gain steam

USAGE SUMMARY

"gain steam" is correct and can be used in written English.
The phrase is used to describe something that is increasing in momentum or gaining energy or impetus. For example: Sales of the new product quickly began to gain steam and the company soon saw a rise in profits.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sentences begin, gain steam, then falter.

The New Yorker

The hashtag "#kanye2020" started to gain steam on Twitter.

The Washington Post

But it didn't gain steam until the Republican presidential nominee made his infamous statement.

The Guardian - Tech

This campaign will only gain steam after today's strike in Yemen.

The New York Times

But it wasn't until 2012 that offline protests of online issues really began to gain steam.

The Guardian - Opinion

Woods said he expected the debate to gain steam, especially when the PGA Tour season starts again in January.

The New York Times - Sports

Without more jobs, consumers will probably spend cautiously, making it harder for the economy to gain steam.

The New York Times

The rise in gasoline prices began to gain steam after political turmoil surged in the Middle East in February.

The New York Times

The EXIM Bank plans to open a branch in Myanmar as well, as Indian projects in the country gain steam.

The New York Times

Zombie comedy began to gain steam, and humorous zombie films such as Night of the Comet (1984) followed.

Britannica

It wasn't until a bit later in the 2018 cycle that Democrats really started to gain steam.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gain steam", ensure the context implies a build-up of momentum or energy, rather than a sudden burst. The phrase suggests a gradual increase.

Common error

Don't use "gain steam" to describe something that is already at its peak or is not changing. For example, saying "The company's profits "gained steam" when they were already at their highest" is incorrect. The phrase implies a growth process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain steam" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the process of increasing in momentum, energy, or impetus. It's commonly used to indicate that something is becoming more popular, powerful, or effective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gain steam" is a common idiomatic expression used to describe something that is increasing in momentum or popularity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media sources but is also acceptable in formal business settings. Alternatives include "gather momentum", "pick up speed", and "gain traction". When using "gain steam", be sure to imply a gradual build-up, not a static situation. Overall, it is a versatile phrase for indicating progression and development.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gather momentum

Focuses more on the build-up of force or impetus.

pick up speed

Emphasizes the acceleration aspect of the process.

gain traction

Highlights the increasing acceptance or support.

build up momentum

Stresses the gradual accumulation of force.

advance rapidly

Focuses on the quick rate of progress.

make headway

Implies overcoming obstacles in the progress.

flourish

Suggests a thriving and successful development.

become popular

Highlights the growing public acceptance and support.

escalate

Emphasizes the increasing intensity or scale of something.

accelerate

Directly indicates a faster rate of change or growth.

FAQs

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

You can use "gain steam" to describe a process, idea, or movement that is increasing in momentum or popularity. For example, "The campaign to raise awareness about climate change is starting to "gain steam"."

What are some alternatives to "gain steam"?

Some alternatives to "gain steam" include "gather momentum", "pick up speed", and "gain traction". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "gaining steam"?

Yes, "gaining steam" is the present participle form of the idiom and is perfectly correct. It indicates that something is currently in the process of increasing in momentum or popularity.

What's the difference between "gain steam" and "reach its peak"?

"Gain steam" describes the process of increasing in momentum, while "reach its peak" describes the point where something is at its highest level or intensity. You can use alternatives like "flourish", "advance rapidly", or "build up momentum" depending on the context.