gained entry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gained entry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of successfully accessing a place or situation, often in contexts related to security or permission. Example: "After several attempts, the hacker finally gained entry to the secure server."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The others gained entry through fund-raising.

The New York Times - Sports

Keanu Reeves also gained entry this year.

The New York Times

It remained unclear how the robber gained entry.

The New York Times

She gained entry, only to find him dead.

Independent

My granddaughter, a state school pupil, gained entry to Oxford six years ago.

The Guardian

They gained entry using saws and bolt cutters and seized hundreds of items.

The New York Times

The documents said the woman had gained entry to the building using keys from another tenant.

The New York Times

She'd gained entry into the Open only by way of a wild card.

The New Yorker

The gang posed as gas repairmen and gained entry to the building via a fire escape.

The Guardian

Instead, once they gained entry to her apartment, they found that she had been killed.

The New York Times

Members of the artisan class, including painters, gained entry on talent alone.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gained entry" when you want to emphasize the process or method by which someone or something entered a place or system, especially when it involves overcoming obstacles or requires permission.

Common error

Avoid using "gained entry" in contexts where a simpler verb like "entered" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted. Choose the most direct and clear way to express the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gained entry" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the successful act of entering a physical or virtual space. Ludwig examples show it used in both literal contexts, such as burglars gaining entry to a house, and more figurative contexts, like gaining entry to a competition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gained entry" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of successfully accessing a place or system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase is common in news and media, and it conveys the idea that there was a process or method involved in achieving access. While alternatives like "gained access" or "entered" may be suitable in some contexts, "gained entry" is particularly useful when you want to emphasize the means or effort involved. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in simple contexts where a more direct verb would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gained access

This alternative is more general and can apply to both physical locations and abstract systems or information.

gained entrance

This alternative is a more literal synonym, focusing on the point or means of entry.

obtained entry

This alternative emphasizes the process of acquiring or receiving permission to enter.

gained admittance

This alternative is slightly more formal and implies a formal or official granting of permission.

entered

This is a shorter and more direct way of saying "gained entry", suitable for contexts where the method of entry is not important.

accessed

This alternative is commonly used in technical contexts, referring to accessing systems or data.

managed to enter

This alternative emphasizes the effort or difficulty involved in entering.

secured access

This alternative highlights the act of ensuring or guaranteeing the ability to enter.

effected entry

This alternative is formal and emphasizes the act of causing entry to occur.

forced entry

This alternative specifically refers to entering by force, often in the context of breaking and entering.

FAQs

How can I use "gained entry" in a sentence?

You can use "gained entry" to describe how someone or something accessed a place or system, especially when it involves effort or permission. For example, "The burglar "gained entry" through the back window" or "She "gained entry" to the competition by winning the qualifying round".

What are some alternatives to "gained entry"?

Some alternatives include "gained access", "obtained entry", "entered", or "accessed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "gained entry" and "gained access"?

"Gained entry" typically refers to physical locations or events, while "gained access" is often used for systems, information, or abstract concepts. However, both phrases can sometimes be used interchangeably depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "gained entry" instead of "entered"?

Use "gained entry" when you want to emphasize the process, method, or difficulty involved in entering a place or situation. "Entered" is a more general term, while "gained entry" implies a specific effort or circumstance that allowed access.