gain speed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'gain speed' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to describe an action, such as "The car quickly began to gain speed as it raced down the long highway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You gain speed, torque and power.

Independent

We gain speed, instant gratification and ease.

The New York Times

Some creative artists seem to gain speed as their lives look like coming to an end.

The Guardian

Each 1.2-mile lap included eight turns, so there were few straightaways to gain speed.

The New York Times - Sports

Then the plane, failing to gain speed or altitude, banked sharply left and crashed.

The New York Times

"They make mistakes and gain speed when others make mistakes and lose speed.

The New York Times

"I tried to forget about that and gain speed again in the next turn.

The New York Times - Sports

It demands attention the fluid stroke, the way the ball seems to gain speed as it moves across the court.

The New Yorker

This new SOFFET device would provide enhanced device gain, speed and channel conduction.

Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing

I decided to stay round about 20th place, use my position to gain speed and come from behind.

The Guardian - Sport

We're starting to gain speed on a lot of projects relating to mustard, pumpkins, cucumbers, broccoli, buckwheat, and cover crops.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action or process that involves increasing speed, consider using synonyms like "accelerate" or "pick up pace" to add variety to your writing.

Common error

While "gain speed" is appropriate for physical motion, avoid using it too liberally in abstract contexts where "make progress" or "advance" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain speed" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of increasing velocity or rate of movement. Ludwig shows it's used in various contexts, from physical motion to abstract progress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gain speed" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an increase in velocity or momentum. As Ludwig highlights, it's frequently used in news, media and wiki articles. While perfectly acceptable, writers should consider synonyms such as "accelerate" or "gather momentum" to enhance writing style. Be mindful of overuse in abstract contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is widely accepted in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increase velocity

A more formal and scientific way of saying "gain speed".

accelerate

Focuses on the act of increasing speed, often in a more technical context.

get faster

A simpler, more direct alternative.

pick up pace

Implies a gradual increase in speed or tempo.

build up speed

Emphasizes the process of accumulating speed over time.

gather momentum

Suggests an increase in force or impetus, not just speed.

quicken

Implies making something faster, usually a process or activity.

step on it

An informal way to say to accelerate, typically used in the context of driving.

hasten

Similar to 'quicken', but often used in a more formal or literary context.

make haste

An idiomatic phrase meaning to hurry or accelerate.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain speed" to describe an object or entity that is increasing its velocity or rate of movement. For example: "The car began to "gain speed" as it went downhill."

What are some alternatives to "gain speed"?

Alternatives to "gain speed" include "accelerate", "pick up pace", or "gather momentum". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "gaining speed"?

Yes, "gaining speed" is the present participle form and is perfectly acceptable. For example: "The runner is "gaining speed" in the final stretch."

What's the difference between "gain speed" and "increase speed"?

"Gain speed" and "increase speed" are largely interchangeable. "Increase speed" might be slightly more formal, but both convey the same meaning of accelerating or becoming faster.