gained more traction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gained more traction" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an idea, trend, or movement that is becoming more popular or widely accepted over time. Example: "The new marketing strategy has gained more traction among consumers, leading to increased sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Why has this approach not gained more traction.

The New Yorker

But in the last two decades, as Indonesians have become increasingly religious, events in the Middle East and other Muslim regions have gained more traction here.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Besigye, influenced by the antigovernment movements in North Africa known as the Arab Spring, gained more traction in stimulating protest against increasing NRM autocracy and corruption.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That year Johnson garnered – whelp – less than 1% of the popular vote nationwide, but these early polls show he's already gained more traction in the early stages of the 2016 election then he did four years ago.

The Guardian - Opinion

The style is anonymous, more in keeping with how men wear shoes, which may be connected to the fact that, even though the women's line has gained more traction, Fiorentini & Baker began as a men's line.

The New York Times

Concerns about fraud among Chinese companies listed in North America gained more traction on June 2nd, when a short-seller of that name accused Sino-Forest Corporation, a Toronto-listed forestry firm, of inflating its assets, among other things.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The views of Mr. Arnuk and Mr. Saluzzi are gaining more traction with industry insiders.

The New York Times

But those proving their commitment to a more just and sustainable world are gaining more traction for their stories.

The Guardian

Those campaigners will hope to gain more traction on Thursday, when new statistics on migration are expected, highlighting an issue that has become increasingly central to their case.

The New York Times

Mulet also "urged US legal action against Aristide to prevent the former president from gaining more traction with the Haitian population and returning to Haiti".

The Guardian - Opinion

The typical Internet session is much shorter at cafes and airports, where free or ad-supported Wi-Fi is gaining more traction.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gained more traction" when you want to emphasize the increasing acceptance or popularity of an idea, trend, or movement over time. This phrase is particularly effective when discussing social, political, or technological changes.

Common error

Avoid using "gained more traction" in contexts where simple growth or increase is sufficient. This phrase implies a specific kind of progress—one where an idea or initiative is becoming more widely recognized and supported, not just quantitatively larger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gained more traction" functions as a dynamic indicator, highlighting the progressive acceptance and spread of an idea, concept, or movement. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase often appears in sentences describing trends in various fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gained more traction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the increasing acceptance or popularity of an idea or movement. Ludwig's examples confirm its prevalence in contexts like News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. This indicates a neutral register suitable for professional communication. While the phrase is generally correct, it's important to use it in contexts where an idea is specifically becoming more widely recognized and supported, as it emphasizes growing momentum. As Ludwig AI indicates, "gained more traction" is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became more popular

Replaces "gained traction" with a more common synonym for increased popularity.

gained momentum

Focuses on the increasing speed and force of an idea or movement.

became more widespread

Emphasizes the increasing distribution and reach of something.

attracted more attention

Highlights the increased focus and notice received.

gained greater acceptance

Stresses the increasing approval and adoption of an idea.

increased in influence

Highlights the growing power to affect something.

became more established

Indicates a stronger and more secure position.

took hold

Suggests something has become firmly established and difficult to dislodge.

found wider appeal

Indicates increased attractiveness to a broader audience.

gathered steam

Implies an increasing energy and power behind something.

FAQs

What does it mean when something has "gained more traction"?

When something has "gained more traction", it means it has become more popular, accepted, or influential. It suggests increasing momentum and support over time.

What can I say instead of "gained more traction"?

You can use alternatives like "became more popular", "gained momentum", or "attracted more attention" depending on the context.

Is "gained more traction" formal or informal?

"Gained more traction" is suitable for both neutral and professional contexts. While not overly formal, it conveys a sense of increasing acceptance or influence and is appropriate for news, business, and academic writing.

How do I use "gained more traction" in a sentence?

Use "gained more traction" to describe how an idea or trend is becoming more widely accepted or supported. For example, "The new marketing strategy has "gained more traction" among consumers, leading to increased sales."