To "gain no purchase" means to fail to achieve any influence, advantage, or progress in a particular situation. It suggests a lack of impact or effect.